Heavy Machine Operator salary in Portugal

Average Yearly Salary of Heavy Machine Operator in Portugal is approximately 18,060 EUR (18,065 USD). Data is for 2025 and indicates a pre-tax value. The salary itself depends on multiple factors such as seniority, job performance, certifications, experience or any other bonuses. The value indicated is an average amount based on records we have in database. Real values may vary. The data is for orientational purposes.

What does Heavy Machine Operator do?

A heavy machine operator is a skilled professional responsible for operating and maintaining heavy machinery such as bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, and forklifts. They are employed in construction, mining, forestry, and manufacturing industries. The primary role of a heavy machine operator is to safely and efficiently operate these machines to perform various tasks, including digging trenches, moving earth and materials, lifting heavy objects, and clearing debris. They must have a thorough understanding of the equipment they operate, including its controls, capabilities, and safety features. Additionally, heavy machine operators are responsible for conducting routine maintenance, inspecting equipment for defects, and reporting any issues to their supervisors.

Skills: Heavy machinery, Equipment operation, Construction industry, Mining industry, Safety protocols, Maintenance procedures
Job industry: Construction

How much does Heavy Machine Operator make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 4 %


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Salary comparison to National average

Is Heavy Machine Operator a well paid job?

No, our data shows that Heavy Machine Operator is typically not a well-paid job. The salary varies based on experience. Meaning that even though Heavy Machine Operator might be a low paying job, with experience the salary might increase to satisfactory levels.

What is considered a high salary for Heavy Machine Operator?

High salary for Heavy Machine Operator would be somewhere between 19,866 EUR and 26,187 EUR. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Heavy Machine Operator in Portugal?

Living in Portugal the approximate monthly expenses are: 1,032 USD. This amount covers basic needs such as food, housing, clothing, healthcare and education costs for a single person. No luxury expenses such as traveling, leisure, hobbies are included in the estimation.

Estimated Yearly Salary: 18,060 EUR
Estimated Monthly Salary: 1,505 EUR
Estimated Weekly Salary: 347 EUR per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 9 EUR per hour
By working as Heavy Machine Operator a person can save up to 473 USD per month or 5,681 USD yearly. Values are pre-tax.

NOTE: These values are estimates and are averaged for the whole country. Furthermore the value is likely exaggerated as no other expenses are taken into account in the projection. Unessential expenses are very subjective and are difficult to assess. Most likely the previously estimated number is significantly lower for majority of people. Expenses in different cities across the country may vary. Above values accuracy is low and is based on limited set of data obtained.

For more information regarding expenses in Portugal, see costs of living in Portugal.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

Country's neighbours are: Spain, orra.
To make it easier for comparison a conversion from local currency to USD has been made (conversion rates may vary).

Estimated Yearly Salary for Heavy Machine Operator

Last revision of data: 2025-01-04

Salary increase per years of experience

Based on data available the salary increase per years of experience is as following

0 years (beginner) equals base salary

1 to 5 years of experience yields +12% salary increase

6 to 10 years of experience yields +25% salary increase

11 to 15 years of experience yields +16% salary increase

16 to 25 years of experience yields +9% salary increase

more than 25 years of experience yields +10% salary increase

NOTE: Details based on limited set of data. Percentages may vary. The salary increase over years of experience can vary widely based on factors such as job industry, job role, location, company size, and individual performance. To gain even larger increase in salary one is advised to switch jobs and / or employer.

Top 10 highest salaries in Portugal

Data as of 2025

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