Salary AI Book a Demo

Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator IV in the United States is $77,489 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $99,230
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,452 to $88,869
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,135
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salaries

A Heavy 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 Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy 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:

  • Heavy Equipment Operator I (0-1 years): $45,278
  • Heavy Equipment Operator II (1-3 years): $51,092
  • Heavy Equipment Operator III (3-5 years): $58,446
  • Heavy Equipment Operator IV (5-7 years): $77,489
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Heavy Equipment Operator I0-1 years$45,278
Heavy Equipment Operator II1-3 years$51,092
Heavy Equipment Operator III3-5 years$58,446
Heavy Equipment Operator IV5-7 years$77,489
View as Graph

How Do Heavy Equipment Operator IVs 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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $85,796.
  • California: $85,470.
  • Massachusetts: $84,331.

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Equipment Operator IV

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: $97,737
  • San Francisco: $96,667
  • Oakland: $94,630

What Skills Can Increase a Heavy 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.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.21%
Equipment Operation 3.69%
Public Works 2.37%
See More Skills

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 a Heavy 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 $81,363
5%
Time Management $81,363
5%
Written Communication $79,814
3%
Get Latest Data

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

Heavy 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 $86,744. While startup companies pay approximate $73,384.

Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $73,384
Growth Stage 51~500 $77,612
Established 501~5000 $83,767
Enterprise 5000+ $86,744

Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Heavy 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, Heavy Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Equipment Operator IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Heavy Equipment Operator IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$92,987$45.020%
Biotechnology$92,987$45.020%
Chemicals$92,987$45.020%
Energy & Utilities$92,987$45.020%
Financial Services$92,987$45.020%

How Education impacts an Heavy Equipment Operator IV's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Heavy Equipment Operator IV enter the field with a Bachelor's 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 Heavy Equipment Operator IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $72,901 and $79,751.

Heavy Equipment Operator IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Heavy 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

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

Understanding how a Heavy 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
$69,452
Average $77,489/year
$88,869
$5,788
Average $6,457/month
$7,406
$1,336
Average $1,490/week
$1,709
$33
Average $37/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,869 $7,406 $1,709 $43
Average $77,489 $6,457 $1,490 $37
25th Percentile $69,452 $5,788 $1,336 $33

Most common benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator IV

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

Common company salaries for Heavy Equipment Operator IV

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

Find Your Next Heavy Equipment Operator IV Job

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

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

FAQ about Heavy Equipment Operator IV

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

A Heavy Equipment Operator IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator IV is $97,737.

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

The highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator IV is $99,230.

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

The lowest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator IV is $62,135.

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

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. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Heavy Equipment Operator IV roles, with salaries approximately 20% 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.

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