How much does a Ground hand make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground hand in the United States is $77,506 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $99,350
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,429 to $88,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $62,074

Key Factors That Influence Ground hand Salaries

A Ground hand's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Do Ground hand Salaries Vary from State to State?

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:
  • District of Columbia: $85,815.
  • California: $85,489.
  • Massachusetts: $84,350.

Top Paying Cities for Ground hands

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:

  • San Jose: $97,758
  • San Francisco: $96,688
  • Oakland: $94,650

What Skills Can Increase a Ground hand's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 5.21% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 3.69% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
  • Public Works (Mentioned in 2.37% Job Postings): Public works are a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community.
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.21%
Equipment Operation 3.69%
Public Works 2.37%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Ground hand's salary.

  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management $81,381
5%
Time Management $81,381
5%
Written Communication $79,831
3%

Ground hand Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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.

The top paying industries for a Ground hand

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$93,007$45.020%
Biotechnology$93,007$45.020%
Chemicals$93,007$45.020%
Energy & Utilities$93,007$45.020%
Financial Services$93,007$45.020%

How Education impacts a Ground hand's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Ground hand
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%

Ground hand Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$69,429
Average $77,506/year
$88,940
$5,786
Average $6,459/month
$7,412
$1,335
Average $1,490/week
$1,710
$33
Average $37/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,940 $7,412 $1,710 $43
Average $77,506 $6,459 $1,490 $37
25th Percentile $69,429 $5,786 $1,335 $33

Most common benefits for Ground hand

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Ground hand

Here are companies hiring for Ground hand and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Ground hand

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Ground hand?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Ground hand roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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