Equipment Operator salary in United States

Average Yearly Salary of Equipment Operator in United States is approximately 42,441 USD (42,459 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 Equipment Operator do?

An equipment operator is a skilled professional who operates heavy machinery and equipment used in construction, mining, and other industries. They are responsible for operating and controlling the equipment to perform tasks such as digging, grading, excavating, and lifting materials. Equipment operators are required to have a thorough understanding of the machinery they operate, ensuring its safe and efficient use. They must also be able to interpret blueprints and follow instructions to complete projects accurately and on time. Additionally, equipment operators are responsible for conducting routine maintenance and inspections to ensure the equipment is in good working condition.

Skills: Equipment Operator, Heavy Machinery, Construction, Mining, Excavation, Safety
Job industry: Construction

How much does Equipment Operator make?

Difference in salary year over year or average salary increase is approximately 3 %


Want to check how your salary compares? Submit your own salary here

Salary comparison to National average

Is Equipment Operator a well paid job?

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

What is considered a high salary for Equipment Operator?

High salary for Equipment Operator would be somewhere between 46,685 USD and 61,539 USD. However this is an estimation based on Gaussian Distribution.

How much can you save working as Equipment Operator in United States?

Living in United States the approximate monthly expenses are: 2,280 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: 42,441 USD
Estimated Monthly Salary: 3,537 USD
Estimated Weekly Salary: 816 USD per week
Estimated Hourly Salary: 20 USD per hour
By working as Equipment Operator a person can save up to 1,258 USD per month or 15,099 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 United States, see costs of living in United States.

Salary comparison to region and neighbouring coutries

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

Estimated Yearly Salary for Equipment 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 United States

Data as of 2025

Random salary:
Sap technical analyst (73,347 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Nurse anesthetist (crna) (188,019 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Software engineer (119,911 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Usher (20,473 USD per year, pre-tax.)
Database administrator (dba) (77,313 USD per year, pre-tax.)

Feedback about these results