Heavy Equipment Operator Salary Overview
The Heavy Equipment Operator is a sought-after profession in the United States with a median annual salary of $55,280. Compensation typically ranges from $34,800 for entry-level positions to $84,600 for experienced professionals in high-demand markets.Salary Range: The typical Heavy Equipment Operator in the US earns between $34,800 and $84,600 per year, with a median of $55,280.
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by Experience
| Level | Salary | Hourly | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | $33,721 | $16/hr | $28,604 |
| Mid | $55,280 | $27/hr | $44,849 |
| Senior | $72,970 | $35/hr | $56,785 |
| Lead | $80,709 | $39/hr | $61,521 |
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by State (After Tax)
Gross salary, federal tax, state tax, and estimated take-home pay for a Heavy Equipment Operator in each US state.
| State | Gross | Federal | State Tax | FICA | Take-Home | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,599 | $4,229 | $43,857 | 20.7% |
| Alaska | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| Arizona | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,017 | $4,229 | $45,439 | 17.8% |
| Arkansas | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,206 | $4,229 | $44,250 | 20.0% |
| California | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,607 | $4,229 | $44,849 | 18.9% |
| Colorado | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,772 | $4,229 | $44,684 | 19.2% |
| Connecticut | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,290 | $4,229 | $44,166 | 20.1% |
| Delaware | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,501 | $4,229 | $43,955 | 20.5% |
| District of Columbia | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,244 | $4,229 | $44,212 | 20.0% |
| Florida | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| Georgia | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,376 | $4,229 | $44,080 | 20.3% |
| Hawaii | $55,280 | $4,595 | $3,633 | $4,229 | $42,823 | 22.5% |
| Idaho | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,359 | $4,229 | $44,097 | 20.2% |
| Illinois | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,599 | $4,229 | $43,857 | 20.7% |
| Indiana | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,686 | $4,229 | $44,770 | 19.0% |
| Iowa | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,101 | $4,229 | $44,355 | 19.8% |
| Kansas | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,494 | $4,229 | $43,962 | 20.5% |
| Kentucky | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,085 | $4,229 | $44,371 | 19.7% |
| Louisiana | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,768 | $4,229 | $44,688 | 19.2% |
| Maine | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,498 | $4,229 | $43,958 | 20.5% |
| Maryland | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,452 | $4,229 | $44,004 | 20.4% |
| Massachusetts | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,544 | $4,229 | $43,912 | 20.6% |
| Michigan | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,111 | $4,229 | $44,345 | 19.8% |
| Minnesota | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,308 | $4,229 | $44,148 | 20.1% |
| Mississippi | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,020 | $4,229 | $44,436 | 19.6% |
| Missouri | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,782 | $4,229 | $44,674 | 19.2% |
| Montana | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,154 | $4,229 | $44,302 | 19.9% |
| Nebraska | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,708 | $4,229 | $44,748 | 19.1% |
| Nevada | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| New Hampshire | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| New Jersey | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,562 | $4,229 | $44,894 | 18.8% |
| New Mexico | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,714 | $4,229 | $44,742 | 19.1% |
| New York | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,552 | $4,229 | $43,904 | 20.6% |
| North Carolina | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,914 | $4,229 | $44,542 | 19.4% |
| North Dakota | $55,280 | $4,595 | $793 | $4,229 | $45,663 | 17.4% |
| Ohio | $55,280 | $4,595 | $802 | $4,229 | $45,654 | 17.4% |
| Oklahoma | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,136 | $4,229 | $44,320 | 19.8% |
| Oregon | $55,280 | $4,595 | $4,312 | $4,229 | $42,144 | 23.8% |
| Pennsylvania | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,697 | $4,229 | $44,759 | 19.0% |
| Rhode Island | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,677 | $4,229 | $44,779 | 19.0% |
| South Carolina | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,910 | $4,229 | $44,545 | 19.4% |
| South Dakota | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| Tennessee | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| Texas | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| Utah | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,571 | $4,229 | $43,885 | 20.6% |
| Vermont | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,708 | $4,229 | $44,748 | 19.1% |
| Virginia | $55,280 | $4,595 | $2,662 | $4,229 | $43,794 | 20.8% |
| Washington | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
| West Virginia | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,961 | $4,229 | $44,495 | 19.5% |
| Wisconsin | $55,280 | $4,595 | $1,842 | $4,229 | $44,614 | 19.3% |
| Wyoming | $55,280 | $4,595 | $0 | $4,229 | $46,456 | 16.0% |
Top Cities for Heavy Equipment Operator Pay
| City | Avg Salary |
|---|---|
| Honolulu, HI | $60,808 |
| Anchorage, AK | $60,808 |
| New York, NY | $60,808 |
| Chicago, IL | $60,808 |
| Seattle, WA | $60,808 |
Calculate Heavy Equipment Operator Take-Home Pay
Adjust the state and filing status to see your estimated after-tax income.
Estimated Take-Home Pay
Tax Breakdown
Tax Distribution
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Pay Frequency Breakdown
| Period | Gross | Tax | Net |
|---|---|---|---|
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How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator
Becoming a heavy equipment operator typically requires relevant education, training, or certification in the field. Many employers also value practical experience, professional development, and industry-specific credentials.Heavy Equipment Operator Career Outlook
Employment of heavy equipment operators is projected to grow steadily over the next decade, driven by continued demand across industries. Professionals who stay current with evolving requirements and build specialized expertise will find the strongest job prospects.Heavy Equipment Operator Salary FAQ
The median annual salary for heavy equipment operators in the US is $55,280, with a typical range from $34,800 to $84,600 depending on experience and location.
The highest-paying states for heavy equipment operators include HI, AK, IL. These states typically have strong demand and higher costs of living.
Entry-level heavy equipment operators can expect to earn around $35,932 per year, with salary increasing as they gain experience and expertise.
Being a heavy equipment operator can be a rewarding career with solid compensation and growth potential. Job outlook is generally positive across most regions.
The median hourly rate for heavy equipment operators is approximately $26.58, though this varies based on experience, location, and employer.