Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in 2026
Heavy equipment operators use construction machinery including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes to move earth, materials, and equipment on construction and mining sites.
Median Salary
$52,000
$4,333/mo
Entry Level
$35,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$70,000
experienced
Job Growth
+4%
10-yr outlook
Heavy Equipment Operator Overview
Heavy equipment operators use construction machinery including excavators, bulldozers, and cranes to move earth, materials, and equipment on construction and mining sites.
Education
CDL / NCCER Training
Experience
0-2 years
Industry
Construction
Total Jobs (US)
480K
5-Year Growth
+11%
Category
Trades
Hourly Rate
$25.00/hr
Monthly Pay
$4,333
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Heavy Equipment Operator salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Heavy Equipment Operator Salary
$58,000
$4,833/month · $2,231/biweekly · $27.88/hr
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Heavy Equipment Operator field.
Entry-level Heavy Equipment Operators earn around $35,000, while the top 10% earn $78,500 or more.
Top Paying States for Heavy Equipment Operators
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $61,000 | +$9,000 |
| Illinois | $54,000 | +$2,000 |
| Texas | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Florida | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Ohio | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Heavy Equipment Operators
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $58,000 | +$6,000 |
| Chicago | $55,000 | +$3,000 |
| Miami | $53,000 | +$1,000 |
| Houston | $51,000 | $-1,000 |
| Columbus | $49,000 | $-3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Heavy Equipment Operator Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Heavy Equipment Operator from entry level to expert.
$35,000
0-2 years
$53,000
3-7 years
$70,000
8-14 years
$87,000
15+ years
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Heavy Equipment Operator Salary FAQ
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