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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Equipment Operator in Washington is $76,880 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
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 | $85,711 | $7,143 | $1,648 | $41 |
| Average | $76,880 | $6,407 | $1,478 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,233 | $5,853 | $1,351 | $34 |
Trillium Staffing - Kent, WA
Rotschy Inc. - Vancouver, WA
Martin Marietta Materials - Mount Vernon, WA
Government Jobs - Spokane, WA
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 | $68,093 |
| Equipment... Level Equipment Operator | $76,231 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $93,808 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $103,575 |
| Field Ope... Level Equipment Operator | $122,324 |
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 | $86,106 | $41.0 | 12% |
| Construction | $84,568 | $41.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $83,031 | $40.0 | 8% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $82,262 | $40.0 | 7% |
| Media | $81,493 | $39.0 | 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 | $85,711 | $7,143 | $1,648 | $41 |
| Average | $76,880 | $6,407 | $1,478 | $37 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,233 | $5,853 | $1,351 | $34 |
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.
Waste Connections
Vancouver, WA
Waste Connections | Vancouver, WA
Waste Connections - - Responsibilities: Operate forklift and baler. Sort and identify materials from customers. Greet and educate customers on onsite rules... more
5 Days Ago
Stemilt Growers LLC
Othello, WA
Stemilt Growers LLC | Othello, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Stemilt Ag Services LLC. Job Description. Job Title. Equipment Operator. Department. Stemilt Ag Services LLC. Reports To.... more
7 Days Ago
The ODP Corporation
Kent, WA
The ODP Corporation | Kent, WA
The ODP Corporation - 6805 South 217th Street - Responsibilities: Perform loading, unloading and/or picking of product and materials using powered lifting ... more
3 Days Ago
Vail Resorts
Leavenworth, WA
Vail Resorts | Leavenworth, WA
Job Description. Job Description. . Create Your Experience of a Lifetime. . Come work and play in the mountains. Whether it’s your first-time seeing snow o... more
4 Days Ago
Vail Resorts, Inc.
Leavenworth, WA
Vail Resorts, Inc. | Leavenworth, WA
Vail Resorts, Inc. Responsibilities: Operate all equipment used by the Mt. Ops team. Monitor all equipment and communicate with Vehicle Maintenance. Mainte... more
6 Days Ago
Northwest Industrial Staffing, Inc
Tacoma, WA
Northwest Industrial Staffing, Inc | Tacoma, WA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Container Forklift Operator / Heavy Equipment Operator. Compensation. $22.00 – $24.00 per hour. Job Type. Full... more
6 Days Ago
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