What are the main factors that influence a Heavy Equipment Operator I's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Heavy Equipment Operator 's salary?

A Heavy Equipment Operator 's salary grows with experience: a Heavy Equipment Operator I (0-1 years)earns $41,528, a Heavy Equipment Operator II (1-3 years)earns $46,857, a Heavy Equipment Operator III (3-5 years)earns $53,597, a Heavy Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years)earns $71,037,

What are the highest paying cities for a Heavy Equipment Operator I?

Heavy Equipment Operator I salary varies significantly by city. The top 3 highest paying cities in South Dakota for Heavy Equipment Operator I roles are San Jose $57,107, San Francisco $56,481, Oakland $55,291.

How much do different types of Heavy Equipment Operator roles make?

Salaries for Heavy Equipment Operator level roles vary by specialization: Heavy Equipment Operator IV: $77,448; Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee: $76,210; Heavy Construction Equipment Operator: $75,911; Field Equipment Operator I: $62,859; Heavy Equipment Operator III: $58,434.

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary in Java, SD (June 01, 2026)

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary in Java, SD

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator I make in Java, SD?

As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator I in Java, SD is $41,528 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.

However, a Heavy Equipment Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $48,590
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $38,245 to $45,224
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,257

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Heavy Equipment Operator I	0-1 years	$41,528
Heavy Equipment Operator II	1-3 years	$46,857
Heavy Equipment Operator III	3-5 years	$53,597
Heavy Equipment Operator IV	5-7 years	$71,037

Job Role

Years of Experience

Average Salary

Heavy Equipment Operator I

0-1 years

$41,528

Heavy Equipment Operator II

1-3 years

$46,857

Heavy Equipment Operator III

3-5 years

$53,597

Heavy Equipment Operator IV

5-7 years

$71,037

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Heavy Equipment Operator I'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 June 01, 2026

$38,245

Average $41,528/year

$45,224

$3,187

Average $3,461/month

$3,769

$735

Average $799/week

$870

$18

Average $20/hour

$22

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$45,224	$3,769	$870	$22
Average	$41,528	$3,461	$799	$20
25th Percentile	$38,245	$3,187	$735	$18

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Heavy Equipment Operator I, 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role	Estimate Salary	Projected Raise
Crane Operator	$47,740	15%
Heavy Equipment Operator II	$46,857	13%
Mobile Crane Operator	$50,144	21%

Find Your Next Heavy Equipment Operator I Job

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

Cost of Living In Java, SD

Cost of Living in Java, SD is

-6.1% Lower

than the National Average

Use Salary.com's Cost of Living Calculator to find out what income you need to maintain your standard of living in a different city and how much more or less money you need to budget for basic expenses.

Explore Cost of Living Calculator

Empower Your Team

Salary.com experts will help you thrive your workplaces.

Find Salary.com Comp Consulting

See Salary Trends in 2025

Salary.com provides salary survey data for thousands of industry Jobs.

Price Your Company Jobs and Make Pay Fair

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine 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

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary in Java, SD

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator I make in Java, SD?

Key Factors That Influence Heavy Equipment Operator I Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Heavy Equipment Operator Salaries?

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Equipment Operator Is