Trades & Labor Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chesapeake, VA is $51,489 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$51,489
vs State Avg
$-3,153
vs National
$-1,051
Cost of Living
98%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $33,320
25th Percentile $40,180
Median (50th) $51,489
75th Percentile $66,640
90th Percentile $82,320

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Virginia Cities

Arlington, VA
$69,353
Pop. 238,643
Virginia Beach, VA
$53,591
Pop. 449,974
Richmond, VA
$52,540
Pop. 226,610
Norfolk, VA
$50,438
Pop. 238,005

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Chesapeake, VA:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $51,489 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $33,320 (10th percentile) to $82,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,489, a heavy equipment operator in Chesapeake earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median heavy equipment operator salary of $51,489 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $54,642. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $51,489 in Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Chesapeake 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.