Underground Operator Salary in the United States

How much does an Underground Operator make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Underground Operator in the United States is $78,521 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, an Underground Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $98,863
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $69,712 to $89,169
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $61,692
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $69,712 10% $61,692 90% $98,863 75% $89,169 $78,521 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Underground Operator Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $89,169 $7,431 $1,715 $43
Average $78,521 $6,543 $1,510 $38
25th Percentile $69,712 $5,809 $1,341 $34
Check out Underground Operator Job Openings in the United States
Underground Equipment Operator

Oldcastle Inc. - Hilliard, OH

Underground Pipeline Excavation Operator

Building Crafts, Inc. - Cincinnati, OH

Underground Utilities Excavation Operator

Cable Services Company - Williamsfield, OH

Underground Equipment Operator

Oldcastle Inc. - East Fultonham, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Underground Operator Salaries

An Underground 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.

Top Paying Cities for Underground Operators

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:

  • San Jose: $99,038
  • San Francisco: $98,064
  • Oakland: $95,889

What Skills Can Increase an Underground Operator's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Commitment (Mentioned in 5.21% Job Postings): An agreement or pledge to do something in the future a commitment to improve conditions at the prison especially : an engagement to assume a financial obligation at a future date.
  • Equipment Operation (Mentioned in 3.69% Job Postings): This is skilled and unskilled work in the operation of mechanical tools and light to heavy equipment used in maintenance and construction or on the grounds of state properties or facilities and routine maintenance of that equipment.
  • Public Works (Mentioned in 2.37% Job Postings): Public works are a broad category of infrastructure projects, financed and constructed by the government, for recreational, employment, and health and safety uses in the greater community.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Commitment 5.21%
Equipment Operation 3.69%
Public Works 2.37%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Underground Operator's salary.
  • Waste Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Written Communication: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Waste Management
 $82,447
5%
Time Management
 $82,447
5%
Written Communication
 $80,876
3%
Analysis
 $80,876
3%
Coordination
 $80,091
2%
Standard Operating Procedures
 $80,091
2%
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How Education impacts an Underground Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Underground 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 an Underground Operator with a No Diploma is between $69,226 and $76,768).

Underground Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Underground Operator
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%
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Underground Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Underground 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on April 01, 2026
$69,712
Average $78,521/year
$89,169
$5,809
Average $6,543/month
$7,431
$1,341
Average $1,510/week
$1,715
$34
Average $38/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $89,169 $7,431 $1,715 $43
Average $78,521 $6,543 $1,510 $38
25th Percentile $69,712 $5,809 $1,341 $34

Salaries of jobs related to Underground Operator

Salary Trends for Underground Operator

Salaries for an Underground Operator can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $66,425 in 2023 to around $66,241 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Underground Operator salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Underground Operator Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$66,425
2024
$66,836
2025
$66,241
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $66,425
2024 $66,836
2025 $66,241
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Underground Operator

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Underground Operator

Here are companies hiring for Underground Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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