Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by State (2026)
Median annual pay for heavy equipment operators in all 51 reporting states, from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS, May 2025) data. Roughly 478,080 heavy equipment operators are employed nationwide — the highest median pay is $115,860 in Hawaii, and the typical state median is about $60,740.
Top-Paying States
Full Table: All States
| # | State | Median Annual Wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | $115,860 | 2,380 |
| 2 | Illinois | $97,740 | 12,290 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $89,660 | 5,980 |
| 4 | California | $87,160 | 36,020 |
| 5 | Washington | $81,700 | 10,290 |
| 6 | New York | $80,980 | 14,490 |
| 7 | Indiana | $79,580 | 11,520 |
| 8 | Minnesota | $79,130 | 8,590 |
| 9 | Connecticut | $78,750 | 2,860 |
| 10 | Alaska | $77,810 | 3,050 |
| 11 | Massachusetts | $76,820 | 9,680 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $75,280 | 8,140 |
| 13 | District of Columbia | $74,610 | 620 |
| 14 | Oregon | $73,430 | 5,630 |
| 15 | Nevada | $71,410 | 5,410 |
| 16 | Ohio | $64,940 | 16,920 |
| 17 | Rhode Island | $63,610 | 970 |
| 18 | Wyoming | $62,960 | 3,800 |
| 19 | Michigan | $62,690 | 9,500 |
| 20 | Colorado | $62,620 | 11,700 |
| 21 | New Hampshire | $62,200 | 1,330 |
| 22 | North Dakota | $62,150 | 4,890 |
| 23 | Idaho | $61,680 | 4,270 |
| 24 | Montana | $61,580 | 3,750 |
| 25 | Maryland | $61,410 | 6,610 |
| 26 | Utah | $60,740 | 7,880 |
| 27 | Arizona | $60,620 | 13,200 |
| 28 | Missouri | $60,540 | 10,470 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $60,530 | 22,120 |
| 30 | Iowa | $60,330 | 5,530 |
| 31 | South Dakota | $59,500 | 2,050 |
| 32 | Vermont | $58,870 | 1,280 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $58,360 | 3,180 |
| 34 | Delaware | $58,020 | 1,230 |
| 35 | Kentucky | $57,780 | 7,050 |
| 36 | Virginia | $57,160 | 12,100 |
| 37 | Maine | $56,140 | 2,210 |
| 38 | New Mexico | $52,000 | 5,520 |
| 39 | Tennessee | $52,000 | 10,660 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $51,700 | 7,860 |
| 41 | Kansas | $51,620 | 7,070 |
| 42 | West Virginia | $51,300 | 7,830 |
| 43 | Texas | $50,460 | 55,540 |
| 44 | Florida | $49,400 | 27,510 |
| 45 | North Carolina | $49,310 | 16,580 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $48,940 | 8,160 |
| 47 | Oklahoma | $47,970 | 7,050 |
| 48 | Georgia | $47,880 | 15,700 |
| 49 | Alabama | $47,520 | 9,640 |
| 50 | Mississippi | $47,410 | 4,170 |
| 51 | Arkansas | $44,520 | 5,800 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 state estimates. "—" means BLS did not publish an estimate for that state. Wages are medians — half of workers earn more. Click a column header to sort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do heavy equipment operators earn more in some states than others?
State pay differences come down to union density, cost of living, licensing requirements, and local industry mix. States with strong union representation and major industrial or construction activity tend to pay heavy equipment operators more — but higher-paying states often have higher living costs, so compare take-home value, not just the number.
Is this what a beginner heavy equipment operator makes?
No — these are median wages across all experience levels, so half of heavy equipment operators earn more and half earn less. Apprentices and entry-level workers typically start around 40–60% of the experienced rate, with scheduled raises as they complete training. Within a few years, most reach or pass the figures in this table.
Do heavy equipment operators need a college degree?
No. Most heavy equipment operators train through paid apprenticeships or short certificate programs and earn while they learn — no four-year degree or student debt required. See our guide on how to become an apprentice.
Next Steps
Pay is only half the picture — training path, licensing, and demand matter just as much. Start here:
Full Heavy Equipment Operator Career Guide → Compare All 25 Trades → How to Become an Apprentice