upper level job

Construction Equipment Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Construction Equipment Operator II make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Construction Equipment Operator II in the United States is $51,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

However, a Construction Equipment Operator II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,416
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,800 to $56,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,975
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
View as table View as graph 25% $45,800 10% $40,975 90% $61,416 75% $56,500 $51,100 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Construction Equipment Operator II Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $56,500 $4,708 $1,087 $27
Average $51,100 $4,258 $983 $25
25th Percentile $45,800 $3,817 $881 $22
Check out Construction Equipment Operator II Job Openings in the United States
Equipment Operator

The Middlesex Corporation - NORWALK, CT

Equipment Operator

The Middlesex Corporation - MERIDEN, CT

Heavy Civil Construction Superintendent

Resource Development Company - SPARKS, NV

Registered Dietitian II

Tanana Chiefs Conference - FAIRBANKS, AK

Search More Construction Equipment Operator II Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Construction Equipment Operator II Salaries

A Construction Equipment Operator II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Construction Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Construction Equipment Operator II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Construction Equipment Operator I (0-1 years): $45,269
  • Construction Equipment Operator II (1-3 years): $51,069
  • Construction Equipment Operator III (3-5 years): $58,404
  • Construction Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years): $77,345
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Construction Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,269
Construction Equipment Operator II1-3 years$51,069
Construction Equipment Operator III3-5 years$58,404
Construction Equipment Operator IV5-7 years$77,345
$45,269 Construct...
$51,069 Construct...
$58,404 Construct...
$77,345 Construct...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Construction Equipment Operator IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $64,500
  • San Francisco: $63,800
  • Oakland: $62,400

Construction Equipment Operator II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Construction Equipment Operator II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on January 01, 2026

Construction Equipment Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Construction Equipment Operator II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Construction Equipment Operator II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Equipment Operator-Crane $73,700 44%
Construction Equipment Operator III $58,500 14%

Salary Trends for Construction Equipment Operator II

Salaries for a Construction Equipment Operator II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,882 in 2023 to around $49,869 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Construction Equipment Operator II salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Construction Equipment Operator II Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$49,882
2024
$50,195
2025
$49,869
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $49,882
2024 $50,195
2025 $49,869
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Construction Equipment Operator II

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
For Employers

If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.

Compensation Planning

Common company salaries for Construction Equipment Operator II

Here are companies hiring for Construction Equipment Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Construction Equipment Operator II Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Construction Equipment Operator II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States
For Employees

Get a Salary Increase

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Search Job Openings

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

For Employers

Adjust Employee Salary

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Price My Industry Jobs

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

FAQ about Construction Equipment Operator II

1. What equipment operator makes the most money?

The highest-paying construction equipment operator roles include positions like Tower Crane Operator, with salaries ranging from $62,500 to $81,500 per year. In general, construction equipment operators earn between $45,900 and $62,800 annually, with a median salary of $53,600, reflecting the demand and skill level required for these jobs.

2. How much do heavy equipment operators make in Canada?

In Canada, the salary for a Construction Equipment Operator ranges from a minimum of $45,900 to a maximum of $62,800, with a mid-range salary of $53,600 per year. This reflects the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear picture of potential income in the industry.

3. What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator job?

The highest paid heavy equipment operator jobs include positions like Tower Crane Operator, with salaries ranging from $62,500 to $81,500 per year. Other high-paying roles include Rigging Supervisor and Crane Operator, which can earn between $53,000 and $80,000 annually. For Construction Equipment Operators, salaries range from $45,900 to $62,800, with a mid-salary of $53,600.

4. Is there a shortage of heavy equipment operators?

Yes, there is a shortage of heavy equipment operators, creating significant opportunities in the field. With salaries ranging from $45,900 to $62,800, this trade is increasingly attractive. The demand for skilled operators continues to rise, making it a promising career choice for those looking to enter the construction industry.

5. How much is level 2 salary in USA?

As of February 2025, the average annual salary for a Construction Equipment Operator in the United States is approximately $53,600. Salaries typically range from $45,900 to $62,800, reflecting the varying levels of experience and responsibilities within the role.

6. What's the best paying job in California?

One of the well-paying jobs in California is a Construction Equipment Operator, with a salary range from $45,900 to $62,800. The median salary for this role is approximately $53,600, making it a competitive option in the state's job market.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst
lower level job