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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator in Pennsylvania is $70,584 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
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 | $78,691 | $6,558 | $1,513 | $38 |
| Average | $70,584 | $5,882 | $1,357 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,481 | $5,373 | $1,240 | $31 |
SA Recycling - Beaver Falls, PA
Sims Metal - York, PA
Sims Metal - Monessen, PA
ND Paper - Langhorne, PA
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 | $62,516 |
| Equipment... Level Equipment Operator | $69,988 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $86,125 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $95,092 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $112,306 |
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 | $79,054 | $38.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $77,642 | $37.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $76,231 | $37.0 | 8% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $75,525 | $36.0 | 7% |
| Media | $74,819 | $36.0 | 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 | $78,691 | $6,558 | $1,513 | $38 |
| Average | $70,584 | $5,882 | $1,357 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,481 | $5,373 | $1,240 | $31 |
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.
ClubCorp
Avondale, PA
ClubCorp | Avondale, PA
ClubCorp - - Responsibilities: Operate powered equipment to mow golf course areas, including putting greens, slopes, collars, roughs, aprons, and tees. Per... more
4 Days Ago
Veolia
Allentown, PA
Veolia | Allentown, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Company Description. Veolia has acquired Clean Earth. As Clean Earth completes its integration into Veolia, recruiting an... more
5 Days Ago
Mongiovi & Son Plumbing Contractor LP
Pittsburgh, PA
Mongiovi & Son Plumbing Contractor LP | Pittsburgh, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Summary:We are seeking a reliable and experienced Excavating Equipment Operator to join our team. This role involves ... more
5 Days Ago
Primetime Tree and Landscape Services LLC
Imperial, PA
Primetime Tree and Landscape Services LLC | Imperial, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. Health insurance. Paid time off. 401(k). . Benefits/Perks. Competitive Compensation. Great Work Environment. Ca... more
6 Days Ago
Casella Waste Systems, Inc.
Hamburg, PA
Casella Waste Systems, Inc. | Hamburg, PA
Job Description. Job Description. Overview. The Equipment Operator is responsible for the safe and efficient operation of all equipment used in the Materia... more
6 Days Ago
Penn National Gaming
East Hanover Township, PA
Penn National Gaming | East Hanover Township, PA
Penn National Gaming - - Responsibilities: Operate tractors and other general equipment to maintain casino grounds. Prepare equipment daily and adjust for ... more
6 Days Ago
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