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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator in Tennessee is $66,259 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 | $73,870 | $6,156 | $1,421 | $36 |
| Average | $66,259 | $5,522 | $1,274 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,530 | $5,044 | $1,164 | $29 |
SA Recycling - Nashville, TN
SA Recycling - Chattanooga, TN
Elwood Staffing - Knoxville, TN
Commercial Metals Corp. - Rockwood, TN
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 | $58,686 |
| Equipment... Level Equipment Operator | $65,699 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $80,848 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $89,266 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $105,425 |
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 | $74,210 | $36.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $72,885 | $35.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $71,560 | $34.0 | 8% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $70,897 | $34.0 | 7% |
| Media | $70,234 | $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 | $73,870 | $6,156 | $1,421 | $36 |
| Average | $66,259 | $5,522 | $1,274 | $32 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,530 | $5,044 | $1,164 | $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.
Commercial Metals Corp.
Chattanooga, TN
Commercial Metals Corp. | Chattanooga, TN
Commercial Metals Corp. Responsibilities: Maintains work area and equipment in a clean orderly condition and follows safety regulations. Operates productio... more
4 Days Ago
BrightView
Memphis, TN
BrightView | Memphis, TN
BrightView - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment in a safe and effective manner. Perform daily safety and maintenance checks. Maintain and securely... more
5 Days Ago
Hot Topic, Inc.
La Vergne, TN
Hot Topic, Inc. | La Vergne, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Hot Topic Distribution Center is looking to hire Full-Time Equipment Operators directly. Do you have experience operating... more
6 Days Ago
EnSafe Inc.
Memphis, TN
EnSafe Inc. | Memphis, TN
Job Description. Job Description. Do you like working with different project teams in a fast-paced environment. Are you interested in joining an organizati... more
7 Days Ago
Xylem I LLC
Sweetwater, TN
Xylem I LLC | Sweetwater, TN
Job Description. Job Description. The Equipment Operator operates heavy equipment of various types to remove branches and tree material from electrical lin... more
4 Days Ago
Vulcan Materials Company
Parsons, TN
Vulcan Materials Company | Parsons, TN
Vulcan Materials Company - 150 Rock Crusher Lane - Responsibilities: Operate and control the pit loader to load and move materials within the pit area. Exc... more
4 Days Ago
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