Trades & Labor Chattanooga, TN Pop. 181,099

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chattanooga, TN is $46,235 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$46,235
vs State Avg
$-526
vs National
$-6,305
Cost of Living
88%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chattanooga by Experience

In Chattanooga, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $31,680, while experienced professionals earn up to $70,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,680
$-4,320 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$47,520
$-6,480 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chattanooga, TN

Percentile Chattanooga
10th Percentile $29,920
25th Percentile $36,080
Median (50th) $46,235
75th Percentile $59,840
90th Percentile $73,920

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Tennessee Cities

Nashville, TN
$52,540
Pop. 689,447
Murfreesboro, TN
$48,337
Pop. 152,769
Knoxville, TN
$46,235
Pop. 190,740
Memphis, TN
$45,184
Pop. 633,104

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Chattanooga

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Chattanooga

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Chattanooga, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chattanooga

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chattanooga, Tennessee is $46,235 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,920 (10th percentile) to $73,920 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Chattanooga? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $46,235, a heavy equipment operator in Chattanooga earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chattanooga compare to the Tennessee state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Chattanooga's median heavy equipment operator salary of $46,235 is 1.1% below the Tennessee state average of $46,761. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chattanooga, TN? ▼
Chattanooga has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $46,235 in Chattanooga 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 Chattanooga? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Chattanooga 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.