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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavator in Iowa is $70,928 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, an Excavator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Excavator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $80,414 | $6,701 | $1,546 | $39 |
| Average | $70,928 | $5,911 | $1,364 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,835 | $5,236 | $1,208 | $30 |
Iowa Trenchless - Panora, IA
Iowa Trenchless - Grimes, IA
Pirc-Tobin Construction - Des Moines, IA
Pirc-Tobin Construction - Alburnett, IA
An Excavator'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.
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 Excavators. 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:
For Excavator 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, Excavator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Excavator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $85,114 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $85,114 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $85,114 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $85,114 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $85,114 | $41.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Excavator'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 | $80,414 | $6,701 | $1,546 | $39 |
| Average | $70,928 | $5,911 | $1,364 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $62,835 | $5,236 | $1,208 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Excavator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Absolute Group IA
Granger, IA
Absolute Group IA | Granger, IA
Excavator Operator. We are looking for an experienced Excavator Operator for underground utility installation. The successful candidate will have experienc... more
7 Days Ago
Advance Services Inc
Spencer, IA
Advance Services
Spencer, IA
Advance Services | Spencer, IA
Heavy Equipment Operator (Excavator/Front End Loader). Immediately seeking. Monday-Friday | 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM. Pay DOE. Experience with excavators preferre... more
6 Days Ago
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Specialized Physical Therapy | CENTENNIAL, CO
Pelvic Floor/Ortho Split Physical Therapist: Centennial. Starting at $80,000 (depending on experience, schedule, and pelvic health expertise). Sign-on/Relo... more
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Salam School
MILWAUKEE, WI
Salam School | MILWAUKEE, WI
Information Technology Staff/Teacher. Salam School is an NCA CASI-accredited, college-preparatory Islamic school whose enrollment is reaching 1500-plus stu... more
13 Days Ago
The Hirexpress LLC
SIDNEY, MT
The Hirexpress LLC | SIDNEY, MT
Registered Nurse (Post Partum, Obstetrics RN, Nursery, Labor and Delivery Nurse). Location:- Sidney, MT. Contract position for 13 weeks with possible exten... more
6 Days Ago
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