Trades & Labor Columbus, OH Pop. 905,748

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Columbus, Ohio

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Columbus, OH is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 5.6% above the Ohio state average.

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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Columbus by Experience

In Columbus, 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 Columbus, OH

Percentile Columbus
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 Ohio Cities

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Columbus

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Columbus

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Columbus, OH:

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Columbus

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Columbus, OH?
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Columbus, Ohio 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 Columbus?
Based on the median annual salary of $49,913, a heavy equipment operator in Columbus earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Columbus compare to the Ohio state average for heavy equipment operator pay?
Columbus's median heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 is 5.6% above the Ohio state average of $47,286. The local cost of living index is 95% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Columbus, OH?
Columbus has a cost of living index of 95% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $49,913 in Columbus 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 Columbus?
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Columbus 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.