As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground hand in the United States is $77,484 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Ground hand's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
Smart Recruiting
AI-Powered Talent
A Ground hand'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 Ground hands. 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
|
$81,359 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$81,359 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$79,809 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$79,809 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$79,034 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$79,034 |
2%
|
For Ground hand 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, Ground hand positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ground hand as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $92,981 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $92,981 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $92,981 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $92,981 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $92,981 | $45.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ground hands 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 a Ground hand with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Ground hand 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 a Ground hand'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Ground hand can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,268 in 2023 to around $64,089 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Ground hand salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $64,268 |
| 2024 | $64,665 |
| 2025 | $64,089 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Ground hand and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Ground hand job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Ground hand 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.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
