How Much Does a Heavy Machinery Operator make?

Heavy Machinery Operator made a median salary around $78,644 in April, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $89,684 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $66,072. 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 Machinery Operator jobs in Wisconsin

Heavy Equipment Operator

ExpressPros - Madison - Madison, WI

Heavy Equipment Operator

PeopleReady - Cornell, WI

Heavy Equipment Operator

Tradesmen International, Inc. - Onalaska, WI

Heavy Equipment Operator (Union)

Veolia Environnement SA - Menomonee Falls, WI

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Best-Paying Cities for Heavy Machinery Operator

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Heavy Machinery Operator profession are Almena , Amery , Baldwin , Balsam Lake , Barron .
Almena, WI $82,953
Amery, WI $82,953
Baldwin, WI $82,953
Balsam Lake, WI $82,953
Barron, WI $82,953

Best-Paying States for Heavy Machinery Operator

The states and districts that pay Heavy Machinery 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 Machinery Operator

Q: What is the salary range of Heavy Machinery Operator in Wisconsin?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Heavy Machinery Operator in Wisconsin earned an average annual salary of $66,072 , while the highest-paid made $89,684.
Q: What is the salary for a Heavy Machinery Operator in California?
A: Heavy Machinery Operator employed in California earned an average salary of $88,181 in 2025.

Average Heavy Machinery Operator Pay vs. Other Jobs

Heavy Machinery Operator earned an average salary of $78,644 in 2025. Other jobs related to Heavy Machinery Operator earned the following average salary in April, 2025. Heavy Equipment Operator IV made $75,528 , Heavy Equipment Operator III made $57,045 , Heavy Equipment Operator II and Heavy Equipment Operator I made $48,954 and $44,524 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Heavy Machinery Operator

Heavy Equipment Operator IV - Average Salary $75,528
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. 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. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. 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. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator III - Average Salary $57,045
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. 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. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator II - Average Salary $48,954
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. 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. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under moderate supervision. Gaining or has attained full proficiency in a specific area of discipline. Typically requires 1-3 years of related experience.
Heavy Equipment Operator I - Average Salary $44,524
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. 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. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. 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 Machine Operator - Average Salary $47,449
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