As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavating/Loading Machine Operator in Illinois is $37,607 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.
However, an Excavating/Loading Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Excavating/Loading Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $46,577 | $3,881 | $896 | $22 |
| Average | $37,607 | $3,134 | $723 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,228 | $2,519 | $581 | $15 |
G&W Electric - Joliet , IL
G&W Electric - Westmont , IL
G&W Electric - Woodridge , IL
G&W Electric - Aurora , IL
An Excavating/Loading Machine Operator'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.
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/Loading Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
Understanding how an Excavating/Loading Machine Operator'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 | $46,577 | $3,881 | $896 | $22 |
| Average | $37,607 | $3,134 | $723 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,228 | $2,519 | $581 | $15 |
For an Excavating/Loading Machine Operator, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Crane/Tower Operator role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $55,056 - a projected growth of 46% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Excavating/Loading Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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