Trades & Labor Memphis, TN Pop. 633,104

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Memphis, Tennessee

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Memphis, TN is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median and 3.4% below the Tennessee state average.

City Median
$45,184
vs State Avg
$-1,577
vs National
$-7,356
Cost of Living
86%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Memphis by Experience

In Memphis, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $30,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $68,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$30,960
$-5,040 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,440
$-7,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$68,800
$-11,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Memphis, TN

Percentile Memphis
10th Percentile $29,240
25th Percentile $35,260
Median (50th) $45,184
75th Percentile $58,480
90th Percentile $72,240

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
Chattanooga, TN
$46,235
Pop. 181,099

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Memphis

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Memphis

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Memphis, TN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Memphis

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Memphis, TN? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Memphis, Tennessee is $45,184 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $29,240 (10th percentile) to $72,240 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Memphis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,184, a heavy equipment operator in Memphis earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Memphis compare to the Tennessee state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Memphis's median heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 is 3.4% below the Tennessee state average of $46,761. The local cost of living index is 86% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Memphis, TN? ▼
Memphis has a cost of living index of 86% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $45,184 in Memphis 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 Memphis? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Memphis 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.