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Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator in the United States is $76,769 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,406
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,769 to $88,095
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,485
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator Salaries

A Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator'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 Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator 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 Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $84,999.
  • California: $84,677.
  • Massachusetts: $83,548.

Top Paying Cities for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operators

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: $96,829
  • San Francisco: $95,769
  • Oakland: $93,751

What Skills Can Increase a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator'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%
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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 Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator'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 $80,608
5%
Time Management $80,608
5%
Written Communication $79,072
3%
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Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hydro Excavation Vacuum 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, Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$92,123$44.020%
Biotechnology$92,123$44.020%
Chemicals$92,123$44.020%
Energy & Utilities$92,123$44.020%
Financial Services$92,123$44.020%

How Education impacts a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Hydro Excavation Vacuum 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 a Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).

Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator
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%
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Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hydro Excavation Vacuum 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 September 01, 2026
$68,769
Average $76,769/year
$88,095
$5,731
Average $6,397/month
$7,341
$1,322
Average $1,476/week
$1,694
$33
Average $37/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,095 $7,341 $1,694 $42
Average $76,769 $6,397 $1,476 $37
25th Percentile $68,769 $5,731 $1,322 $33

Most common benefits for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator

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

Common company salaries for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator

Here are companies hiring for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Hydro Excavation Vacuum Operator 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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