Engineering Equipment Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Engineering Equipment Operator make in the United States?

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Equipment Operator in the United States is $77,268 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

However, an Engineering Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $97,160
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,589 to $87,680
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $60,687
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View as table View as graph 25% $68,589 10% $60,687 90% $97,160 75% $87,680 $77,268 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Engineering Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $87,680 $7,307 $1,686 $42
Average $77,268 $6,439 $1,486 $37
25th Percentile $68,589 $5,716 $1,319 $33
Check out Engineering Equipment Operator Job Openings in the United States
Specialist Systems Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - SPRINGFIELD, VA

Equipment Operator

Solution One Industries, Inc - WILLIAMSBURG, VA

Heavy Equipment Crane Operator

ASRC Federal - CAPE CANAVERAL, FL

SMALL CRAFT&amp MARINE EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Department of the Navy - BANGOR, WA

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Key Factors That Influence Engineering Equipment Operator Salaries

An Engineering Equipment Operator'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.

How Do Engineering Equipment 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 Engineering Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $85,551.
  • California: $85,227.
  • Massachusetts: $84,091.

Top Paying Cities for Engineering Equipment 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: $97,458
  • San Francisco: $96,500
  • Oakland: $94,360

What Skills Can Increase an Engineering Equipment 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.
See More Skills
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 an Engineering Equipment 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
 $81,132
5%
Time Management
 $81,132
5%
Written Communication
 $79,586
3%
Analysis
 $79,586
3%
Coordination
 $78,814
2%
Standard Operating Procedures
 $78,814
2%
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How Education impacts an Engineering Equipment Operator's Salary?

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

Engineering Equipment Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Engineering Equipment 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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Engineering Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Engineering Equipment 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on January 01, 2026
$68,589
Average $77,268/year
$87,680
$5,716
Average $6,439/month
$7,307
$1,319
Average $1,486/week
$1,686
$33
Average $37/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $87,680 $7,307 $1,686 $42
Average $77,268 $6,439 $1,486 $37
25th Percentile $68,589 $5,716 $1,319 $33

Salaries of jobs related to Engineering Equipment Operator

Salary Trends for Engineering Equipment Operator

Salaries for an Engineering Equipment Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,418 in 2023 to around $65,236 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Equipment Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Engineering Equipment Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$65,418
2024
$65,822
2025
$65,236
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $65,418
2024 $65,822
2025 $65,236
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Engineering Equipment Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Engineering Equipment Operator

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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.)

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