Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV in the United States is $77,490 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $99,231
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,460 to $88,870
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,149
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered HR
View as table View as graph 25% $69,460 10% $62,149 90% $99,231 75% $88,870 $77,490 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $88,870 $7,406 $1,709 $43
Average $77,490 $6,458 $1,490 $37
25th Percentile $69,460 $5,788 $1,336 $33
Check out Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Job Openings in the United States
Equipment Operator Construction

Congruex - Columbus, OH

Physician Other Ohio Permanent Associate Medical Director

eviCore healthcare - Columbus, OH

Instacart

Instacart - Columbus, OH

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

Key Factors That Influence Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries

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

What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IVs

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: $97,740
  • San Francisco: $96,670
  • Oakland: $94,630

What Skills Can Increase an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 5.21% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 3.69% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
  • Public Works (Mentioned in 2.37% Job Postings): Public works are a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.21%
Equipment Operation 3.69%
Public Works 2.37%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV's salary.
  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management
$81,365
5%
Time Management
$81,365
5%
Written Communication
$79,815
3%
Analysis
$79,815
3%
Coordination
$79,040
2%
Standard Operating Procedures
$79,040
2%
Get Latest Data

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

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $86,746. While startup companies pay approximate $73,385.

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$73,385
Growth Stage51~500$77,613
Established501~5000$83,768
Enterprise5000+$86,746

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

For Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

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

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$92,988$45.020%
Biotechnology$92,988$45.020%
Chemicals$92,988$45.020%
Energy & Utilities$92,988$45.020%
Financial Services$92,988$45.020%

How Education impacts an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IVs enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV with a No Diploma is between $70,527 and $78,601).

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 3.8%
High School 81.7%
Associates 8.4%
Bachelors 4.6%
Masters 1.1%
Doctorate 0.4%
view as graph

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

Understanding how an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV'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

Salary Trends for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV

Salaries for an Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,976 in 2023 to around $64,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV salary trends, .

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

2022
$???
2023
$64,976
2024
$65,378
2025
$64,796
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,976
2024 $65,378
2025 $64,796
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV

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 IV

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

Find Your Next Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV Job

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

United States
  • Continuum Medical Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Continuum Medical Staffing | Columbus, OH

    PSYCHIATRIST- CHILD/ADOLESCENT COLUMBUS OHIO We are seeking a Board-Certified Child/ Adolescent Psychiatrist for a permanent position in Columbus Ohio No V... more

    6 Days Ago

  • 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

  • Confidential

    Columbus, OH

    Confidential | Columbus, OH

    Associate Vice President, Brand & External Communications. About the Company. National consulting & advisory services firm focused on the healthcare indust... more

    17 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. \n. Dedicated Local Fleet - Home Daily - Competitive Pay* - Full ... more

    18 Days Ago

  • 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

    18 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

    18 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 IV

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

2. How much do excavator operators make in the USA?

Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators in the USA earn between $65,660 and $89,720 annually. The average salary is approximately $78,720, reflecting the midpoint of this range. These figures provide a clear overview of the earning potential in this profession.

3. Are heavy equipment operators in high demand?

Heavy equipment operators are indeed in high demand, particularly for infrastructure projects and renewal efforts. With salaries ranging from a minimum of $65,660 to a maximum of $89,720, this profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the essential role these operators play in construction and excavation activities.

4. How much are construction workers paid in USA?

The salary for Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators in the USA ranges from $65,660 to $89,720 annually, with a median salary of $78,720. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with operating heavy machinery in the construction industry.

5. How much can an excavator make?

An excavating and construction equipment operator can expect to earn a minimum salary of $65,660, with a mid-range salary of $78,720 and a maximum salary of $89,720. This reflects a competitive pay scale in the industry, significantly higher than the previously mentioned percentiles.

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

The top pay for an excavating and construction equipment operator is approximately $89,720 annually. The average salary in this field is around $78,720, with entry-level positions starting at about $65,660. These figures can vary based on experience, location, and specific job responsibilities.

7. Are excavators in high demand?

Yes, excavators are in high demand, particularly due to growth in construction, infrastructure, and mining sectors. As a result, Excavating and Construction Equipment Operators can expect competitive salaries, with a minimum of $65,660, a mid-range of $78,720, and a maximum of $89,720, reflecting the industry's robust expansion.

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
lower level job