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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Machine Operator in Colorado is $47,079 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Heavy Machine Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Heavy Machine Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $51,755 | $4,313 | $995 | $25 |
| Average | $47,079 | $3,923 | $905 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,052 | $3,504 | $809 | $20 |
RockForce - Denver, CO
AtWork - Denver, CO
Carlisle - Denver, CO
Elwood Staffing Services, Inc. - Longmont, CO
A Heavy Machine 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Heavy Machine Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $42,676 |
| Heavy Mac... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $47,428 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $53,814 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $57,826 |
| Machine O... Level Heavy Machine Operator | $84,015 |
What Am I Worth?
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 Heavy Machine Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Heavy Machine Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Machine Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Machine Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Media | $61,203 | $29.0 | 30% |
| Insurance | $58,849 | $28.0 | 25% |
| Construction | $56,495 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $54,141 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,787 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Heavy Machine 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $51,755 | $4,313 | $995 | $25 |
| Average | $47,079 | $3,923 | $905 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,052 | $3,504 | $809 | $20 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Machine Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Norfolk Iron and Metal
Greeley, CO
Norfolk Iron and Metal | Greeley, CO
Machine Operator. Machine Operator | Greeley, CO | $18.50 - $32.00 depending on experience. Candidates must be able to pass a drug test and background chec... more
7 Days Ago
Aerotek
Longmont, CO
Aerotek | Longmont, CO
Orbital TIG Welder. Location: Longmont, CO. Shift: Monday-Friday, 2:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Pay: $22-$28/hr DOE. Job Overview. We are seeking an experienced Orbi... more
7 Days Ago
Barton Supply
Aurora, CO
Barton Supply | Aurora, CO
Rebar Machine Operator. Are you mechanically inclined, safety-focused, and ready to work with high-performance industrial machinery. We're looking for a Re... more
8 Days Ago
Scotts Miracle-Gro
Brighton, CO
Scotts Miracle-Gro | Brighton, CO
Machine Operator. Here at Scotts Miracle-Gro there is no such thing as a typical day. Our culture is constantly energized by new and exciting growth opport... more
8 Days Ago
Allegion Plc
Colorado Springs, CO
Allegion Plc | Colorado Springs, CO
Creating Peace of Mind by Pioneering Safety and Security. At Allegion, we help keep the people you know and love safe and secure where they live, work and ... more
8 Days Ago
Aerotek
Denver, CO
Aerotek | Denver, CO
Machine Operator. Our team is seeking Machine Operators to join its production team. This company manufactures high-quality stainless steel clamps and fast... more
8 Days Ago
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