How Much Does a Heavy Machine Operator Make?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Heavy Machine Operator in the United States is $48,236. While Salary.com is seeing that Heavy Machine Operator salary in the US can go up to $59,539 or down to $37,452, but most earn between $42,591 and $54,152. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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Similar Job Salaries to Heavy Machine Operator by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
J&D Equipment Hauling, LLC.
Heavy Machine Operator
$43,155/yr
$39,223
$47,087
RANGE: $39,223 - $47,087
Talascend
Forklift/Heavy Machine Operator
$47,163/yr
$42,502
$51,825
RANGE: $42,502 - $51,825
Fisher Industries
Heavy Machine Operator
$54,898/yr
$49,248
$60,547
RANGE: $49,248 - $60,547
Tempe Elementary School District No. 3
Heavy Equipment/Machine Operator
$44,004/yr
$39,909
$48,099
RANGE: $39,909 - $48,099
Tempe School District No.3
Heavy Equipment/Machine Operator
$44,618/yr
$40,466
$48,771
RANGE: $40,466 - $48,771
Tempe Elementary School District #3
Heavy Equipment/Machine Operator
$54,428/yr
$48,967
$59,890
RANGE: $48,967 - $59,890
Schuff Steel
Heavy Machine Operator (B)
$58,558/yr
$52,347
$64,768
RANGE: $52,347 - $64,768
The H&K Group
Heavy Duty Machine Operator Position
$54,880/yr
$49,373
$60,387
RANGE: $49,373 - $60,387
The Wild Animal Sanctuary
Heavy Equipment/Machine Operator- Springfield, Co.
$59,082/yr
$53,108
$65,055
RANGE: $53,108 - $65,055
Award Staffing
Machine Operator Heavy - 3rd Shift in Forest Lake, MN | $20.50/Hour
$51,717/yr
$46,550
$56,884
RANGE: $46,550 - $56,884

Open Heavy Machine Operator Jobs in the United States

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What Does a Heavy Machine Operator Do?

Heavy machine operators are required to operate these machines in order to complete a specific task, care for these machines, and often repair and maintain these machines as well.
Updated December 18, 2021
Most of these logging deaths occurred in four occupational groups: logging occupations (for example, fellers, limbers, buckers, and choker setters), truck drivers, general laborers, and material machine operators.
Updated December 18, 2021
This position assists the operators to allow them to focus on the part quality on the line as well as keeping the machines loaded and ready to go into production.
Updated December 18, 2021
If you like working outside and independently, driving big vehicles, and enjoy seeing the results of a hard day of work, a career as a Heavy Equipment Operator may be in your future.
Updated December 17, 2021
Rental companies purchased heavy equipment machines, but they had different specifications for the ones they purchased compared to fancier models that a private contractor would be looking to buy.
Updated December 16, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Heavy Machine Operator Salaries

What is the average of a Heavy Machine Operator in the United States?

The Heavy Machine Operator salary range is from $42,591 to $54,152, and the average Heavy Machine Operator salary is $48,236/year in the United States. The Heavy Machine Operator's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Heavy Machine Operator salary in the United States?

The Heavy Machine Operator salary in San Jose, CA is $60,839 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Heavy Machine Operator's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Heavy Machine Operator.

What is the growth rate of the Heavy Machine Operator's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Heavy Machine Operator or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Heavy Machine Operator.

Recent Salary Report

Below are the most recent Heavy Machine Operator salary reports. Employer name has been removed to protect anonymity.

$48,818 Yearly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Tacoma, WA reported making $48,818 per year
Tacoma, WA
100 - 200 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$50,056 Yearly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Frisco, TX reported making $50,056 per year
Frisco, TX
200 - 6 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$23 Hourly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Chicago, IL reported making $23 per hour
Chicago, IL
7,6 - 15,000 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$26 Hourly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Gary, IN reported making $26 per hour
Gary, IN
3,000 - 7,6 employees
Part-Time
Company - Public
$58,915 Yearly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Middletown, DE reported making $58,915 per year
Middletown, DE
6 - 1,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Private
$4,227 Monthly
A Heavy Machine Operator in Orange, CA reported making $4,227 per month
Orange, CA
1,000 - 3,000 employees
Full-Time
Company - Public