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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 August 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
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View as table View as graph 25% $45,750 10% $40,879 90% $61,416 75% $56,500 $51,100 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Excavating and 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 $45,750 $3,813 $880 $22
Check out Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Job Openings in the United States
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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 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 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): $45,278
  • Excavating and 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
Construction Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,278
Excavating and 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 Construct...
$51,092 Excavatin...
$58,446 Construct...
$77,489 Construct...
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What Am I Worth?

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: $56,570.
  • 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: $63,740
  • 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 $57,203. While startup companies pay approximate $48,393.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$48,393
Growth Stage51~500$51,181
Established501~5000$55,240
Enterprise5000+$57,203

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 August 01, 2026

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 $73,800 44%
Construction Equipment Operator III $58,500 14%

Salary Trends for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II

Salaries for an Excavating and 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 Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Excavating and 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 Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II

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

Find Your Next Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator II Job

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

United States
  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Credit Risk Strategy & Data Science. About the Company. High-growth SMB lender building the next generation of credit decisioning. Industry... more

    19 Days Ago

  • KreilKamp Trucking

    Columbus, OH

    KreilKamp Trucking | Columbus, OH

    Regional CDL A Drivers | NEW Grads Welcome | Earn $70,000+ Annually. We're proud to be a 4th generation family truck line, started in 1935, but even proude... more

    19 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Vice President, Payments Engineering. About the Company. Globally-recognized provider of corporate payment solutions. Industry. Financial Services. Type. P... more

    21 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Senior Vice President of Project Delivery. About the Company. A multi-billion-dollar construction organization with collaborative, servant-minded leadershi... more

    21 Days Ago

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Chief of Staff. About the Company. Innovative travel platform for booking & managing work trips. Industry. Computer Software. Type. Privately Held, VC-back... more

    21 Days Ago

  • McDonalds

    Columbus, OH

    McDonalds | Columbus, OH

    McDonald’s is seeking Crew Team Members to assist with daily restaurant operations including customer service, food preparation, and maintaining restaurant... more

    28 Days Ago

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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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