Trades & Labor New Jersey (NJ) Rank #7 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in New Jersey

The median heavy equipment operator salary in New Jersey is $60,421 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$60,421
vs National
+$7,881
State Rank
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $41,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $92,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$41,400
+$5,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,100
+$8,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$92,000
+$12,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $39,100
25th Percentile $47,150
Median (50th) $60,421
75th Percentile $78,200
90th Percentile $96,600

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Newark, NJ
$58,845
Pop. 311,549 · COL 112%
Jersey City, NJ
$67,251
Pop. 292,449 · COL 128%
Paterson, NJ
$55,167
Pop. 159,732 · COL 105%
Elizabeth, NJ
$56,743
Pop. 137,298 · COL 108%
Edison, NJ
$60,421
Pop. 107,588 · COL 115%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in New Jersey

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. New Jersey has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in New Jersey

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). New Jersey's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in New Jersey

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in New Jersey:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in New Jersey

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in New Jersey? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in New Jersey is $60,421 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $39,100 (10th percentile) to $96,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in New Jersey? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $60,421, a heavy equipment operator in New Jersey earns approximately $29 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New Jersey a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
New Jersey ranks #7 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $41,400, while senior professionals earn $92,000.
How does New Jersey compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. New Jersey's median of $60,421 ranks #7 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New York ($64,099) and Washington ($62,523).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in New Jersey? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in New Jersey earns approximately $41,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $62,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $92,000.
What city in New Jersey pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Jersey City is the highest paying city in New Jersey for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $67,251. Other cities include Newark and Paterson.