Heavy equipment operator salary
BLS occupation: Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators · Construction · data for May 2025
Median salary $59,850 a year, US
Median hourly pay $28.78 an hour
Middle half earn $48,680–$77,170 25th to 75th percentile
Heavy equipment operators employed 478,090 +4.6% projected by 2035
How much does a heavy equipment operator make?
- The median heavy equipment operator salary in the US is $59,850 a year ($28.78 an hour): half of the 478,090 heavy equipment operators BLS counts earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) is $66,290.
- The middle half earn between $48,680 and $77,170. The lowest-paid 10% earn less than $42,190 and the top 10% more than $101,090.
- That is 17% more than the median for all US workers ($50,980).
- Hawaii pays heavy equipment operators the most (median $115,860), followed by Illinois ($97,740) and New Jersey ($89,660). Arkansas pays the least ($44,520).
- After adjusting for prices, the pay goes furthest in Hawaii, where the median is worth $105,374 in typical US prices, then Illinois and Indiana.
- In 152 of the 383 metro areas with data, the median heavy equipment operator salary is enough to rent a typical home without spending more than 30% of income on rent.
- BLS projects the number of heavy equipment operators to grow 4.6% from 2025 to 2035 (all jobs: 3.5%), with about 39,200 openings a year. The typical entry education is a high school diploma or equivalent.
official From BLS's survey of employers: what heavy equipment operators are actually paid, not job ads or self-reports. Adjusted figures are derived. How we calculate.
How does your pay compare?
Heavy equipment operator salary range
Half of heavy equipment operators earn between $48,680 and $77,170 a year
Yearly pay at each point of the range, US, May 2025. For comparison, the median for all US jobs is $50,980.
Lowest 10% earn under Yearly pay: $42,190
Lowest 25% earn under Yearly pay: $48,680
Median Yearly pay: $59,850
Top 25% earn over Yearly pay: $77,170
Top 10% earn over Yearly pay: $101,090
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
Show the numbers
| Yearly pay | |
|---|---|
| Lowest 10% earn under | $42,190 |
| Lowest 25% earn under | $48,680 |
| Median | $59,850 |
| Top 25% earn over | $77,170 |
| Top 10% earn over | $101,090 |
Heavy equipment operator salary by state
Hawaii pays heavy equipment operators the most; Arkansas the least
Median yearly pay by state compared with the US median ($59,850), May 2025. Blue = higher pay.
- 20%+ below US
- 10–20% below
- 3–10% below
- Within 3%
- 3–10% above
- 10–20% above
- 20%+ above US
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025.
Show the numbers
| State | Median pay |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $115,860 median |
| Illinois | $97,740 median |
| New Jersey | $89,660 median |
| California | $87,160 median |
| Washington | $81,700 median |
| New York | $80,980 median |
| Indiana | $79,580 median |
| Minnesota | $79,130 median |
| Connecticut | $78,750 median |
| Alaska | $77,810 median |
| Massachusetts | $76,820 median |
| Wisconsin | $75,280 median |
| District of Columbia | $74,610 median |
| Oregon | $73,430 median |
| Nevada | $71,410 median |
| Ohio | $64,940 median |
| Rhode Island | $63,610 median |
| Wyoming | $62,960 median |
| Michigan | $62,690 median |
| Colorado | $62,620 median |
| New Hampshire | $62,200 median |
| North Dakota | $62,150 median |
| Idaho | $61,680 median |
| Montana | $61,580 median |
| Maryland | $61,410 median |
| Utah | $60,740 median |
| Arizona | $60,620 median |
| Missouri | $60,540 median |
| Pennsylvania | $60,530 median |
| Iowa | $60,330 median |
| South Dakota | $59,500 median |
| Vermont | $58,870 median |
| Nebraska | $58,360 median |
| Delaware | $58,020 median |
| Kentucky | $57,780 median |
| Virginia | $57,160 median |
| Maine | $56,140 median |
| New Mexico | $52,000 median |
| Tennessee | $52,000 median |
| Louisiana | $51,700 median |
| Kansas | $51,620 median |
| West Virginia | $51,300 median |
| Texas | $50,460 median |
| Florida | $49,400 median |
| North Carolina | $49,310 median |
| South Carolina | $48,940 median |
| Oklahoma | $47,970 median |
| Georgia | $47,880 median |
| Alabama | $47,520 median |
| Mississippi | $47,410 median |
| Arkansas | $44,520 median |
Where heavy equipment operator pay goes furthest
A salary buys more where prices are low. We divide each state's median by its price level from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, so every figure is in typical US prices. derived
Heavy equipment operators' pay goes furthest in Hawaii once prices are counted
Median pay ÷ the state's price level (BEA, 2024; US = 100), shown in typical US prices. Top 10 states.
US median
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025; BEA Regional Price Parities 2024. Our calculation.
Show the numbers
| Worth, in US prices | |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | $105,374 |
| Illinois | $97,781 |
| Indiana | $85,268 |
| New Jersey | $82,404 |
| Minnesota | $80,236 |
| Wisconsin | $80,004 |
| California | $78,721 |
| Washington | $76,346 |
| Alaska | $76,017 |
| Connecticut | $76,006 |
Heavy equipment operator pay in every state
| State | Median a year | Hourly | Lowest 10% | Top 10% | Employed | After cost of living |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | $115,860 | $55.70 | $62,390 | $129,590 | 2,380 | $105,374 |
| Illinois | $97,740 | $46.99 | $49,770 | $123,330 | 12,290 | $97,781 |
| New Jersey | $89,660 | $43.11 | $50,760 | $133,330 | 5,980 | $82,404 |
| California | $87,160 | $41.90 | $52,760 | $132,210 | 36,020 | $78,721 |
| Washington | $81,700 | $39.28 | $57,200 | $125,490 | 10,290 | $76,346 |
| New York | $80,980 | $38.93 | $50,190 | $144,920 | 14,490 | $75,036 |
| Indiana | $79,580 | $38.26 | $47,630 | $98,850 | 11,520 | $85,268 |
| Minnesota | $79,130 | $38.04 | $55,960 | $101,930 | 8,590 | $80,236 |
| Connecticut | $78,750 | $37.86 | $60,000 | $106,920 | 2,860 | $76,006 |
| Alaska | $77,810 | $37.41 | $62,390 | $103,900 | 3,050 | $76,017 |
| Massachusetts | $76,820 | $36.93 | $52,630 | $125,400 | 9,680 | $72,638 |
| Wisconsin | $75,280 | $36.19 | $51,370 | $100,140 | 8,140 | $80,004 |
| District of Columbia | $74,610 | $35.87 | $50,540 | $98,270 | 620 | $67,888 |
| Oregon | $73,430 | $35.30 | $53,410 | $117,310 | 5,630 | $71,042 |
| Nevada | $71,410 | $34.33 | $51,050 | $111,210 | 5,410 | $71,425 |
| Ohio | $64,940 | $31.22 | $46,850 | $98,100 | 16,920 | $69,998 |
| Rhode Island | $63,610 | $30.58 | $52,460 | $98,870 | 970 | $62,192 |
| Wyoming | $62,960 | $30.27 | $48,370 | $85,630 | 3,800 | $67,925 |
| Michigan | $62,690 | $30.14 | $46,370 | $90,580 | 9,500 | $65,155 |
| Colorado | $62,620 | $30.11 | $49,480 | $78,870 | 11,700 | $60,765 |
| New Hampshire | $62,200 | $29.90 | $49,770 | $87,730 | 1,330 | $59,713 |
| North Dakota | $62,150 | $29.88 | $49,840 | $100,570 | 4,890 | $69,864 |
| Idaho | $61,680 | $29.65 | $47,230 | $79,650 | 4,270 | $64,590 |
| Montana | $61,580 | $29.61 | $48,130 | $79,880 | 3,750 | $65,064 |
| Maryland | $61,410 | $29.52 | $46,760 | $78,870 | 6,610 | $58,509 |
| Utah | $60,740 | $29.20 | $47,420 | $75,880 | 7,880 | $61,438 |
| Arizona | $60,620 | $29.14 | $47,680 | $79,460 | 13,200 | $60,212 |
| Missouri | $60,540 | $29.11 | $43,290 | $94,130 | 10,470 | $66,662 |
| Pennsylvania | $60,530 | $29.10 | $46,780 | $94,930 | 22,120 | $62,036 |
| Iowa | $60,330 | $29.00 | $46,690 | $87,460 | 5,530 | $68,743 |
| South Dakota | $59,500 | $28.61 | $47,260 | $75,880 | 2,050 | $67,166 |
| Vermont | $58,870 | $28.30 | $50,270 | $73,860 | 1,280 | $60,097 |
| Nebraska | $58,360 | $28.06 | $44,620 | $75,700 | 3,180 | $64,770 |
| Delaware | $58,020 | $27.89 | $39,090 | $97,520 | 1,230 | $58,132 |
| Kentucky | $57,780 | $27.78 | $44,620 | $80,890 | 7,050 | $64,087 |
| Virginia | $57,160 | $27.48 | $40,870 | $78,250 | 12,100 | $56,536 |
| Maine | $56,140 | $26.99 | $46,200 | $75,390 | 2,210 | $57,846 |
| New Mexico | $52,000 | $25.00 | $44,800 | $69,690 | 5,520 | $56,392 |
| Tennessee | $52,000 | $25.00 | $41,600 | $75,430 | 10,660 | $56,602 |
| Louisiana | $51,700 | $24.86 | $37,440 | $75,180 | 7,860 | $58,612 |
| Kansas | $51,620 | $24.82 | $39,520 | $85,420 | 7,070 | $57,312 |
| West Virginia | $51,300 | $24.66 | $36,500 | $76,970 | 7,830 | $57,320 |
| Texas | $50,460 | $24.26 | $38,900 | $70,010 | 55,540 | $51,990 |
| Florida | $49,400 | $23.75 | $38,820 | $64,020 | 27,510 | $47,769 |
| North Carolina | $49,310 | $23.71 | $39,050 | $64,450 | 16,580 | $52,276 |
| South Carolina | $48,940 | $23.53 | $38,720 | $64,330 | 8,160 | $52,203 |
| Oklahoma | $47,970 | $23.06 | $37,440 | $64,380 | 7,050 | $54,609 |
| Georgia | $47,880 | $23.02 | $37,810 | $62,840 | 15,700 | $49,723 |
| Alabama | $47,520 | $22.85 | $36,230 | $67,690 | 9,640 | $53,500 |
| Mississippi | $47,410 | $22.79 | $36,180 | $67,030 | 4,170 | $54,524 |
| Arkansas | $44,520 | $21.40 | $35,520 | $58,670 | 5,800 | $51,209 |
After cost of living = median ÷ (BEA price level ÷ 100).
Heavy equipment operator salary by city
Metro areas where BLS publishes heavy equipment operator pay: 387 of 387. Rent share = typical rent (September 2026, Zillow) × 12 ÷ the median salary; under 30% is affordable by the usual rule.
Highest-paying metro areas
- Kahului, HI $124,990
- San Francisco, CA $124,750
- San Jose, CA $124,340
- Honolulu, HI $117,630
- Santa Rosa, CA $105,080
- Chicago, IL $103,100
- Olympia, WA $103,060
- Decatur, IL $100,520
- Michigan City, IN $98,120
- Waterloo, IA $97,770
Where the pay goes furthest
- Kahului, HI $114,258
- Decatur, IL $113,682
- San Jose, CA $112,603
- Waterloo, IA $112,306
- San Francisco, CA $107,903
- Michigan City, IN $107,022
- Honolulu, HI $106,010
- Rockford, IL $105,530
- Bloomington, IL $102,900
- Springfield, IL $102,766
All 387 metro areas
| Metro area | Median a year | Employed | After cost of living | Rent share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kahului, HI | $124,990 | 400 | $114,258 | 31% |
| San Francisco, CA | $124,750 | 4,080 | $107,903 | 33% |
| San Jose, CA | $124,340 | 1,360 | $112,603 | 37% |
| Honolulu, HI | $117,630 | 1,430 | $106,010 | 31% |
| Santa Rosa, CA | $105,080 | 710 | $97,491 | 30% |
| Chicago, IL | $103,100 | 7,930 | $99,522 | 25% |
| Olympia, WA | $103,060 | 260 | $99,412 | 24% |
| Decatur, IL | $100,520 | 100 | $113,682 | 13% |
| Michigan City, IN | $98,120 | 170 | $107,022 | 15% |
| Waterloo, IA | $97,770 | 420 | $112,306 | 13% |
| Rockford, IL | $97,250 | 260 | $105,530 | 16% |
| Bloomington, IL | $96,250 | 180 | $102,900 | 16% |
| Seattle, WA | $95,750 | 4,860 | $86,158 | 28% |
| Springfield, IL | $95,310 | 210 | $102,766 | 15% |
| Vallejo, CA | $95,100 | 630 | $87,667 | 31% |
| New York, NY | $95,050 | 11,430 | $84,442 | 45% |
| Kankakee, IL | $94,270 | 90 | $97,797 | 17% |
| Champaign, IL | $92,900 | 160 | $100,211 | 18% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $92,890 | 8,780 | $81,794 | 38% |
| Sacramento, CA | $91,650 | 2,920 | $85,919 | 30% |
| Bellingham, WA | $91,510 | 400 | $88,557 | 26% |
| Wausau, WI | $90,900 | 200 | $98,110 | 13% |
| Modesto, CA | $90,560 | 430 | $86,987 | 27% |
| Racine, WI | $90,320 | 280 | $94,122 | 19% |
| Napa, CA | $90,060 | 160 | $80,015 | 39% |
| Wenatchee, WA | $89,460 | 240 | $86,139 | 24% |
| Peoria, IL | $86,440 | 330 | $94,748 | 16% |
| Mount Vernon, WA | $85,390 | 180 | $83,354 | 31% |
| Evansville, IN | $84,500 | 510 | $92,321 | 16% |
| San Diego, CA | $83,670 | 3,130 | $74,781 | 43% |
| Lafayette, IN | $83,460 | 340 | $89,329 | 21% |
| Minneapolis, MN | $83,340 | 4,270 | $79,506 | 25% |
| Oxnard, CA | $83,290 | 780 | $75,352 | 43% |
| Madison, WI | $83,060 | 680 | $85,376 | 26% |
| Appleton, WI | $83,010 | 480 | $89,819 | 17% |
| Albany, NY | $82,540 | 1,000 | $82,900 | 25% |
| Fairbanks, AK | $82,390 | 430 | $79,829 | 27% |
| Kokomo, IN | $82,270 | 100 | $91,770 | 16% |
| St. Louis, MO | $82,270 | 4,190 | $86,520 | 21% |
| Bridgeport, CT | $82,250 | 600 | $76,967 | 42% |
| Indianapolis, IN | $82,190 | 3,700 | $85,887 | 22% |
| Santa Maria, CA | $81,500 | 400 | $74,909 | 48% |
| Yuba City, CA | $80,620 | 230 | $77,346 | 30% |
| South Bend, IN | $80,460 | 360 | $86,648 | 19% |
| Salinas, CA | $80,320 | 340 | $73,660 | 41% |
| Kennewick, WA | $79,850 | 460 | $79,787 | 25% |
| New Haven, CT | $79,840 | 450 | $76,359 | 31% |
| Rochester, MN | $79,580 | 290 | $87,623 | 24% |
| St. Cloud, MN | $79,530 | 700 | $90,755 | 18% |
| Milwaukee, WI | $79,430 | 2,070 | $81,940 | 23% |
| San Luis Obispo, CA | $79,340 | 530 | $73,060 | 42% |
| Chico, CA | $79,040 | 230 | $78,105 | 24% |
| Portland, OR | $79,040 | 3,040 | $74,976 | 27% |
| Columbus, OH | $78,950 | 3,290 | $82,697 | 23% |
| Riverside, CA | $78,720 | 4,740 | $73,956 | 39% |
| Mankato, MN | $78,560 | 150 | $86,372 | 19% |
| Waterbury, CT | $78,330 | 300 | $78,504 | – |
| Fresno, CA | $78,310 | 1,290 | $76,656 | 31% |
| Battle Creek, MI | $78,020 | 150 | $86,171 | 18% |
| Bakersfield, CA | $77,960 | 1,000 | $77,275 | 28% |
| Bremerton, WA | $77,780 | 180 | $73,650 | 32% |
| Fort Wayne, IN | $77,450 | 650 | $83,665 | 20% |
| Stockton, CA | $77,420 | 760 | $73,671 | 38% |
| Redding, CA | $77,090 | 340 | $76,566 | 26% |
| Worcester, MA | $77,050 | 1,230 | $75,154 | 33% |
| Oshkosh, WI | $77,020 | 150 | $82,880 | 20% |
| Boston, MA | $76,940 | 6,370 | $71,066 | 47% |
| Hartford, CT | $76,740 | 990 | $74,689 | 31% |
| Vineland, NJ | $76,740 | 180 | $79,964 | 26% |
| Anchorage, AK | $76,520 | 980 | $72,586 | 30% |
| Green Bay, WI | $76,290 | 420 | $81,956 | 18% |
| Atlantic City, NJ | $76,240 | 320 | $77,121 | 32% |
| Eau Claire, WI | $75,970 | 260 | $81,868 | 18% |
| Santa Cruz, CA | $75,640 | 130 | $68,829 | 55% |
| Bay City, MI | $75,310 | 140 | $81,929 | 16% |
| Flint, MI | $75,140 | 240 | $80,766 | 17% |
| Duluth, MN | $75,040 | 770 | $84,535 | 21% |
| Merced, CA | $74,800 | 160 | $76,113 | 33% |
| Spokane, WA | $74,360 | 700 | $74,104 | 24% |
| Salem, OR | $74,270 | 750 | $71,655 | 27% |
| Buffalo, NY | $73,650 | 950 | $76,844 | 24% |
| Reno, NV | $73,260 | 1,290 | $72,525 | 34% |
| Kenosha, WI | $73,190 | 120 | $72,381 | – |
| Springfield, MA | $73,070 | 670 | $76,066 | 32% |
| Barnstable, MA | $72,920 | 400 | $74,143 | 42% |
| Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | $72,240 | 590 | $66,020 | 38% |
| Yakima, WA | $71,810 | 190 | $75,158 | 23% |
| Cleveland, OH | $71,740 | 2,660 | $76,382 | 24% |
| Fond du Lac, WI | $71,560 | 160 | $78,086 | 19% |
| La Crosse, WI | $71,430 | 120 | $77,837 | 23% |
| Jefferson City, MO | $71,140 | 410 | $80,864 | 17% |
| Boulder, CO | $71,060 | 190 | $67,546 | 37% |
| El Centro, CA | $70,830 | 240 | $74,422 | 31% |
| Kingston, NY | $70,370 | 150 | $69,875 | 34% |
| Providence, RI | $69,900 | 1,570 | $68,682 | 37% |
| Trenton, NJ | $69,800 | 270 | $67,649 | 43% |
| Bozeman, MT | $68,160 | 530 | $66,491 | 39% |
| Detroit, MI | $68,130 | 3,790 | $67,928 | 27% |
| Albany, OR | $68,080 | 150 | $66,680 | 29% |
| Walla Walla, WA | $67,750 | 50 | $68,768 | 26% |
| Bend, OR | $67,520 | 580 | $65,169 | 39% |
| Cincinnati, OH | $66,950 | 3,120 | $70,200 | 27% |
| Norwich, CT | $66,850 | 210 | $66,554 | 38% |
| Amherst-Northampton, MA | $66,830 | 180 | $66,668 | – |
| Philadelphia, PA | $66,810 | 5,620 | $65,146 | 34% |
| Janesville, WI | $66,320 | 240 | $70,777 | 23% |
| Mansfield, OH | $66,100 | 190 | $74,377 | 16% |
| Elmira, NY | $65,760 | 70 | $69,662 | 21% |
| Rochester, NY | $65,720 | 910 | $67,728 | 28% |
| Midland, MI | $65,710 | 120 | $71,485 | 25% |
| Eugene, OR | $65,390 | 330 | $64,381 | 33% |
| Columbus, IN | $64,970 | 110 | $69,858 | 25% |
| Davenport, IA | $64,850 | 570 | $72,801 | 19% |
| Carson City, NV | $64,820 | 80 | $66,055 | 38% |
| Fort Collins, CO | $64,650 | 600 | $63,929 | 37% |
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $64,540 | 450 | $65,661 | 34% |
| Pittsfield, MA | $64,460 | 150 | $67,777 | 33% |
| Toledo, OH | $64,380 | 780 | $70,395 | 24% |
| Sheboygan, WI | $64,290 | 100 | $68,383 | 25% |
| Longview, WA | $64,150 | 190 | $65,765 | 27% |
| Denver, CO | $64,080 | 5,150 | $60,577 | 36% |
| Kansas City, MO | $64,060 | 4,110 | $69,222 | 29% |
| Dayton, OH | $64,050 | 710 | $69,098 | 25% |
| Missoula, MT | $64,050 | 310 | $66,411 | 30% |
| Akron, OH | $63,920 | 830 | $68,459 | 25% |
| Grants Pass, OR | $63,920 | 90 | $65,385 | 30% |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $63,910 | 470 | $67,693 | 27% |
| Las Vegas, NV | $63,910 | 2,460 | $63,773 | 33% |
| Grand Rapids, MI | $63,850 | 900 | $66,826 | 30% |
| Syracuse, NY | $63,810 | 700 | $66,648 | 31% |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | $63,310 | 490 | $71,164 | 23% |
| Allentown, PA | $63,050 | 920 | $63,070 | 35% |
| Hanford, CA | $63,050 | 100 | $62,050 | 37% |
| Minot, ND | $62,990 | 290 | $72,379 | 24% |
| St. Joseph, MO | $62,820 | 390 | $72,723 | 19% |
| Des Moines, IA | $62,610 | 1,260 | $68,276 | 25% |
| Helena, MT | $62,570 | 220 | $65,398 | 32% |
| Phoenix, AZ | $62,540 | 7,980 | $60,533 | 33% |
| Ann Arbor, MI | $62,490 | 170 | $61,945 | 37% |
| Medford, OR | $62,410 | 270 | $61,528 | 36% |
| Ames, IA | $62,400 | 190 | $70,247 | 22% |
| Watertown, NY | $62,340 | 190 | $71,091 | 29% |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $62,320 | 5,050 | $65,828 | 28% |
| Reading, PA | $62,290 | 590 | $64,177 | 30% |
| Utica, NY | $62,270 | 200 | $67,190 | 27% |
| Dubuque, IA | $62,250 | 160 | $71,283 | 20% |
| Bismarck, ND | $62,150 | 580 | $68,279 | 25% |
| Bloomington, IN | $62,120 | 230 | $65,332 | 34% |
| Great Falls, MT | $62,090 | 170 | $64,113 | 28% |
| Billings, MT | $61,990 | 540 | $66,281 | 27% |
| Louisville, KY | $61,890 | 1,920 | $66,495 | 26% |
| York, PA | $61,870 | 790 | $64,448 | 27% |
| Corvallis, OR | $61,780 | 60 | $59,394 | 35% |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $61,750 | 2,570 | $61,219 | 32% |
| Kalamazoo, MI | $61,730 | 190 | $65,089 | 25% |
| Elkhart, IN | $61,710 | 290 | $68,320 | 23% |
| Fargo, ND | $61,690 | 960 | $67,887 | 21% |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $61,660 | 1,030 | $61,227 | 34% |
| Washington, DC | $61,660 | 6,450 | $56,629 | 47% |
| Terre Haute, IN | $61,630 | 230 | $70,196 | 19% |
| Grand Forks, ND | $61,520 | 370 | $70,988 | 22% |
| Cape Girardeau, MO | $61,480 | 130 | $71,424 | 20% |
| Lansing, MI | $61,390 | 480 | $64,627 | 25% |
| Lancaster, PA | $61,340 | 1,010 | $62,428 | 31% |
| Lewiston, ID | $61,290 | 100 | $67,233 | 29% |
| Traverse City, MI | $61,200 | 280 | $65,544 | 36% |
| Pueblo, CO | $61,130 | 310 | $66,618 | 26% |
| Binghamton, NY | $61,000 | 330 | $65,688 | 32% |
| Sioux Falls, SD | $60,960 | 630 | $67,262 | 25% |
| Boise, ID | $60,930 | 1,730 | $61,926 | 38% |
| Lexington Park, MD | $60,930 | 230 | $60,470 | 40% |
| Monroe, MI | $60,910 | 140 | $65,150 | 25% |
| Prescott Valley, AZ | $60,830 | 770 | $61,910 | 37% |
| Lincoln, NE | $60,810 | 490 | $66,400 | 25% |
| Baltimore, MD | $60,740 | 3,350 | $58,132 | 38% |
| Greeley, CO | $60,690 | 1,550 | $60,583 | 33% |
| Rapid City, SD | $60,660 | 410 | $68,035 | 29% |
| State College, PA | $60,540 | 460 | $62,566 | 39% |
| Iowa City, IA | $60,530 | 210 | $66,146 | 35% |
| Visalia, CA | $60,530 | 260 | $60,636 | 34% |
| Sandusky, OH | $60,380 | 240 | $67,629 | 36% |
| Manchester, NH | $60,370 | 210 | $57,138 | 43% |
| Ogden, UT | $60,250 | 1,160 | $60,040 | 32% |
| Bowling Green, KY | $60,180 | 300 | $66,734 | 24% |
| Lawrence, KS | $60,080 | 120 | $66,576 | 31% |
| Glens Falls, NY | $60,030 | 170 | $63,279 | 29% |
| Omaha, NE | $60,020 | 1,380 | $65,302 | 28% |
| Canton, OH | $60,010 | 530 | $67,121 | 23% |
| Burlington, VT | $60,000 | 330 | $59,436 | 52% |
| Muncie, IN | $59,910 | 80 | $67,965 | 21% |
| Provo, UT | $59,880 | 1,440 | $60,958 | 36% |
| Jackson, MI | $59,860 | 160 | $65,222 | 24% |
| Saginaw, MI | $59,830 | 170 | $65,826 | 21% |
| Charlottesville, VA | $59,790 | 310 | $60,305 | 41% |
| Beckley, WV | $59,700 | 480 | $67,558 | 21% |
| Niles, MI | $59,670 | 130 | $64,599 | 28% |
| Muskegon, MI | $59,660 | 100 | $64,484 | 26% |
| Portland, ME | $59,530 | 880 | $58,444 | 46% |
| Scranton, PA | $59,330 | 950 | $63,417 | 28% |
| Pocatello, ID | $59,250 | 190 | $66,643 | 22% |
| Youngstown, OH | $59,210 | 420 | $67,751 | 21% |
| Sioux City, IA | $59,140 | 200 | $68,406 | 26% |
| Paducah, KY | $59,000 | 460 | $68,538 | 23% |
| Lima, OH | $58,860 | 130 | $65,641 | 25% |
| Chambersburg, PA | $58,800 | 280 | $62,129 | 27% |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $58,720 | 250 | $58,530 | 43% |
| Lexington, KY | $58,560 | 760 | $63,043 | 33% |
| Harrisburg, PA | $58,420 | 670 | $59,219 | 30% |
| Wheeling, WV | $58,250 | 500 | $65,951 | 18% |
| New Orleans, LA | $58,240 | 1,150 | $62,896 | 32% |
| Baton Rouge, LA | $58,210 | 2,260 | $64,122 | 28% |
| Tucson, AZ | $58,100 | 1,130 | $59,961 | 31% |
| Manhattan, KS | $58,080 | 360 | $64,417 | 26% |
| Erie, PA | $58,030 | 280 | $63,804 | 23% |
| Cheyenne, WY | $57,970 | 270 | $60,078 | 32% |
| Midland, TX | $57,900 | 1,150 | $60,449 | 33% |
| St. George, UT | $57,900 | 670 | $59,494 | 38% |
| Grand Junction, CO | $57,700 | 390 | $60,434 | 36% |
| Charleston, WV | $57,640 | 940 | $64,971 | 25% |
| Huntington, WV | $57,320 | 1,040 | $64,825 | 23% |
| Springfield, OH | $57,230 | 100 | $63,250 | 25% |
| Logan, UT | $56,980 | 180 | $59,399 | 30% |
| Beaumont, TX | $56,850 | 1,120 | $63,134 | 28% |
| Columbia, MO | $56,770 | 310 | $63,474 | 31% |
| Topeka, KS | $56,760 | 530 | $63,905 | 26% |
| Lewiston, ME | $56,140 | 130 | $59,259 | 34% |
| Nashville, TN | $56,030 | 3,820 | $58,160 | 39% |
| Kingsport, TN | $55,960 | 770 | $64,733 | 29% |
| Lebanon, PA | $55,750 | 160 | $59,809 | 31% |
| Salisbury, MD | $55,480 | 70 | $58,023 | 42% |
| Odessa, TX | $55,430 | 670 | $59,033 | 34% |
| Richmond, VA | $55,280 | 2,220 | $56,490 | 37% |
| Farmington, NM | $55,180 | 480 | $62,914 | 30% |
| Grand Island, NE | $55,020 | 120 | $63,492 | 29% |
| Casper, WY | $54,870 | 280 | $58,479 | 31% |
| Ithaca, NY | $54,820 | 50 | $53,060 | 43% |
| Birmingham, AL | $54,330 | 2,070 | $59,284 | 31% |
| Yuma, AZ | $54,270 | 180 | $58,540 | 31% |
| Memphis, TN | $53,870 | 1,140 | $58,441 | 31% |
| Sherman, TX | $53,380 | 180 | $56,926 | 31% |
| Springfield, MO | $53,340 | 530 | $60,213 | 28% |
| Joplin, MO | $53,210 | 330 | $62,076 | 28% |
| Morgantown, WV | $52,970 | 530 | $56,760 | 31% |
| Gettysburg, PA | $52,960 | 190 | $55,526 | 31% |
| Twin Falls, ID | $52,080 | 150 | $56,542 | 36% |
| Virginia Beach, VA | $52,060 | 2,150 | $53,154 | 43% |
| Bangor, ME | $52,000 | 310 | $53,882 | 35% |
| Santa Fe, NM | $52,000 | 140 | $52,649 | 45% |
| Johnstown, PA | $51,830 | 230 | $60,317 | 21% |
| Miami, FL | $51,800 | 5,850 | $45,377 | 61% |
| Burlington, NC | $51,570 | 200 | $55,335 | 31% |
| Lake Havasu City, AZ | $51,550 | 220 | $54,783 | 36% |
| Dallas, TX | $51,370 | 11,510 | $49,830 | 39% |
| Weirton, WV | $51,290 | 310 | $57,614 | 19% |
| Albuquerque, NM | $51,160 | 1,330 | $53,545 | 35% |
| Raleigh, NC | $51,110 | 3,080 | $52,070 | 39% |
| Houston, TX | $51,040 | 14,000 | $51,749 | 39% |
| Naples, FL | $51,040 | 680 | $49,457 | 61% |
| Orlando, FL | $51,020 | 4,330 | $50,307 | 45% |
| Shreveport, LA | $51,000 | 750 | $60,166 | 30% |
| Austin, TX | $50,960 | 5,010 | $51,965 | 38% |
| Elizabethtown, KY | $50,960 | 110 | $56,265 | 31% |
| Clarksville, TN | $50,910 | 420 | $55,978 | 32% |
| Williamsport, PA | $50,890 | 230 | $55,106 | 26% |
| Charlotte, NC | $50,870 | 4,440 | $52,256 | 41% |
| Durham, NC | $50,820 | 480 | $52,085 | 39% |
| Hagerstown, MD | $50,800 | 380 | $53,944 | 38% |
| Altoona, PA | $50,790 | 230 | $56,744 | 24% |
| Winchester, VA | $50,790 | 260 | $52,659 | 43% |
| Hilton Head Island, SC | $50,740 | 320 | $51,767 | 47% |
| Charleston, SC | $50,640 | 1,470 | $50,157 | 48% |
| Slidell, LA | $50,580 | 250 | $54,548 | – |
| Sierra Vista, AZ | $50,470 | 140 | $56,553 | 30% |
| Sumter, SC | $50,340 | 220 | $57,192 | 35% |
| Chattanooga, TN | $50,320 | 750 | $55,016 | 36% |
| Tampa, FL | $50,300 | 3,980 | $49,856 | 47% |
| Pinehurst, NC | $50,210 | 90 | $56,840 | 44% |
| Lynchburg, VA | $50,100 | 230 | $56,063 | 31% |
| Fayetteville, AR | $50,090 | 900 | $54,831 | 38% |
| Blacksburg, VA | $50,030 | – | $53,964 | 40% |
| Wichita, KS | $49,930 | 1,150 | $56,135 | 29% |
| Hammond, LA | $49,870 | 90 | $59,046 | 32% |
| Lafayette, LA | $49,800 | 370 | $57,104 | 33% |
| Sebastian, FL | $49,710 | 120 | $50,566 | 51% |
| Harrisonburg, VA | $49,670 | 260 | $52,344 | 41% |
| Owensboro, KY | $49,550 | 140 | $55,919 | 30% |
| Abilene, TX | $49,500 | 230 | $54,778 | 48% |
| Decatur, AL | $49,470 | 290 | $56,724 | 26% |
| North Port, FL | $49,460 | 1,090 | $48,293 | 51% |
| Atlanta, GA | $49,430 | 8,360 | $49,401 | 45% |
| Cape Coral, FL | $49,330 | 1,160 | $48,198 | 44% |
| Greensboro, NC | $49,310 | 1,080 | $53,099 | 34% |
| Lake Charles, LA | $49,270 | 410 | $57,389 | 33% |
| Palm Bay, FL | $49,140 | 620 | $49,138 | 46% |
| Huntsville, AL | $49,110 | 1,100 | $52,766 | 34% |
| Enid, OK | $49,050 | 110 | $58,206 | 27% |
| Roanoke, VA | $49,010 | 480 | $52,351 | 34% |
| Houma, LA | $48,990 | 710 | $57,566 | 32% |
| Greenville, SC | $48,980 | 1,130 | $52,520 | 38% |
| Spartanburg, SC | $48,940 | 650 | $53,750 | 36% |
| Jacksonville, FL | $48,920 | 1,990 | $49,174 | 41% |
| Las Cruces, NM | $48,890 | 440 | $54,195 | 36% |
| Dover, DE | $48,860 | 190 | $50,109 | 44% |
| Punta Gorda, FL | $48,860 | 200 | $48,605 | 45% |
| Amarillo, TX | $48,850 | 490 | $53,202 | 32% |
| Savannah, GA | $48,810 | 720 | $51,268 | 44% |
| San Antonio, TX | $48,750 | 3,980 | $51,470 | 35% |
| Staunton, VA | $48,750 | 160 | $53,496 | 36% |
| Gulfport, MS | $48,700 | 510 | $54,108 | 35% |
| Knoxville, TN | $48,690 | 1,210 | $52,599 | 43% |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $48,690 | 2,250 | $53,856 | 34% |
| Crestview, FL | $48,640 | 390 | $50,128 | 49% |
| Rocky Mount, NC | $48,640 | 170 | $55,265 | 31% |
| Panama City, FL | $48,620 | 500 | $49,971 | 43% |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $48,600 | 610 | $48,489 | 57% |
| Tulsa, OK | $48,420 | 1,530 | $54,274 | 34% |
| Columbia, SC | $48,410 | 1,120 | $51,686 | 39% |
| Fayetteville, NC | $48,390 | 440 | $52,610 | 36% |
| Gainesville, GA | $48,350 | 300 | $49,966 | 42% |
| Corpus Christi, TX | $48,320 | 1,160 | $52,141 | 35% |
| Cleveland, TN | $48,210 | 160 | $54,734 | 35% |
| Augusta, GA | $48,190 | 670 | $52,436 | 36% |
| Gainesville, FL | $48,190 | 300 | $49,818 | 41% |
| Morristown, TN | $48,170 | 220 | $55,776 | 39% |
| San Angelo, TX | $48,120 | 210 | $52,048 | 33% |
| Warner Robins, GA | $48,110 | 240 | $51,296 | 38% |
| Longview, TX | $48,030 | 750 | $53,674 | 29% |
| Florence, SC | $48,000 | 250 | $55,316 | 38% |
| College Station, TX | $47,980 | 590 | $52,754 | 38% |
| Asheville, NC | $47,970 | 510 | $49,707 | 43% |
| Greenville, NC | $47,940 | 210 | $54,230 | 37% |
| Wilmington, NC | $47,910 | 790 | $49,688 | 44% |
| Lakeland, FL | $47,900 | 820 | $49,310 | 45% |
| Pensacola, FL | $47,860 | 600 | $48,978 | 44% |
| Wichita Falls, TX | $47,860 | 180 | $53,467 | 33% |
| Waco, TX | $47,730 | 470 | $51,572 | 36% |
| Tuscaloosa, AL | $47,710 | 650 | $54,388 | 42% |
| Killeen, TX | $47,590 | 570 | $52,221 | 33% |
| Winston-Salem, NC | $47,590 | 770 | $51,704 | 39% |
| Johnson City, TN | $47,560 | 200 | $54,090 | 38% |
| Victoria, TX | $47,520 | 180 | $52,895 | 30% |
| Hinesville, GA | $47,510 | 60 | $50,579 | 44% |
| Daphne, AL | $47,450 | 350 | $50,111 | 43% |
| Parkersburg, WV | $47,450 | 330 | $54,499 | 27% |
| Mobile, AL | $47,400 | 990 | $53,804 | 32% |
| Hickory, NC | $47,340 | 370 | $53,500 | 40% |
| Jackson, MS | $47,340 | 870 | $53,162 | 37% |
| Jackson, TN | $47,240 | 270 | $55,237 | 35% |
| Goldsboro, NC | $47,180 | 220 | $53,334 | 39% |
| Dothan, AL | $47,120 | 200 | $56,207 | 31% |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $47,030 | 180 | $53,667 | 33% |
| Auburn, AL | $47,000 | 360 | $53,450 | 41% |
| Myrtle Beach, SC | $47,000 | 980 | $50,191 | 44% |
| Deltona, FL | $46,950 | 730 | $47,249 | 45% |
| Jacksonville, NC | $46,930 | 180 | $50,964 | 40% |
| Eagle Pass, TX | $46,920 | 50 | $55,987 | 30% |
| Florence, AL | $46,850 | 260 | $55,237 | 27% |
| Texarkana, TX | $46,800 | 280 | $55,706 | 32% |
| Sebring, FL | $46,760 | 70 | $50,568 | 39% |
| Tyler, TX | $46,670 | 290 | $50,642 | 34% |
| Brunswick, GA | $46,600 | 190 | $53,131 | 43% |
| Tallahassee, FL | $46,530 | 490 | $49,543 | 38% |
| Ocala, FL | $46,500 | 460 | $48,827 | 41% |
| Lubbock, TX | $46,490 | 550 | $50,911 | 34% |
| Columbus, GA | $46,430 | 490 | $51,996 | 35% |
| Macon, GA | $46,300 | 310 | $52,300 | 31% |
| Little Rock, AR | $46,290 | 1,230 | $51,799 | 32% |
| Laredo, TX | $46,100 | 280 | $53,015 | 29% |
| The Villages, FL | $46,060 | 410 | $53,919 | 45% |
| Lawton, OK | $46,030 | 210 | $53,560 | 29% |
| Monroe, LA | $46,000 | 230 | $55,026 | 31% |
| Homosassa Springs, FL | $45,650 | 220 | $48,841 | 46% |
| El Paso, TX | $45,630 | 980 | $50,750 | 40% |
| Jonesboro, AR | $45,590 | 240 | $53,088 | 33% |
| Albany, GA | $45,460 | 260 | $51,854 | 28% |
| Montgomery, AL | $44,860 | 580 | $50,021 | 37% |
| Alexandria, LA | $44,570 | 260 | $52,015 | 28% |
| Athens, GA | $44,300 | 230 | $47,459 | 48% |
| Anniston, AL | $42,020 | 240 | $48,889 | 28% |
| Fort Smith, AR | $41,820 | 440 | $48,691 | 31% |
| Valdosta, GA | $41,500 | 190 | $47,014 | 38% |
| Dalton, GA | $40,860 | 200 | $45,479 | 41% |
| Brownsville, TX | $40,190 | 330 | $46,746 | 45% |
| McAllen, TX | $39,200 | 1,010 | $45,637 | 34% |
| Hot Springs, AR | $37,760 | 250 | $44,045 | 39% |
| Gadsden, AL | $36,910 | 100 | $43,092 | 35% |
| Rome, GA | $36,400 | 150 | $40,372 | 42% |
What the median heavy equipment operator salary pays per paycheck
| Period | Before taxes |
|---|---|
| Year | $59,850 |
| Month | $4,988 |
| Every two weeks | $2,302 |
| Week | $1,151 |
| Hour | $28.78 |
Gross pay, 52 weeks a year, 2,080 hours. Hourly to salary calculator.
Becoming a heavy equipment operator: education and job outlook
| Typical entry education | High school diploma or equivalent |
|---|---|
| Work experience needed | None |
| On-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Projected change in jobs, 2025–35 | +4.6% (all jobs: +3.5%) |
| Openings a year (average) | 39,200 |
| Self-employed | 2.3% |
official BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35. Openings include workers who retire or change jobs. What the work involves: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Similar jobs
| Job | Median a year | Typical education |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $63,800 | High school diploma |
| Construction worker | $47,120 | No formal education |
| Elevator mechanic | $109,910 | High school diploma |
| Electrician | $63,190 | High school diploma |
| Ironworker | $62,780 | High school diploma |
| Roofer | $55,440 | No formal education |
| Carpenter | $60,580 | High school diploma |
Questions about heavy equipment operator pay
How much does a heavy equipment operator make an hour?
The median is $28.78 an hour. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $20.28 and the top 10% over $48.60.
How much does a heavy equipment operator make a month?
About $4,988 a month before taxes at the median salary of $59,850, or $2,302 every two weeks.
What state pays heavy equipment operators the most?
Hawaii, with a median of $115,860. Illinois ($97,740), New Jersey ($89,660), California ($87,160) and Washington ($81,700) follow.
Where do heavy equipment operators make the most after cost of living?
Hawaii: its median of $115,860 is worth $105,374 at typical US prices. Illinois, Indiana and New Jersey come next.
How much do entry-level heavy equipment operators make?
BLS does not report pay by experience. The lowest-paid 10% of heavy equipment operators earn under $42,190 a year, and the lowest-paid quarter under $48,680, which is a reasonable guide to starting pay.
What education do you need to become a heavy equipment operator?
BLS lists the typical entry-level education as a high school diploma or equivalent. Work experience in a related job: none. On-the-job training: moderate-term on-the-job training.
Sources and limits
- Pay and employment: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation 47-2073 (Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators). Downloaded 2026-10-24.
- OEWS counts wage and salary workers at employers, including tips and commissions but not overtime pay, bonuses that are not tied to production, or benefits. It leaves out the self-employed. BLS does not publish figures above $239,200 a year or for states and metro areas with too few workers.
- Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (US = 100). Rents: Zillow Observed Rent Index, September 2026; Data Provided by Zillow Group.
- Outlook and education: BLS Employment Projections, 2025–35.
- Pay is not broken down by experience, employer or specialty (for example, ER or pediatric nursing); BLS does not publish those splits.