Trades & Labor Kenosha, WI Pop. 99,986

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kenosha, Wisconsin

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kenosha, WI is $47,286 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 2.2% below the Wisconsin state average.

City Median
$47,286
vs State Avg
$-1,051
vs National
$-5,254
Cost of Living
90%

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

Kenosha offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286, which is $1,051 below the Wisconsin state average of $48,337. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Kenosha pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Kenosha's cost of living is 90% 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 Kenosha spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,600 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. Kenosha is a smaller market (pop. 99,986), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kenosha by Experience

In Kenosha, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Kenosha, WI

Percentile Kenosha
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $36,900
Median (50th) $47,286
75th Percentile $61,200
90th Percentile $75,600

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Wisconsin Cities

Madison, WI
$52,540
Pop. 269,840
Milwaukee, WI
$48,337
Pop. 577,222
Green Bay, WI
$46,235
Pop. 107,395
Racine, WI
$45,184
Pop. 77,816

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Kenosha

Education

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Kenosha

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Kenosha, WI:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Kenosha

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Kenosha, WI? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Kenosha, Wisconsin is $47,286 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $75,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Kenosha? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,286, a heavy equipment operator in Kenosha earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Kenosha compare to the Wisconsin state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Kenosha's median heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286 is 2.2% below the Wisconsin state average of $48,337. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Kenosha, WI? ▼
Kenosha has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286 in Kenosha 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 Kenosha? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Kenosha 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.