How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make?

The average salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator is $61,789 per year in United States. Salaries estimates are based on 3111 salaries submitted anonymously to Glassdoor by a Heavy Equipment Operator employees in United States.

The highest salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator in United States is $77,499 per year.

The lowest salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator in United States is $49,423 per year.

If you are thinking of becoming a Heavy Equipment Operator or planning the next step in your career, find details about the role, the career path and salary trajectory of a Heavy Equipment Operator.

Heavy equipment operators are paid salaries on par with that of other skilled workers including crane operators, millwrights, welders, cutters, plumbers, tool makers, and medical equipment repairers. Heavy equipment operators working as apprentices earn less pay than operators who have completed the programs, and overall pay generally raises with seniority and experience. Most heavy equipment operators work full time. Overtime or late-night shifts are typically available. Successful operators can be promoted into managerial positions.

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From anonymous ratings left on Glassdoor, about 69% of heavy equipment operators report feeling satisfied with their salary. With seven to eight years of experience and continuing training on the job, a heavy equipment operator can increase the cap on their earning potential.

Heavy equipment operators work in a wide variety of environments and earn a correspondingly wide scale of pay. Typical pay for the job falls between $40,435.39 and $94,840.78, with some variation depending on experience. The average salary is about $58,345.49 when following the most typical career path of heavy equipment operators.

Even if you're satisfied with your job as a heavy equipment operator, it may be possible to boost your base pay with experience and extra training. Heavy equipment operators can earn an OSHA Safety Certificate, which often opens the door to both higher pay on the job you already have and potential future jobs where certification is a prerequisite to be hired. Various certifications are also available from two- and four-year colleges, as well as trade groups such as the International Union of Operating Engineers, which certifies heavy equipment operators and fleet managers.

No matter how good your current job as a heavy equipment operator is, it's always good to negotiate a higher salary. You can start by updating your employer with current information about your experience, training, and active certificates. If you earn a hazmat certification or other related credentials, you might be able to ask for a higher base pay or bonus pay on top of your salary. It might also help to search for a higher-paying heavy equipment operator job elsewhere. Be sure to cast a wide net and look for jobs in different locations. Even if you stay your current job, getting an offer for more might help you negotiate a raise.