Trades & Labor Knoxville, TN Pop. 190,740

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Knoxville, Tennessee

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Knoxville, 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 Knoxville by Experience

In Knoxville, 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 Knoxville, TN

Percentile Knoxville
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

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Knoxville

Education

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