Trades & Labor Portland, OR Pop. 652,503

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Portland, Oregon

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Portland, OR is $63,573 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median and 7.1% above the Oregon state average.

City Median
$63,573
vs State Avg
+$4,203
vs National
+$11,033
Cost of Living
118%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Portland by Experience

In Portland, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $43,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,560
+$7,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$65,340
+$11,340 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,800
+$16,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Portland, OR

Percentile Portland
10th Percentile $41,140
25th Percentile $49,610
Median (50th) $63,573
75th Percentile $82,280
90th Percentile $101,640

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Oregon Cities

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Portland

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Portland

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Portland, OR:

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Portland

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Portland, OR?
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Portland, Oregon is $63,573 per year, which is 21.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $41,140 (10th percentile) to $101,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Portland?
Based on the median annual salary of $63,573, a heavy equipment operator in Portland earns approximately $31 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Portland compare to the Oregon state average for heavy equipment operator pay?
Portland's median heavy equipment operator salary of $63,573 is 7.1% above the Oregon state average of $59,370. The local cost of living index is 118% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Portland, OR?
Portland has a cost of living index of 118% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $63,573 in Portland has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Portland?
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Portland 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.