Trades & Labor Wheeling, WV Pop. 26,711

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Wheeling, West Virginia

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Wheeling, WV is $42,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median and 7% below the West Virginia state average.

City Median
$42,032
vs State Avg
$-3,152
vs National
$-10,508
Cost of Living
78%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Wheeling by Experience

In Wheeling, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $64,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-7,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$64,000
$-16,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Wheeling, WV

Percentile Wheeling
10th Percentile $27,200
25th Percentile $32,800
Median (50th) $42,032
75th Percentile $54,400
90th Percentile $67,200

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other West Virginia Cities

Morgantown, WV
$48,337
Pop. 30,955
Charleston, WV
$47,286
Pop. 48,006
Huntington, WV
$44,134
Pop. 46,842
Parkersburg, WV
$43,083
Pop. 29,675

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Wheeling

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Wheeling

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Wheeling, WV:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Wheeling

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Wheeling, WV? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Wheeling, West Virginia is $42,032 per year, which is 20% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $27,200 (10th percentile) to $67,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Wheeling? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,032, a heavy equipment operator in Wheeling earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Wheeling compare to the West Virginia state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Wheeling's median heavy equipment operator salary of $42,032 is 7% below the West Virginia state average of $45,184. The local cost of living index is 78% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Wheeling, WV? ▼
Wheeling has a cost of living index of 78% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $42,032 in Wheeling 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 Wheeling? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Wheeling 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.