Trades & Labor Durham, NC Pop. 283,506

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Durham, North Carolina

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Durham, NC is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 3.3% above the North Carolina state average.

City Median
$49,913
vs State Avg
+$1,576
vs National
$-2,627
Cost of Living
95%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Durham by Experience

In Durham, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Durham, NC

Percentile Durham
10th Percentile $32,300
25th Percentile $38,950
Median (50th) $49,913
75th Percentile $64,600
90th Percentile $79,800

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other North Carolina Cities

Charlotte, NC
$51,489
Pop. 874,579
Raleigh, NC
$51,489
Pop. 467,665
Greensboro, NC
$46,235
Pop. 299,035
Winston-Salem, NC
$45,184
Pop. 249,545

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Durham

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Durham

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Durham, NC:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Durham

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Durham, NC? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Durham, North Carolina is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $79,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Durham? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,913, a heavy equipment operator in Durham earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Durham compare to the North Carolina state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Durham's median heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 is 3.3% above the North Carolina state average of $48,337. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Durham, NC? ▼
Durham has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 in Durham 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 Durham? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Durham 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.