upper level job

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary in the United States

How much does an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I in the United States is $45,280 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $52,979
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,700 to $49,310
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,441
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI-Powered Talent
View as table View as graph 25% $41,700 10% $38,441 90% $52,979 75% $49,310 $45,280 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $49,310 $4,109 $948 $24
Average $45,280 $3,773 $871 $22
25th Percentile $41,700 $3,475 $802 $20
Check out Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Job Openings in the United States
Equipment Operator Construction

Congruex - Columbus, OH

Equipment Operator

Danis - Columbus, OH

Physician Oncology Ohio Permanent Associate Medical Director

eviCore healthcare - Columbus, OH

Search More Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Jobs in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salaries

An Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I'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 Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I'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:

  • Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I (0-1 years): $45,278
  • Construction Equipment Operator II (1-3 years): $51,092
  • Construction Equipment Operator III (3-5 years): $58,446
  • Construction Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years): $77,489
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,278
Construction Equipment Operator II1-3 years$51,092
Construction Equipment Operator III3-5 years$58,446
Construction Equipment Operator IV5-7 years$77,489
$45,278 Excavatin...
$51,092 Construct...
$58,446 Construct...
$77,489 Construct...
View as Table
View as Graph

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator Is

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: $57,110
  • San Francisco: $56,490
  • Oakland: $55,300

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $50,688. While startup companies pay approximate $42,881.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$42,881
Growth Stage51~500$45,352
Established501~5000$48,949
Enterprise5000+$50,688

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Energy & Utilities$63,392$30.040%
Pharmaceuticals$61,128$29.035%
Financial Services$58,864$28.030%
Aerospace & Defense$56,600$27.025%
Internet$54,336$26.020%

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

Understanding how an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I'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 August 01, 2026

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I, 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.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Equipment Operator-Crane $52,100 15%
Construction Equipment Operator II $51,100 13%
Equipment Operator-Mobile Crane $54,700 21%

Salary Trends for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I

Salaries for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $46,199 in 2023 to around $45,837 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$46,199
2024
$46,081
2025
$45,837
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $46,199
2024 $46,081
2025 $45,837
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I

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 Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I

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

Find Your Next Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I Job

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

United States
  • MD Staff, LLC

    Columbus, OH

    MD Staff, LLC | Columbus, OH

    Neurologist Locum Tenens Opportunity Near Columbus, OH. We are excited to offer a rewarding locum tenens opportunity for a Board Certified or Board Eligibl... more

    6 Days Ago

  • C.R. England

    Columbus, OH

    C.R. England | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. C.R. England is Now Urgently Hiring Local Dedicated CDL-A Truck Drivers. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full Bene... more

    12 Days Ago

  • Maxim Healthcare

    Columbus, OH

    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

    14 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

    15 Days Ago

  • Family Dollar

    Columbus, OH

    Family Dollar | Columbus, OH

    Customer Service Associate. We're seeking a Customer Service Associate to join our team and deliver a great shopping experience for every customer. Duties ... more

    17 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

    17 Days Ago

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 Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I?

The Energy & Utilities industry offers the highest average compensation for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator I roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What kind of operator makes the most money?

High-paying heavy equipment operator jobs include positions like Crane Operator, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $69,000, and Winch Truck Driver, earning between $53,500 and $72,000. Construction Equipment Operators typically earn between $40,720 and $56,420, making them competitive in the industry.

3. What states pay heavy equipment operators the most?

The best-paying states for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators typically offer salaries above the national average. While specific state data may vary, operators can expect salaries ranging from a minimum of $40,720 to a maximum of $56,420, with a mid-range salary of $48,310. States like New Jersey, Hawaii, and California often lead in compensation for this profession.

4. Can heavy equipment operators make 100k?

Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $40,720 and $56,420 annually, with a median salary of $48,310. While some specialized operators may earn higher wages, reaching $100,000 is uncommon in this field. Proficiency in operating various heavy equipment can lead to better opportunities and pay.

5. What is the top pay for an excavator operator?

The top pay for an excavating and construction equipment operator is $56,420. The median salary is $48,310, while the minimum salary starts at $40,720. Salaries above $56,420 may be considered outliers.

6. Is there a demand for heavy equipment operators?

Yes, there is a strong demand for heavy equipment operators, with over 821,080 positions expected in the U.S. through December 2024. The salary for excavating and construction equipment operators ranges from $40,720 to $56,420, with a median salary of $48,310, reflecting the growing need for skilled professionals in this field.

7. Do heavy equipment operators make 6 figures?

Heavy equipment operators typically earn between $40,720 and $56,420 annually, with a mid-salary of $48,310. This means they do not generally make six figures, as their average salary is below that threshold.

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