As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Excavator Operator in the United States is $78,623 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Excavator Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Excavator 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
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 Excavator Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.21% |
| Equipment Operation | 3.69% |
| Public Works | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$82,554 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$82,554 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$80,981 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$80,981 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$80,195 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$80,195 |
2%
|
For Excavator Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Excavator Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Excavator Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $94,347 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $94,347 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $94,347 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $94,347 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $94,347 | $45.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Excavator Operators enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Excavator Operator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Excavator Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.8% |
| High School | 81.7% |
| Associates | 8.4% |
| Bachelors | 4.6% |
| Masters | 1.1% |
| Doctorate | 0.4% |
Understanding how an Excavator 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Salaries for an Excavator Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,229 in 2023 to around $65,048 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Excavator Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,229 |
| 2024 | $65,633 |
| 2025 | $65,048 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Excavator Operator roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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