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Heavy Equipment Operator II Salary in the United States

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator II make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator II in the United States is $51,096 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $61,420
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,745 to $56,500
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,873
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Heavy Equipment Operator II Salaries

A Heavy Equipment Operator II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Heavy Equipment Operator II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy Equipment Operator II'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:

  • Heavy Equipment Operator I (0-1 years): $45,280
  • Heavy Equipment Operator II (1-3 years): $51,096
  • Heavy Equipment Operator III (3-5 years): $58,452
  • Heavy Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years): $77,510
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Heavy Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,280
Heavy Equipment Operator II1-3 years$51,096
Heavy Equipment Operator III3-5 years$58,452
Heavy Equipment Operator IV5-7 years$77,510
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How Do Heavy Equipment Operator II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $56,573.
  • California: $56,359.
  • Massachusetts: $55,608.

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Equipment Operator IIs

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: $64,447
  • San Francisco: $63,742
  • Oakland: $62,398

Heavy Equipment Operator II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Heavy Equipment Operator II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $57,102. While startup companies pay approximate $48,302.

Heavy Equipment Operator II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $48,302
Growth Stage 51~500 $51,085
Established 501~5000 $55,139
Enterprise 5000+ $57,102

Heavy Equipment Operator II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Heavy Equipment Operator II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Equipment Operator II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Heavy Equipment Operator II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$66,425$32.030%
Pharmaceuticals$63,870$31.025%
Energy & Utilities$61,315$29.020%
Construction$58,760$28.015%
Biotechnology$56,206$27.010%

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

Understanding how a Heavy Equipment Operator II'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 September 01, 2026
$45,745
Average $51,096/year
$56,500
$3,812
Average $4,258/month
$4,708
$880
Average $983/week
$1,087
$22
Average $25/hour
$27
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $56,500 $4,708 $1,087 $27
Average $51,096 $4,258 $983 $25
25th Percentile $45,745 $3,812 $880 $22

Heavy Equipment Operator II Salary Growth & Career Path

Heavy Equipment Operator II

Next Role

Advancement

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

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Crane Operator, Sr. $73,811 44%
Heavy Equipment Operator III $58,452 14%

Most common benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Heavy Equipment Operator II

Here are companies hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Heavy Equipment Operator II

1. Where can a Heavy Equipment Operator II earn the most?

A Heavy Equipment Operator II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Heavy Equipment Operator II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator II is $64,447.

2. What is the highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator II?

The highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator II is $61,420.

3. What is the lowest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator II?

The lowest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator II is $40,873.

4. What are the responsibilities of Heavy Equipment Operator II?

Operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Heavy Equipment Operator II?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Heavy Equipment Operator II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

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.

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