Trades & Labor Elizabeth, NJ Pop. 137,298

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Elizabeth, NJ is $56,743 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.1% below the New Jersey state average.

City Median
$56,743
vs State Avg
$-3,678
vs National
+$4,203
Cost of Living
108%

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

Elizabeth offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743, which is $3,678 below the New Jersey state average of $60,421. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Elizabeth pays above average for this role.

Elizabeth's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Elizabeth spans from $36,720 at the 10th percentile to $90,720 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,880, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. With a population of 137,298, Elizabeth is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Elizabeth by Experience

In Elizabeth, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $38,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,400
+$6,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Elizabeth, NJ

Percentile Elizabeth
10th Percentile $36,720
25th Percentile $44,280
Median (50th) $56,743
75th Percentile $73,440
90th Percentile $90,720

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other New Jersey Cities

Jersey City, NJ
$67,251
Pop. 292,449
Edison, NJ
$60,421
Pop. 107,588
Newark, NJ
$58,845
Pop. 311,549
Paterson, NJ
$55,167
Pop. 159,732

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Elizabeth

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Elizabeth

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Elizabeth, NJ:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Elizabeth

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Elizabeth, New Jersey is $56,743 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $36,720 (10th percentile) to $90,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Elizabeth? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,743, a heavy equipment operator in Elizabeth earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Elizabeth compare to the New Jersey state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Elizabeth's median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743 is 6.1% below the New Jersey state average of $60,421. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Elizabeth, NJ? ▼
Elizabeth has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743 in Elizabeth has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Elizabeth? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Elizabeth 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.