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How much does a Equipment Operator make?

The average salary for a Equipment Operator is $48,388 per year in the US.

An Equipment Operator earns an average yearly salary of about $48,388. This job involves running heavy machinery like bulldozers and cranes. Workers use these machines in construction, mining, and other industries. The salary can vary based on experience and location.


Here’s a closer look at salaries for Equipment Operators:

  • 10% earn about $30,720 or less.
  • 25% earn about $35,200 or less.
  • 50% earn about $48,640 or less.
  • 75% earn about $57,600 or less.
  • 90% earn about $66,560 or less.
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What are the highest paying cities for a Equipment Operator?

Job seekers seeking high earnings in Equipment Operator roles have some great options. San Diego, CA, Milwaukee, WI, and Spokane, WA, top the list with attractive average salaries. Boston, MA, and Seattle, WA, also offer competitive pay packages for those in the field. Washington, DC, Des Moines, IA, Boulder, CO, Rochester, MN, and Anchorage, AK, provide solid opportunities with average salaries ranging from $57,384 to $65,786. These cities cater well to professionals looking for both growth and financial stability in their careers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Equipment Operator jobs, highlighting San Diego, CA with the highest at $65,786 and Anchorage, AK with the lowest at $57,384.
  1. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $65,786
    In San Diego, operators have many opportunities in the booming defense and biotech sectors. Companies like BAE Systems and Illumina employ skilled workers. The sunny climate adds to the appeal of this coastal city.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  2. Milwaukee, WI
    Average Salary: $64,401
    Milwaukee offers a robust industrial sector with giants like Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. These companies provide steady jobs for those operating heavy machinery. The city's rich manufacturing history ensures a steady demand for skilled operators.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Milwaukee, WI


  3. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $64,144
    Spokane boasts a vibrant manufacturing scene with companies like Boeing and Washington Group. Workers find plenty of opportunities here. The city's scenic beauty also offers a nice place to live and work.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  4. Boulder, CO
    Average Salary: $61,881
    Boulder combines outdoor activities with a strong tech sector. Companies like Ball Aerospace provide numerous positions. The active lifestyle and stunning landscapes make this a desirable place to live and work.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Boulder, CO


  5. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $61,674
    Boston's thriving healthcare and education sectors need skilled operators. Companies such as Mass General and Harvard University offer many jobs. The city's rich history and cultural activities make it an attractive place to work.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  6. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $61,568
    Washington, DC, offers diverse opportunities in construction and government sectors. Firms like Bechtel and the U.S. Government employ many operators. The city’s political and cultural significance adds to its appeal.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  7. Des Moines, IA
    Average Salary: $61,016
    Des Moines provides a strong agricultural sector with companies like Cargill and Pioneer. These firms offer steady employment. The city's family-friendly environment makes it a great place to work and live.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Des Moines, IA


  8. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $60,868
    Seattle’s tech industry, with companies like Boeing and Amazon, offers many positions. The city's vibrant culture and natural beauty provide a rewarding place to work. The tech boom continues to drive demand for skilled operators.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Seattle, WA


  9. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $60,044
    Rochester is home to the renowned Mayo Clinic, offering numerous positions in healthcare and manufacturing. The city’s focus on health and education ensures steady job opportunities for operators.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Rochester, MN


  10. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $57,384
    Anchorage offers opportunities in the oil and fishing industries with companies like ConocoPhillips and Trident Seafoods. The city’s unique environment and outdoor activities make it an attractive place for workers.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Anchorage, AK

What are the best companies a Equipment Operator can work for?

Job seekers can find high-paying roles as equipment operators at Pacific Gas and Electric Company. They offer an average salary of $117,461, one of the highest among companies listed. Constellation and Alliant Energy also provide competitive salaries, with averages of $93,494 and $92,602, respectively. Other notable employers include Village Green Landscapes and Vulcan Materials Company. These companies offer solid pay and the chance to gain valuable experience. Job seekers may want to consider these options for good career opportunities.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Equipment Operator jobs, highlighting Pacific Gas and Electric Company with the highest at $117,461 and Texas Department of Transportation with the lowest at $66,670.
  1. Pacific Gas and Electric Company
    Average Salary: $117,461
    Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) offers lucrative opportunities for Equipment Operators, especially in California. They focus on maintaining and operating heavy equipment for construction and maintenance. Key locations include San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Sacramento.


  2. Constellation
    Average Salary: $93,494
    Constellation provides competitive salaries for Equipment Operators in their energy sector projects. They operate in multiple states, including Maryland, Michigan, and New York. Employees work on both commercial and residential projects, ensuring high standards of service.


  3. Alliant Energy
    Average Salary: $92,602
    Alliant Energy offers attractive compensation for Equipment Operators, with opportunities in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, and Minnesota. They focus on energy distribution and infrastructure maintenance, providing stable and rewarding career paths.


  4. Village Green Landscapes
    Average Salary: $72,565
    Village Green Landscapes specializes in landscaping and grounds maintenance. Equipment Operators here work on projects in the Midwest, particularly in Minnesota and Wisconsin. They handle various tasks, from tree maintenance to snow removal.


  5. Vulcan Materials Company
    Average Salary: $70,604
    Vulcan Materials Company provides good pay for Equipment Operators in the construction and mining sectors. They operate throughout the United States, with a significant presence in the Southeast and Midwest. Employees work on both large-scale and local projects.


  6. Troy Clogg Landscape & Snow Associates
    Average Salary: $70,231
    Troy Clogg Landscape & Snow Associates offers fair compensation for Equipment Operators, focusing on landscaping and snow removal. They operate mainly in the New England region, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.


  7. Premier Service, LLC
    Average Salary: $67,875
    Premier Service, LLC provides opportunities for Equipment Operators in commercial and industrial settings. They are active in the Midwest, particularly in Illinois and Indiana. Employees perform a variety of maintenance and operational tasks.


  8. Sierra Pacific Industries
    Average Salary: $67,711
    Sierra Pacific Industries offers Equipment Operators a chance to work on forestry and construction projects. They operate across the western United States, with locations in California, Oregon, and Washington. Employees engage in both logging and construction activities.


  9. Kiewit
    Average Salary: $67,663
    Kiewit provides good opportunities for Equipment Operators, focusing on large infrastructure and construction projects. They have a nationwide presence, with significant operations in the West, Midwest, and Northeast. Employees work on a variety of large-scale projects.


  10. Texas Department of Transportation
    Average Salary: $66,670
    The Texas Department of Transportation offers Equipment Operators a stable career with competitive pay. They focus on maintaining and improving the state’s transportation infrastructure. Positions are available across Texas, with a strong presence in major cities like Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

How to earn more as a Equipment Operator?

Becoming an experienced Equipment Operator opens up many opportunities to increase earnings. A skilled operator can command higher wages and find more lucrative positions. Here are some ways to earn more in this field.

Gaining experience plays a crucial role in earning more. Experienced operators understand the equipment better. They work faster and make fewer mistakes. Companies often pay more for proven expertise. Additionally, experienced operators can handle more complex tasks. This gives them the chance to take on higher-paying jobs.

Here are five factors that can help boost earnings:

  1. Gain Experience: Work in the field and build up your skills. Experience makes you more valuable.
  2. Get Certified: Earning certifications can increase your pay. Many employers look for certified operators.
  3. Learn New Skills: Knowing how to operate different types of equipment can open more job opportunities. This versatility often leads to higher pay.
  4. Work in High-Demand Areas: Some regions need more operators than others. Working in these areas can mean higher wages.
  5. Seek Promotions: Look for opportunities to move up within a company. Higher positions usually come with better pay.

Currently 2,001 Equipment Operator job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Equipment Operator in the US?

Learn what a Equipment Operator does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Equipment Operator today.
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Equipment Operator
2,001 Job Openings