Trades & Labor South Carolina (SC) Rank #41 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Carolina

The median heavy equipment operator salary in South Carolina is $46,761 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$46,761
vs National
$-5,779
State Rank
#41 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Carolina by Experience

In South Carolina, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $32,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,200 per year. The cost of living index in South Carolina is 89% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,040
$-3,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,060
$-5,940 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,200
$-8,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Carolina

Percentile SC Salary
10th Percentile $30,260
25th Percentile $36,490
Median (50th) $46,761
75th Percentile $60,520
90th Percentile $74,760

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in South Carolina

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in South Carolina include Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and North Charleston. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Charleston, SC
$52,540
Pop. 150,227 · COL 100%
Columbia, SC
$47,286
Pop. 131,674 · COL 90%
Greenville, SC
$48,337
Pop. 72,095 · COL 92%
North Charleston, SC
$49,913
Pop. 115,382 · COL 95%
Mount Pleasant, SC
$55,167
Pop. 94,171 · COL 105%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in South Carolina

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in South Carolina

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Carolina

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in South Carolina:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Carolina

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in South Carolina? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in South Carolina is $46,761 per year, which is 11% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $30,260 (10th percentile) to $74,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in South Carolina? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,761, a heavy equipment operator in South Carolina earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is South Carolina a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
South Carolina ranks #41 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 89% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $32,040, while senior professionals earn $71,200.
How does South Carolina compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. South Carolina's median of $46,761 ranks #41 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Iowa ($46,761) and Oklahoma ($46,761).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in South Carolina? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in South Carolina earns approximately $32,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,060. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,200.
What city in South Carolina pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Mount Pleasant is the highest paying city in South Carolina for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $55,167. Other cities include Charleston and Columbia.