Trades & Labor Akron, OH Pop. 190,469

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Akron, Ohio

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Akron, OH is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 6.7% below the Ohio state average.

City Median
$44,134
vs State Avg
$-3,152
vs National
$-8,406
Cost of Living
84%

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

Akron offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134, which is $3,152 below the Ohio state average of $47,286. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Akron pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Akron's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 84% of the national average. This means the $44,134 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $52,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Akron an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Akron spans from $28,560 at the 10th percentile to $70,560 at the 90th percentile — a $42,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $30,240, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $67,200. With a population of 190,469, Akron is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Akron by Experience

In Akron, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $67,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,240
$-5,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,360
$-8,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$67,200
$-12,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Akron, OH

Percentile Akron
10th Percentile $28,560
25th Percentile $34,440
Median (50th) $44,134
75th Percentile $57,120
90th Percentile $70,560

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Ohio Cities

Columbus, OH
$49,913
Pop. 905,748
Cincinnati, OH
$47,286
Pop. 309,317
Cleveland, OH
$45,184
Pop. 372,624
Toledo, OH
$43,083
Pop. 270,871

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Akron

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Akron

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Akron, OH:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Akron

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Akron, OH? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Akron, Ohio is $44,134 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $28,560 (10th percentile) to $70,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Akron? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $44,134, a heavy equipment operator in Akron earns approximately $21 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Akron compare to the Ohio state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Akron's median heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 is 6.7% below the Ohio state average of $47,286. The local cost of living index is 84% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Akron, OH? ▼
Akron has a cost of living index of 84% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $44,134 in Akron 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 Akron? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Akron 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.