How Much Does a Heavy Equipment Operator make?

Heavy Equipment Operator made a median salary around $67,643 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $77,139 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $56,830. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Check out Heavy Equipment Operator jobs in Lawton, Oklahoma

Heavy Equipment Operator

Crossland Construction Company - Tulsa, OK

Heavy Equipment Operator I

Oklahoma State University - Stillwater, OK

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Best-Paying Cities for Heavy Equipment Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Heavy Equipment Operator profession are Grant , Hendrix , Hugo , Kemp , Kenefic .
Grant, OK $78,308
Hendrix, OK $78,308
Hugo, OK $78,308
Kemp, OK $78,308
Kenefic, OK $78,308

Best-Paying States for Heavy Equipment Operator

The states and districts that pay Heavy Equipment Operator the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $88,517) , California (around $88,181) , Massachusetts (around $87,006) , Washington (around $86,686) , and New Jersey (around $86,654) .
District of Columbia $88,517
California $88,181
Massachusetts $87,006
Washington $86,686
New Jersey $86,654

Frequently Asked Questions for Heavy Equipment Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Heavy Equipment Operator in Lawton, OK?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Heavy Equipment Operator in Lawton, OK earned an average annual salary of $56,830 , while the highest-paid made $77,139.
Q: What is the salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator in California?
A: Heavy Equipment Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $88,181 in 2025.

Average Heavy Equipment Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Heavy Equipment Operator earned an average salary of $67,643 in 2025. Other jobs related to Heavy Equipment Operator earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Heavy Equipment Operator II made $45,627 , Heavy Equipment Operator I made $41,189 , Heavy Equipment Operator IV and Heavy Equipment Operator III made $66,945 and $53,062 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Heavy Equipment Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator II - Average Salary $45,627
Heavy Equipment Operator II operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator II identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Additionally, Heavy Equipment Operator II requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Heavy Equipment Operator II works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. To be a Heavy Equipment Operator II typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator I - Average Salary $41,189
Heavy Equipment Operator I operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator I identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Additionally, Heavy Equipment Operator I requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Heavy Equipment Operator I works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator IV - Average Salary $66,945
Heavy Equipment Operator IV operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator IV identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Additionally, Heavy Equipment Operator IV requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Heavy Equipment Operator IV independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. To be a Heavy Equipment Operator IV typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator III - Average Salary $53,062
Heavy Equipment Operator III operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Being a Heavy Equipment Operator III identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Additionally, Heavy Equipment Operator III requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. The Heavy Equipment Operator III works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. To be a Heavy Equipment Operator III typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee - Average Salary $67,643
There is currently no job description for Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Heavy Equipment Operator Trainee.