Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary in the United States

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

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Construction Equipment Operator IV in the United States is $77,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $99,279
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,500 to $88,900
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,216
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View as table View as graph 25% $69,500 10% $62,216 90% $99,279 75% $88,900 $77,500 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $88,900 $7,408 $1,710 $43
Average $77,500 $6,458 $1,490 $37
25th Percentile $69,500 $5,792 $1,337 $33
Check out Construction Equipment Operator IV Job Openings in the United States
Construction Equipment Operator

Northern HammerWorks - Avon Lake, OH

Equipment Operator

Danis - Columbus, OH

Equipment Operator Construction

Congruex - New Albany, OH

Equipment Operator Construction

Congruex - Cincinnati, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries

A Construction Equipment Operator IV'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, education, 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 IV'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): $45,277
  • Construction Equipment Operator II (1-3 years): $51,089
  • Construction Equipment Operator III (3-5 years): $58,440
  • Construction Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years): $77,468
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Construction Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,277
Construction Equipment Operator II1-3 years$51,089
Construction Equipment Operator III3-5 years$58,440
Construction Equipment Operator IV5-7 years$77,468
$45,277 Construct...
$51,089 Construct...
$58,440 Construct...
$77,468 Construct...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Construction Equipment Operator IVs

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: $97,800
  • San Francisco: $96,700
  • Oakland: $94,700

What Skills Can Increase a Construction Equipment Operator IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 5.21% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 3.69% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
  • Public Works (Mentioned in 2.37% Job Postings): Public works are a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.21%
Equipment Operation 3.69%
Public Works 2.37%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Construction Equipment Operator IV's salary.
  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management
$81,375
5%
Time Management
$81,375
5%
Written Communication
$79,825
3%
Analysis
$79,825
3%
Coordination
$79,050
2%
Standard Operating Procedures
$79,050
2%
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Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Construction Equipment Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $86,683. While startup companies pay approximate $73,308.

Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$73,308
Growth Stage51~500$77,535
Established501~5000$83,709
Enterprise5000+$86,683

Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Construction Equipment Operator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Construction Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Construction Equipment Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Construction Equipment Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$93,000$45.020%
Biotechnology$93,000$45.020%
Chemicals$93,000$45.020%
Energy & Utilities$93,000$45.020%
Financial Services$93,000$45.020%

How Education impacts a Construction Equipment Operator IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Construction Equipment Operator IVs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Construction Equipment Operator IV with a No Diploma is between $70,557 and $78,648).

Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Construction Equipment Operator IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 81.7%
Associates 8.4%
Bachelors 4.6%
Masters 1.1%
Doctorate 0.4%
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Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Construction Equipment Operator IV'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 July 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Construction Equipment Operator IV

Salaries for a Construction Equipment Operator IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,976 in 2023 to around $64,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Construction Equipment Operator IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Construction Equipment Operator IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,976
2024
$65,378
2025
$64,796
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,976
2024 $65,378
2025 $64,796
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Construction Equipment Operator IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Construction Equipment Operator IV

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

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FAQ about Construction Equipment Operator IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Construction Equipment Operator IV?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Construction Equipment Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. What is top pay for a machine operator?

The top pay for a Construction Equipment Operator is approximately $89,800 annually. The average salary in this field is around $78,800, while entry-level positions may start at a minimum of $65,700. These figures reflect the competitive nature of the industry and the skills required for the role.

3. What is a Class A heavy equipment operator?

A Class A heavy equipment operator is responsible for operating complex heavy construction equipment and performing manual labor tasks. The salary for this position typically ranges from $65,700 to $89,800, with a mid-range salary of $78,800, reflecting the skills and responsibilities involved in the role.

4. Are heavy equipment operators in high demand?

Heavy equipment operators are indeed in high demand, particularly for infrastructure projects and renewal efforts. With salaries ranging from $65,700 to $89,800, this profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the essential role operators play in construction and development. The demand for skilled operators continues to grow as projects expand.

5. How much do CDL operators make?

CDL operators, specifically Construction Equipment Operators, earn a salary ranging from $65,700 to $89,800, with a median salary of $78,800. This reflects the typical earnings in the industry, differing from the higher average reported for owner-operators.

6. Can a heavy equipment operator make 6 figures?

While heavy equipment operators can earn a substantial income, the salary data indicates that the maximum salary is $89,800. This means that while some may approach six figures, it is not typical for most operators. The majority earn between $65,700 and $89,800, with a mid-salary of $78,800.

7. What is top pay for a heavy equipment operator?

The top pay for a Construction Equipment Operator typically reaches up to $89,800 per year. Salaries can vary based on experience and position, with entry-level operators starting around $65,700 and mid-level operators earning approximately $78,800 annually.

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.

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