▼13%
$19.73
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
/ hour
Avg. Base Hourly Rate (USD)
10%
$14.93
MEDIAN
$19.73
90%
$27.54
The average hourly pay for a Heavy Equipment Operator is $19.73 in 2025
Hourly Rate
$15 - $28
Bonus
$103 - $3k
Profit Sharing
$1k - $3k
Total Pay
$31k - $61k
Is Average Early-Career Heavy Equipment Operator with Machine Operation Skills Hourly Pay your job title? Find out what you should be paid
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What is the Pay by Experience Level for Heavy Equipment Operators?
What Do Heavy Equipment Operators Do?
Find your market worth – how it works:
Common Health Benefits for a Heavy Equipment Operator
Medical
66%
Dental
52%
Vision
43%
None
34%
Gender Breakdown for Heavy Equipment Operators
Male
94.2%
Female
5.8%
This data is based on 120 survey responses. Learn more about the gender pay gap.
FAQs About Heavy Equipment Operators
What is the highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operators?
Our data indicates that the highest pay for a Heavy Equipment Operator is $27.54 / hour
What is the lowest pay for Heavy Equipment Operators?
Our data indicates that the lowest pay for a Heavy Equipment Operator is $14.93 / hour
How can Heavy Equipment Operators increase their salary?
Increasing your pay as a Heavy Equipment Operator is possible in different ways. Change of employer: Consider a career move to a new employer that is willing to pay higher for your skills. Level of Education: Gaining advanced degrees may allow this role to increase their income potential and qualify for promotions. Managing Experience: If you are a Heavy Equipment Operator that oversees more junior Heavy Equipment Operators, this experience can increase the likelihood to earn more.