Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $50,438 (2026)

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

Pawtucket offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $50,438, which is $4,729 below the Rhode Island state average of $55,167. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Pawtucket pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Pawtucket's cost of living is 96% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Pawtucket spans from $32,640 at the 10th percentile to $80,640 at the 90th percentile — a $48,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,560, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $76,800. Pawtucket is a smaller market (pop. 75,604), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pawtucket by Experience

In Pawtucket, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,800 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Percentile	Pawtucket	RI State	National
10th Percentile	$32,640	$35,700	$34,000
25th Percentile	$39,360	$43,050	$41,000
Median (50th)	$50,438	$55,167	$52,540
75th Percentile	$65,280	$71,400	$68,000
90th Percentile	$80,640	$88,200	$84,000

Percentile

Pawtucket

10th Percentile

$32,640

25th Percentile

$39,360

Median (50th)

$50,438

75th Percentile

$65,280

90th Percentile

$80,640

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Pawtucket

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pawtucket

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Pawtucket, RI? ▼

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island 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 Pawtucket? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,438, a heavy equipment operator in Pawtucket earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Pawtucket compare to the Rhode Island state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼

Pawtucket's median heavy equipment operator salary of $50,438 is 8.6% below the Rhode Island state average of $55,167. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Pawtucket, RI? ▼

Pawtucket has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $50,438 in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket? ▼

Most heavy equipment operator positions in Pawtucket 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island