Trades & Labor Kearney, NE Pop. 33,464

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kearney, Nebraska

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kearney, NE is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 4.4% below the Nebraska state average.

City Median
$45,184
vs State Avg
$-2,102
vs National
$-7,356
Cost of Living
86%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kearney by Experience

In Kearney, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kearney, NE

Percentile Kearney
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $35,260
Median (50th) $45,184
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $72,240

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Nebraska Cities

Omaha, NE
$48,862
Pop. 486,051
Bellevue, NE
$48,337
Pop. 64,176
Lincoln, NE
$47,286
Pop. 291,082
Grand Island, NE
$44,134
Pop. 53,131

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Kearney

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Kearney and the surrounding Nebraska 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 Kearney may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Kearney

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Kearney, NE:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kearney

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Kearney, NE? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kearney, Nebraska is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $72,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Kearney? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,184, a heavy equipment operator in Kearney earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kearney compare to the Nebraska state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Kearney's median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 is 4.4% below the Nebraska state average of $47,286. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kearney, NE? ▼
Kearney has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 in Kearney 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 Kearney? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Kearney 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.