Trades & Labor Tennessee (TN) Rank #42 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Tennessee

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Tennessee 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
#42 of 50
Cost of Living
89%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Tennessee by Experience

In Tennessee, 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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee

Percentile TN 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 Tennessee

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Tennessee include Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and Chattanooga. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Nashville, TN
$52,540
Pop. 689,447 · COL 100%
Memphis, TN
$45,184
Pop. 633,104 · COL 86%
Knoxville, TN
$46,235
Pop. 190,740 · COL 88%
Chattanooga, TN
$46,235
Pop. 181,099 · COL 88%
Murfreesboro, TN
$48,337
Pop. 152,769 · COL 92%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Tennessee

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Tennessee

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Tennessee

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Tennessee:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Tennessee

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Tennessee? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Tennessee 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 Tennessee? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,761, a heavy equipment operator in Tennessee earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Tennessee a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Tennessee ranks #42 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 Tennessee compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Tennessee's median of $46,761 ranks #42 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oklahoma ($46,761) and South Carolina ($46,761).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Tennessee? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Tennessee 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 Tennessee pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Nashville is the highest paying city in Tennessee for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $52,540. Other cities include Memphis and Knoxville.