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:
Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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 |
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.
Salaries for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $54,992 in 2023 to around $54,329 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $54,992 |
| 2024 | $54,962 |
| 2025 | $54,329 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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