As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Landfill Equipment Operator in the United States is $77,837 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
|
$81,729 |
5%
|
|
Time Management
|
$81,729 |
5%
|
|
Written Communication
|
$80,172 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$80,172 |
3%
|
|
Coordination
|
$79,394 |
2%
|
|
Standard Operating Procedures
|
$79,394 |
2%
|
For Landfill 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, Landfill Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Landfill Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $93,404 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $93,404 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $93,404 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $93,404 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $93,404 | $45.0 | 20% |
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 July 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 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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