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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator in Kansas is $67,514 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $32.
However, an Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $75,269 | $6,272 | $1,447 | $36 |
| Average | $67,514 | $5,626 | $1,298 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,677 | $5,140 | $1,186 | $30 |
Martin Marietta Materials - , KS
Amerine Utilities Construction, Inc - Great Bend, KS
empirical foods, inc. - Garden City, KS
Cowley County - Winfield, KS
An Equipment Operator'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 an Equipment Operator'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $59,797 |
| Equipment... Level Equipment Operator | $66,944 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $82,379 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $90,956 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $107,421 |
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 Equipment Operators. 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 Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 24% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Energy & Utilities and Construction sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Equipment Operator positions in Financial Services or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Energy & Utilities | $75,616 | $36.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $74,265 | $36.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $72,915 | $35.0 | 8% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $72,240 | $35.0 | 7% |
| Media | $71,565 | $34.0 | 6% |
Understanding how an Equipment Operator'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 | $75,269 | $6,272 | $1,447 | $36 |
| Average | $67,514 | $5,626 | $1,298 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,677 | $5,140 | $1,186 | $30 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Martin Marietta Materials
Leavenworth, KS
Martin Marietta Materials | Leavenworth, KS
Martin Marietta Materials - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment on grading crew. Inspect/marshal equipment for wear. Perform basic maintenance on h... more
4 Days Ago
Government Jobs
Wichita, KS
Government Jobs | Wichita, KS
Government Jobs - Full-time - $16.10 - $22.76 Hourly The main responsibility of this position is skilled and safe operation of trucks and other powered equ... more
5 Days Ago
RM Steel Buildings
Manhattan, KS
RM Steel Buildings | Manhattan, KS
Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. We are seeking a motivated and skilled CDL. Operator/Transportation. Equipment Operator to join our dynamic... more
6 Days Ago
Nucor
Kansas City, KS
Nucor | Kansas City, KS
Nucor - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment of various sizes including cranes and loaders. Load scrap material onto shredder feed conveyor and move... more
3 Days Ago
Nucor
Kansas City, KS
Nucor | Kansas City, KS
Nucor - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment including cranes and loaders. Load scrap material onto shredder feed conveyor and move material around ... more
3 Days Ago
Torgeson Electric Company
Topeka, KS
Torgeson Electric Company | Topeka, KS
Job Description. Job Description. DescriptionTorgeson. Electric Company is seeking Operators and Laborers for site electrical installation including Site L... more
4 Days Ago
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