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Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salary in the United States

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

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

However, an Excavating and 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): $45,750 to $56,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,879

Key Factors That Influence Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salaries

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

How Do Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $56,580.
  • California: $56,360.
  • Massachusetts: $55,610.

Top Paying Cities for Excavating and 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: $64,450
  • San Francisco: $63,750
  • Oakland: $62,400

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

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,106. While startup companies pay approximate $48,306.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,306
Growth Stage 51~500 $51,089
Established 501~5000 $55,144
Enterprise 5000+ $57,106

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

For Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% 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 II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$66,430$32.030%
Pharmaceuticals$63,875$31.025%
Energy & Utilities$61,320$29.020%
Construction$58,765$28.015%
Biotechnology$56,210$27.010%

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

Understanding how an Excavating and 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 September 01, 2026
$45,750
Average $51,100/year
$56,500
$3,813
Average $4,258/month
$4,708
$880
Average $983/week
$1,087
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
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 $45,750 $3,813 $880 $22

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Excavating and 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.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Senior Equipment Operator-Crane $73,900 45%
Construction Equipment Operator III $58,500 14%

Most common benefits for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II

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

Common company salaries for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II

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

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FAQ about Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II

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

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Where do excavator operators make the most money?

Excavator operators can earn competitive salaries across various locations. The minimum salary is approximately $45,870, with a mid-range salary of about $53,540 and a maximum of $62,750. Cities like Denver, CO, and Flint, MI, offer some of the highest hourly rates, reflecting the demand and cost of living in those areas.

3. Is there a shortage of heavy equipment operators?

Yes, there is a shortage of heavy equipment operators. Approximately 45,700 openings for construction equipment operators are projected annually over the next decade. This demand arises from the need to replace workers who transition to other jobs or retire. The salary range for these positions typically falls between $45,870 and $62,750, with a median salary of $53,540.

4. Do crane operators make 100k?

Crane operators typically earn between $45,870 and $62,750 annually, with a median salary of $53,540. While some experienced operators may earn higher, reaching up to $100,000 is uncommon. Crane operators specialize in operating heavy machinery to lift and move large items, making their skills essential in construction and excavation projects.

5. What operator gets paid the most?

The highest-paid position among heavy equipment operators is typically the Crane Operator, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $69,000 per year. In comparison, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators earn between $45,870 and $62,750 annually, with a mid-salary of $53,540. Other roles like Winch Truck Drivers can earn up to $72,000.

6. What states pay heavy equipment operators the most?

The best-paying states for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators offer salaries significantly above the national average. While specific state salaries may vary, operators can expect a minimum salary of $45,870, a mid-range salary of $53,540, and a maximum salary of $62,750, reflecting the demand and skill level in this field.

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

The top pay for a heavy equipment operator typically reaches around $62,750 per year. For more experienced roles, such as a Senior Heavy Equipment Operator, salaries can go higher, but the standard range for operators generally falls between $45,870 and $62,750 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.)

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