Trades & Labor Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #25 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pennsylvania

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Pennsylvania is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$50,438
vs National
$-2,102
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,800 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $39,360
Median (50th) $50,438
75th Percentile $65,280
90th Percentile $80,640

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Philadelphia, PA
$53,591
Pop. 1,603,797 · COL 102%
Pittsburgh, PA
$48,862
Pop. 302,971 · COL 93%
Allentown, PA
$49,388
Pop. 126,092 · COL 94%
Reading, PA
$46,235
Pop. 95,112 · COL 88%
Erie, PA
$44,134
Pop. 94,831 · COL 84%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Pennsylvania

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Pennsylvania:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Pennsylvania is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,438, a heavy equipment operator in Pennsylvania earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #25 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $34,560, while senior professionals earn $76,800.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Pennsylvania's median of $50,438 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($50,964) and Louisiana ($50,438).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Pennsylvania earns approximately $34,560 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,800.
What city in Pennsylvania pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $53,591. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.