Trades & Labor Washington (WA) Rank #6 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Washington

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Washington is $62,523 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$62,523
vs National
+$9,983
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $42,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,200 per year. The cost of living index in Washington is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$42,840
+$6,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$64,260
+$10,260 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$95,200
+$15,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Washington

Percentile WA Salary
10th Percentile $40,460
25th Percentile $48,790
Median (50th) $62,523
75th Percentile $80,920
90th Percentile $99,960

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Washington

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Seattle, WA
$79,861
Pop. 737,015 · COL 148%
Spokane, WA
$50,438
Pop. 228,989 · COL 92%
Tacoma, WA
$59,896
Pop. 219,346 · COL 110%
Bellevue, WA
$81,962
Pop. 151,854 · COL 152%
Vancouver, WA
$55,692
Pop. 190,915 · COL 102%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Washington

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Washington

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Washington:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Washington

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Washington? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Washington is $62,523 per year, which is 19.0% above the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $40,460 (10th percentile) to $99,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Washington? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $62,523, a heavy equipment operator in Washington earns approximately $30 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Washington a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Washington ranks #6 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 115% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $42,840, while senior professionals earn $95,200.
How does Washington compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Washington's median of $62,523 ranks #6 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($70,404) and New York ($64,099).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Washington? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Washington earns approximately $42,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $64,260. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $95,200.
What city in Washington pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Bellevue is the highest paying city in Washington for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $81,962. Other cities include Seattle and Spokane.