Trades & Labor Southaven, MS Pop. 55,026

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Southaven, Mississippi

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Southaven, MS is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 1.2% above the Mississippi state average.

City Median
$44,134
vs State Avg
+$526
vs National
$-8,406
Cost of Living
84%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Southaven: What to Expect (2026)

Southaven offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134, which is $526 above the Mississippi state average of $43,608. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Southaven pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Southaven's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $44,134 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Southaven an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Southaven spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $70,560 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,200. Southaven is a smaller market (pop. 55,026), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Southaven by Experience

In Southaven, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Southaven, MS

Percentile Southaven
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,440
Median (50th) $44,134
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $70,560

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Mississippi Cities

Jackson, MS
$44,659
Pop. 153,701
Biloxi, MS
$43,608
Pop. 46,212
Gulfport, MS
$43,083
Pop. 72,926
Hattiesburg, MS
$42,032
Pop. 48,728

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Southaven

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Southaven and the surrounding Mississippi area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Southaven may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Southaven

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Southaven, MS:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Southaven

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Southaven, MS? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Southaven, Mississippi is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Southaven? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,134, a heavy equipment operator in Southaven earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Southaven compare to the Mississippi state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Southaven's median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 is 1.2% above the Mississippi state average of $43,608. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Southaven, MS? ▼
Southaven has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 in Southaven has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Southaven? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Southaven require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.