Trades & Labor North Carolina (NC) Rank #34 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Carolina

The median heavy equipment operator salary in North Carolina is $48,337 per year, which is 8% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$48,337
vs National
$-4,203
State Rank
#34 of 50
Cost of Living
92%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Carolina by Experience

In North Carolina, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $33,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $73,600 per year. The cost of living index in North Carolina 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 North Carolina

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in North Carolina

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Greensboro. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charlotte, NC
$51,489
Pop. 874,579 · COL 98%
Raleigh, NC
$51,489
Pop. 467,665 · COL 98%
Durham, NC
$49,913
Pop. 283,506 · COL 95%
Greensboro, NC
$46,235
Pop. 299,035 · COL 88%
Winston-Salem, NC
$45,184
Pop. 249,545 · COL 86%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in North Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in North Carolina

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in North Carolina

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in North Carolina:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Carolina

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in North Carolina? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in North Carolina 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 North Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,337, a heavy equipment operator in North Carolina earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Carolina a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
North Carolina ranks #34 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 92% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $33,120, while senior professionals earn $73,600.
How does North Carolina compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. North Carolina's median of $48,337 ranks #34 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($48,862) and Indiana ($48,337).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in North Carolina? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in North Carolina earns approximately $33,120 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $49,680. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $73,600.
What city in North Carolina pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Charlotte is the highest paying city in North Carolina for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $51,489. Other cities include Raleigh and Durham.