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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator in Nebraska is $66,798 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 | $74,470 | $6,206 | $1,432 | $36 |
| Average | $66,798 | $5,566 | $1,285 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,022 | $5,085 | $1,174 | $29 |
Sampson Construction - Lincoln, NE
Dustrol, Inc. - Lincoln, NE
SBR Underground - Gretna, NE
K2 Construction LLC - Lincoln, NE
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 | $59,163 |
| Equipment... Level Equipment Operator | $66,234 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $81,505 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $89,992 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $106,282 |
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 | $74,814 | $36.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $73,478 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $72,142 | $35.0 | 8% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $71,474 | $34.0 | 7% |
| Media | $70,806 | $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 | $74,470 | $6,206 | $1,432 | $36 |
| Average | $66,798 | $5,566 | $1,285 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,022 | $5,085 | $1,174 | $29 |
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.
VendorWork, Inc.
Blair, NE
VendorWork, Inc. | Blair, NE
Job Description. Job Description. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR: EXCAVATOR/LABORER – BLAIR, NE. VendorWork is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment. Operator/Exca... more
4 Days Ago
Larson Farms
Hazard, NE
Larson Farms | Hazard, NE
Job Description. Job Description. Larson Farms, a diversified family farming operation near Hazard, Nebraska, seeks dependable Seasonal Harvest Equipment O... more
4 Days Ago
Aerotek
Omaha, NE
Aerotek | Omaha, NE
Aerotek - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment. Site preparation/grading/excavation. Daily equipment checks. Follow safety and project plans. Mainta... more
4 Days Ago
Aerotek
Waterloo, NE
Aerotek | Waterloo, NE
Aerotek - 251 Main Street - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment safely and efficiently. Perform grading and site preparation. Inspect and maintain eq... more
4 Days Ago
VendorWork, Inc.
Blair, NE
VendorWork, Inc. | Blair, NE
Job Description. Job Description. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – BLAIR, NE. VendorWork is seeking a qualified Heavy Equipment Operator for an established indus... more
5 Days Ago
Walmart Stores
North Platte, NE
Walmart Stores | North Platte, NE
Walmart Stores | Medical, Dental, Vision, Rx + 401(k) with match + PTO + 100% Reimbursement of Tuition & Books | 3001 East State Farm Road | Responsibiliti... more
5 Days Ago
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