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Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator in the United States is $75,951 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $95,674
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,420 to $86,275
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,652
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $67,420 10% $59,652 90% $95,674 75% $86,275 $75,951 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $86,275 $7,190 $1,659 $41
Average $75,951 $6,329 $1,461 $37
25th Percentile $67,420 $5,618 $1,297 $32
Check out Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Job Openings in the United States
Heavy Equipment Operator

Centuri Construction Group - Columbus, OH

Heavy Equipment Operator

GHD - Columbus, OH

Heavy Equipment Operator III

Geotex Construction Services Inc - Columbus, OH

Heavy Equipment Operator

Geotex Construction Services Inc - Columbus, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salaries

A Heavy Construction 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.

Top Paying Cities for Heavy Construction 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: $95,797
  • San Francisco: $94,748
  • Oakland: $92,752

What Skills Can Increase a Heavy Construction 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 a Heavy Construction 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
 $79,749
5%
Time Management
 $79,749
5%
Written Communication
 $78,230
3%
Analysis
 $78,230
3%
Coordination
 $77,470
2%
Standard Operating Procedures
 $77,470
2%
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Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$91,141$44.020%
Biotechnology$91,141$44.020%
Chemicals$91,141$44.020%
Energy & Utilities$91,141$44.020%
Financial Services$91,141$44.020%

How Education impacts a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator's Salary?

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

Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salaries by Degree Level

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

Understanding how a Heavy Construction 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 August 01, 2026
$67,420
Average $75,951/year
$86,275
$5,618
Average $6,329/month
$7,190
$1,297
Average $1,461/week
$1,659
$32
Average $37/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,275 $7,190 $1,659 $41
Average $75,951 $6,329 $1,461 $37
25th Percentile $67,420 $5,618 $1,297 $32

Salaries of jobs related to Heavy Construction Equipment Operator

Salary Trends for Heavy Construction Equipment Operator

Salaries for a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $64,183 in 2023 to around $64,005 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Heavy Construction Equipment Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$64,183
2024
$64,580
2025
$64,005
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $64,183
2024 $64,580
2025 $64,005
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Heavy Construction Equipment Operator

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

Here are companies hiring for Heavy Construction Equipment Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Construction Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • Geotex Construction Services Inc

    Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator II

    Geotex Construction Services Inc | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. BUILD WHAT MATTERS WITH GEOTEX CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. At Geotex Construction Services, we don't just move di... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO)

    Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) | Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator. Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO) serves Franklin County and neighboring areas with solutions for solid waste. SWACO ... more

    8 Days Ago

  • MasTec

    Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    MasTec | Columbus, OH

    MasTec - - Responsibilities: Operate light construction equipment, including backhoes, cable plows, trenchers, hydraulic reel trailers, and other machinery... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Distro

    Columbus, OH

    Foreman Heavy Equipment Operator

    Distro | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. ob Description We are hiring 6 Foreman-level Heavy Equipment Operators for a large-scale civil infrastructure project sup... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Congruex

    Columbus, OH

    Equipment Operator Construction

    Congruex | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Reports To. VP Construction. Travel Potential. Local travel to various job sites as business needs require. Compensation.... more

    6 Days Ago

  • Orders Construction

    Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator with years experience

    Orders Construction | Columbus, OH

    Job Title. Job Description more

    5 Days Ago

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FAQ about Heavy Construction Equipment Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Heavy Construction Equipment Operator?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Heavy Construction Equipment 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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