As of February 01, 2026, the average salary for a Light Equipment Operator in the United States is $41,645 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $20.
However, a Light Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Light 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Light Equipment 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Light Equipment Operator | $41,300 |
| Intermediate Level Light Equipment Operator | $41,892 |
| Senior Level Light Equipment Operator | $43,119 |
| Specialist Level Light Equipment Operator | $43,286 |
| Expert Level Light Equipment Operator | $43,565 |
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 Light Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail | 5.41% |
| Container | 4.03% |
| Shipping and Receiving | 1.93% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Initiative
|
$42,895 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$42,895 |
3%
|
|
Equipment Operation
|
$42,895 |
3%
|
|
Sense Of Urgency
|
$42,478 |
2%
|
|
Commitment
|
$42,478 |
2%
|
|
Continuous Improvement
|
$42,478 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Light Equipment Operators enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Light Equipment Operator with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $40,353 and $42,714).
Light Equipment Operator Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 5.2% |
| High School | 80.2% |
| Associates | 10.4% |
| Bachelors | 3.9% |
| Masters | 0.3% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Light 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 February 01, 2026Salaries for a Light Equipment Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $45,265 in 2023 to around $44,911 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Light Equipment Operator salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $45,265 |
| 2024 | $45,150 |
| 2025 | $44,911 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 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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