As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Landfill Equipment Operator in the United States is $77,796 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Landfill Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Landfill 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.
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 Landfill Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.21% |
| Equipment Operation | 3.69% |
| Public Works | 2.37% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Waste Management
|
$81,686 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$81,686 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$80,130 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$80,130 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$79,352 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$79,352 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Landfill 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 Landfill Equipment Operator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).
Landfill Equipment Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| 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% |
Understanding how a Landfill 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.
Last Updated on May 01, 2026Salaries for a Landfill Equipment Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $65,795 in 2023 to around $65,612 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Landfill Equipment Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $65,795 |
| 2024 | $66,202 |
| 2025 | $65,612 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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