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Salary

How much does a Equipment Operator make?

The average salary for a Equipment Operator is $47,742 per year in the US.

An Equipment Operator can expect to earn a solid income. The average yearly salary for this role is around $47,742. This figure can vary based on experience and location. Many operators find themselves earning between the lower and higher ends of the salary range. This range includes salaries from $32,000 to $75,000 per year.

The salary distribution shows that most Equipment Operators earn between $35,909 and $59,364 annually. This range covers the middle 50% of earners. A smaller percentage of operators earn more than $59,364 each year. These higher salaries often go to those with more experience or specialized skills. On the lower end, some operators earn less than $35,909, usually those who are newer to the job or in entry-level positions.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Equipment Operator?

Job seekers looking for high-paying equipment operator roles should consider Washington, DC, where the average salary reaches $65,243. Buffalo, NY, and San Diego, CA, follow closely with average salaries of $64,680 and $63,345, respectively. These cities offer competitive wages and opportunities for those in the equipment operator field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Equipment Operator jobs, highlighting Washington, DC with the highest at $65,243 and Los Angeles, CA with the lowest at $58,143.
  1. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $65,243
    In Washington, DC, operating heavy machinery is a key role. Many government projects need skilled workers. Companies like AECOM and Clark Construction offer many opportunities.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Washington, DC


  2. Buffalo, NY
    Average Salary: $64,680
    Buffalo, NY, has a strong manufacturing sector. Operating equipment is vital here. Companies like General Motors and Wegmans provide many job openings. The city values skilled operators.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Buffalo, NY


  3. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $63,345
    San Diego, CA, offers a mix of military and commercial opportunities. Operating equipment is crucial in both sectors. Companies like Navy Federal Credit Union and Qualcomm need skilled workers. The city's diverse economy provides many options.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in San Diego, CA


  4. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $62,663
    Seattle, WA, has a booming tech and aerospace industry. Operating equipment is essential here. Companies like Boeing and Amazon need skilled operators. The city offers a dynamic work environment.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Seattle, WA


  5. Spokane, WA
    Average Salary: $61,522
    Spokane, WA, has a strong focus on manufacturing and logistics. Operating equipment is a key part of the job. Companies like Washington Group and Spokane Transit Authority offer many job openings. The city values skilled workers.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Spokane, WA


  6. Rochester, MN
    Average Salary: $61,146
    Rochester, MN, is known for its healthcare industry. Operating equipment is important here. Companies like Mayo Clinic and IBM need skilled operators. The city offers a stable and rewarding work environment.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Rochester, MN


  7. Boston, MA
    Average Salary: $60,728
    Boston, MA, has a mix of education and healthcare sectors. Operating equipment is vital. Companies like Harvard University and Boston Medical Center offer many job openings. The city values skilled workers.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Boston, MA


  8. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $59,212
    Portland, OR, has a vibrant tech and manufacturing scene. Operating equipment is crucial. Companies like Intel and Nike need skilled operators. The city offers a dynamic and innovative work environment.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Portland, OR


  9. Springfield, MA
    Average Salary: $58,287
    Springfield, MA, has a strong manufacturing base. Operating equipment is key here. Companies like MassMutual and Smith & Wesson offer many job openings. The city values skilled workers.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Springfield, MA


  10. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $58,143
    Los Angeles, CA, has a diverse economy with opportunities in entertainment and logistics. Operating equipment is essential. Companies like Amazon and UPS need skilled operators. The city offers a dynamic and varied work environment.
    Find Equipment Operator jobs in Los Angeles, CA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying Equipment Operator roles can find excellent opportunities at Los Alamos National Laboratory, Terracon Consultants Inc, and Constellation Energy. These companies offer competitive salaries, making them attractive choices for those in the field. Additionally, Wayfair, Tradesmen International, and Primoris Services Corporation provide solid compensation packages for Equipment Operators.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Equipment Operator jobs, highlighting Los Alamos National Laboratory with the highest at $103,454 and Burns & McDonnell with the lowest at $65,366.
  1. Los Alamos National Laboratory
    Average Salary: $103,454
    Los Alamos National Laboratory offers exciting opportunities for Equipment Operators. They work in various locations, including Los Alamos, New Mexico. The roles involve operating heavy machinery and ensuring safety on site.


  2. Terracon Consultants Inc
    Average Salary: $101,963
    Terracon Consultants Inc provides top-notch jobs for Equipment Operators. They operate in multiple states across the U.S. Employees handle a variety of equipment, ensuring projects run smoothly.


  3. Constellation Energy
    Average Salary: $88,774
    Constellation Energy offers rewarding positions for Equipment Operators. They work in locations like Baltimore, Maryland. The job involves operating and maintaining energy-related equipment.


  4. Wayfair
    Average Salary: $84,292
    Wayfair provides good opportunities for Equipment Operators. They operate in several locations, including Boston, Massachusetts. The role includes handling warehouse equipment and ensuring efficient operations.


  5. Tradesmen International
    Average Salary: $72,872
    Tradesmen International offers solid positions for Equipment Operators. They work in various locations, including Chicago, Illinois. The job involves operating machinery and ensuring project timelines are met.


  6. Primoris Services Corporation
    Average Salary: $71,508
    Primoris Services Corporation provides good opportunities for Equipment Operators. They operate in multiple locations, including Houston, Texas. The role includes handling heavy machinery and ensuring safety.


  7. Tesla
    Average Salary: $68,142
    Tesla offers exciting roles for Equipment Operators. They operate in locations like Fremont, California. The job involves working with advanced machinery and supporting production processes.


  8. delta constructors
    Average Salary: $67,780
    delta constructors provides good opportunities for Equipment Operators. They operate in various locations, including New York City, New York. The job involves handling construction equipment and ensuring project efficiency.


  9. City of Portsmouth, VA
    Average Salary: $67,054
    The City of Portsmouth, VA offers rewarding positions for Equipment Operators. They work in Portsmouth, Virginia. The job includes operating municipal equipment and maintaining public infrastructure.


  10. Burns & McDonnell
    Average Salary: $65,366
    Burns & McDonnell provides good opportunities for Equipment Operators. They operate in multiple locations, including Kansas City, Missouri. The role includes handling various types of equipment and supporting engineering projects.

How to earn more as a Equipment Operator?

Becoming a skilled Equipment Operator opens up many opportunities for earning more. Employers value operators who can work efficiently and safely. They often reward such operators with higher pay. To increase earnings, focus on these key areas:

First, gain experience. The more time spent operating different types of equipment, the more valuable an operator becomes. Experience leads to greater proficiency and confidence. This can result in higher pay and more job opportunities. Second, consider obtaining certifications. Many employers prefer or require certified operators. Certifications show a commitment to safety and skill. They can lead to higher-paying positions. Third, learn new skills. Equipment technology is always advancing. Staying updated with the latest tools and techniques can make an operator more attractive to employers. Fourth, seek out specialized training. Some industries, like construction or mining, offer specialized training. This training can lead to higher-paying jobs. Finally, network with other professionals. Building a strong network can lead to job referrals and insider information about higher-paying positions.

By focusing on these areas, an Equipment Operator can significantly increase their earning potential. Each step taken towards greater skill and knowledge opens up new opportunities for higher pay.

  1. Gain experience
  2. Obtain certifications
  3. Learn new skills
  4. Seek specialized training
  5. Network with other professionals

Currently 1,814 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.
Position
Overview
Equipment Operator
1,814 Job Openings