Trades & Labor South Burlington, VT Pop. 20,292

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Burlington, Vermont

The median heavy equipment operator salary in South Burlington, VT is $56,743 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median and 6.9% above the Vermont state average.

City Median
$56,743
vs State Avg
+$3,678
vs National
+$4,203
Cost of Living
108%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in South Burlington: What to Expect (2026)

South Burlington offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743, which is $3,678 above the Vermont state average of $53,065. Compared to the national median of $52,540, South Burlington pays above average for this role.

South Burlington's cost of living is 108% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in South Burlington spans from $36,720 at the 10th percentile to $90,720 at the 90th percentile — a $54,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $38,880, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $86,400. South Burlington is a smaller market (pop. 20,292), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Burlington by Experience

In South Burlington, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $38,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $86,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,880
+$2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,320
+$4,320 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$86,400
+$6,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in South Burlington, VT

Percentile South Burlington
10th Percentile $36,720
25th Percentile $44,280
Median (50th) $56,743
75th Percentile $73,440
90th Percentile $90,720

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Vermont Cities

Burlington, VT
$57,794
Pop. 44,743
Essex, VT
$53,591
Pop. 22,044
Colchester, VT
$52,540
Pop. 17,658
Rutland, VT
$47,286
Pop. 15,807

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in South Burlington

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in South Burlington

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in South Burlington, VT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in South Burlington

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in South Burlington, VT? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in South Burlington, Vermont is $56,743 per year, which is 8.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $36,720 (10th percentile) to $90,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in South Burlington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,743, a heavy equipment operator in South Burlington earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does South Burlington compare to the Vermont state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
South Burlington's median heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743 is 6.9% above the Vermont state average of $53,065. The local cost of living index is 108% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in South Burlington, VT? ▼
South Burlington has a cost of living index of 108% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $56,743 in South Burlington has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in South Burlington? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in South Burlington 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.