Trades & Labor Virginia (VA) Rank #14 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Virginia

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Virginia is $54,642 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$54,642
vs National
+$2,102
State Rank
#14 of 50
Cost of Living
104%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Virginia by Experience

In Virginia, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $37,440, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,200 per year. The cost of living index in Virginia is 104% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,440
+$1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$56,160
+$2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,200
+$3,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Virginia

Percentile VA Salary
10th Percentile $35,360
25th Percentile $42,640
Median (50th) $54,642
75th Percentile $70,720
90th Percentile $87,360

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Virginia

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Virginia include Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, and Arlington. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Virginia Beach, VA
$53,591
Pop. 449,974 · COL 102%
Norfolk, VA
$50,438
Pop. 238,005 · COL 96%
Richmond, VA
$52,540
Pop. 226,610 · COL 100%
Arlington, VA
$69,353
Pop. 238,643 · COL 132%
Chesapeake, VA
$51,489
Pop. 249,422 · COL 98%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Virginia

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Virginia

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Virginia

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Virginia:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Virginia

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Virginia? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Virginia is $54,642 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $35,360 (10th percentile) to $87,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Virginia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,642, a heavy equipment operator in Virginia earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Virginia a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Virginia ranks #14 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 104% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $37,440, while senior professionals earn $83,200.
How does Virginia compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Virginia's median of $54,642 ranks #14 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Hampshire ($55,167) and Rhode Island ($55,167).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Virginia? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Virginia earns approximately $37,440 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $56,160. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $83,200.
What city in Virginia pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Arlington is the highest paying city in Virginia for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $69,353. Other cities include Virginia Beach and Norfolk.