As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator I in New York is $48,134 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Heavy Equipment Operator I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
Smart Recruiting
Heavy Equipment Operator I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $52,417 | $4,368 | $1,008 | $25 |
| Average | $48,134 | $4,011 | $926 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,328 | $3,694 | $852 | $21 |
A Heavy Equipment Operator I'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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy Equipment Operator I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Operator I | 0-1 years | $48,134 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator II | 1-3 years | $54,313 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator III | 3-5 years | $62,128 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator IV | 5-7 years | $82,356 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Heavy Equipment Operator Is. 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:
Heavy Equipment Operator I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,837. While startup companies pay approximate $45,530.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $45,530 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $48,156 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $51,990 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $53,837 |
