Trades & Labor Buffalo, NY Pop. 278,349

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Buffalo, New York

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Buffalo, NY is $48,337 per year, which is 8% below the national median and 24.6% below the New York state average.

City Median
$48,337
vs State Avg
$-15,762
vs National
$-4,203
Cost of Living
92%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Buffalo by Experience

In Buffalo, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,680
$-4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$73,600
$-6,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Buffalo, NY

Percentile Buffalo
10th Percentile $31,280
25th Percentile $37,720
Median (50th) $48,337
75th Percentile $62,560
90th Percentile $77,280

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other New York Cities

New York City, NY
$98,250
Pop. 8,336,817
Yonkers, NY
$70,929
Pop. 211,569
Albany, NY
$51,489
Pop. 99,224
Rochester, NY
$47,286
Pop. 211,328

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Buffalo

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Buffalo

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Buffalo, NY:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Buffalo

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Buffalo, NY? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Buffalo, New York is $48,337 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $31,280 (10th percentile) to $77,280 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Buffalo? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,337, a heavy equipment operator in Buffalo earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Buffalo compare to the New York state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Buffalo's median heavy equipment operator salary of $48,337 is 24.6% below the New York state average of $64,099. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Buffalo, NY? ▼
Buffalo has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $48,337 in Buffalo 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 Buffalo? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Buffalo 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.