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Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III in the United States is $58,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $70,935
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $52,490 to $64,990
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $47,055

Key Factors That Influence Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III Salaries

An Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $64,720.
  • California: $64,480.
  • Massachusetts: $63,620.

Top Paying Cities for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IIIs

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: $73,730
  • San Francisco: $72,920
  • Oakland: $71,390

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

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $65,331. While startup companies pay approximate $55,264.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $55,264
Growth Stage 51~500 $58,447
Established 501~5000 $63,086
Enterprise 5000+ $65,331

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

For Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 95% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$81,844$39.040%
Biotechnology$78,921$38.035%
Software & Networking$75,998$37.030%
Aerospace & Defense$73,075$35.025%
Energy & Utilities$70,152$34.020%

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

Understanding how an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III'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
$52,490
Average $58,460/year
$64,990
$4,374
Average $4,872/month
$5,416
$1,009
Average $1,124/week
$1,250
$25
Average $28/hour
$31
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $64,990 $5,416 $1,250 $31
Average $58,460 $4,872 $1,124 $28
25th Percentile $52,490 $4,374 $1,009 $25

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III Salary Growth & Career Path

For an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Construction Equipment Operator IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $77,600 - a projected growth of 33% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III

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

Common company salaries for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III

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

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FAQ about Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III

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

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

2. Do crane operators make 100k?

Crane operators typically earn between $52,060 and $72,910 annually, with a median salary of $62,300. While some experienced operators may earn higher, reaching up to $100,000 is less common. Crane operators specialize in operating heavy machinery to lift and move large items, making their skills essential in construction and excavation projects.

3. Is there a high demand for heavy equipment operators?

Yes, there is a high 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 a minimum of $52,060 to a maximum of $72,910, with a median salary of $62,300, reflecting the importance of this role in the industry.

4. What is the highest paid operator's salary?

The highest paid Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators can earn up to $72,910 annually. In the Philippines, cities like Pasig, Taguig, and Manila report monthly salaries around ?21,121, ?21,083, and ?20,764, respectively, reflecting competitive compensation in the region.

5. What is the highest paid heavy equipment operator?

The highest paid heavy equipment operator roles include positions like Tower Crane Operator, with salaries ranging from $62,500 to $81,500 per year. In comparison, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators earn between $52,060 and $72,910 annually, with a mid-salary of $62,300. These roles offer competitive compensation within the industry.

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

The top pay for an excavating and construction equipment operator is approximately $72,910 annually. The average salary in this field is around $62,300, while entry-level positions start at about $52,060. These figures can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

7. What states pay heavy equipment operators the most?

New Jersey offers competitive salaries for heavy equipment operators, with earnings around $62,300, while states like Arkansas may pay significantly less. The salary range for this profession typically falls between $52,060 and $72,910, reflecting variations across different states and regions.

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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