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Heavy Equipment Operator salary
Heavy equipment operators run bulldozers, excavators, and other machinery on construction sites.
Median annual
$56,000
Median hourly
$27
Top 10% earn
$84,000+
Salary range
Bottom 10%$40,000
Median$56,000
Top 10%$84,000
Heavy Equipment Operator salary by experience level
How pay typically progresses from a first job to a senior role, modelled from the reported national pay distribution.
| Experience | Years | Annual | Hourly | vs median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry level | 0–2 years | $43,800 | $21 | -22% |
| Early career | 2–5 years | $50,700 | $24 | -9% |
| Mid career | 5–10 years | $60,000 | $29 | +7% |
| Senior / experienced | 10+ years | $74,600 | $36 | +33% |
- Entry level: Starting pay for newly qualified heavy equipment operators, before specialisation or overtime.
- Early career: Pay rises quickly once you can work independently and take on harder assignments.
- Mid career: Most workers sit around this level, often with a specialism or a first supervisory role.
- Senior / experienced: Lead, senior or management roles, plus the highest-paying employers and locations.
Career details
Education
High school diploma plus apprenticeship or vocational training.
Job outlook
5% growth through 2033 — infrastructure spending helps.
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