upper level job

What is the highest and lowest hourly pay for Heavy Equipment Operator I?

As of April 01, 2025, the average hourly pay of Heavy Equipment Operator I in the United States is $22. While Salary.com is seeing that the highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator I in the US can go up to $27 and the lowest down to $19, but most earn between $20 and $24. Salary.com shows the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Heavy Equipment Operator I in the United States.

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salaries by Percentile
Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $24 $2 $0 $0
Average $22 $2 $0 $0
25th Percentile $20 $2 $0 $0
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What is the yearly and monthly salary as a Heavy Equipment Operator I?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary is $45,262 (range: $38,828 to $55,359); the average monthly salary is $3,772 (range: $3,236 to $4,613).

Click the switch button below to see weekly and hourly salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator I.

Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How Does Experience Level Affect a Heavy Equipment Operator I's Salary?

As of April 01, 2025, Salary.com is seeing that an entry-level Heavy Equipment Operator I with under 1 year experience makes about $45,011. With less than 2 years of experience, a mid-level Heavy Equipment Operator I makes around $45,814. After 2-4 years, the Heavy Equipment Operator I pay rises to about $46,603. Those senior Heavy Equipment Operator I with 5-8 years of experience earn roughly $46,840, and those Heavy Equipment Operator I having 8 years or more experience is expected to earn about $46,997 on average.

Levels Salary
Entry Level Heavy Equipment Operator I $45,011
Intermediate Level Heavy Equipment Operator I $45,814
Senior Level Heavy Equipment Operator I $46,603
Specialist Level Heavy Equipment Operator I $46,840
Expert Level Heavy Equipment Operator I $46,997
$45,011 0 yr
$45,814 < 2 yrs
$46,603 2-4 yrs
$46,840 5-8 yrs
$46,997 > 8 yrs
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
Entry Level 1%
Mid Level 1%
Senior Level 3%
Top Level 3%
Experienced 4%
View as graph
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

How much does salary of Heavy Equipment Operator I vary from city to city?

Salaries in the United States can vary significantly from city to city due to a multitude of factors, including cost of living, local economic conditions, and industry presence.

For example, as of April 01, 2025, the average yearly salary of Heavy Equipment Operator I in San Francisco, CA is $56,528 and in New York, NY, the average annual salary goes to $52,454. While a Heavy Equipment Operator I earns $50,481 per year in Boston, MA.

What is the salary trend of Heavy Equipment Operator I?

For those exploring the changing dynamics of Heavy Equipment Operator I salaries, Salary.com offers detailed insights through our Job Trending in CA Labor Market analysis. As of April 01, 2025, our research highlights a notable shift in Heavy Equipment Operator I compensation over the past six years. For instance, the median salary has moved from $46,199 in 2023 to about $46,081 in 2024 (for a comprehensive analysis of Heavy Equipment Operator I salary trends, click here). It's crucial to consider several elements, including geographical location, experience level, industry demand, and economic development, as they play a significant role in influencing salary variations.

Average Annual Salary of Heavy Equipment Operator I Over Time

2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
$46,199
2023
$46,081
2024
$45,837
2025
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025
2020
$???
2021
$???
2022
$???
2023
$46,199
2024
$46,081
2025
$45,837
2026
$???
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Heavy Equipment Operator I Salary by Year

Year Average Annual Salary
2020 View More
2021 View More
2022 View More
2023 $46,199
2024 $46,081
2025 $45,837
2026 View More
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

Job Openings of Heavy Equipment Operator I

Salary.com job board provides millions of Heavy Equipment Operator I information for you to search for. Click on search button below to see Heavy Equipment Operator I job openings or enter a new job title here.

Most Common Benefits for Heavy Equipment Operator I

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 66.7%
Bonuses 0.0%
Social Security 5.1%
401k/403b 2.8%
Disability 1.3%
Healthcare 12.3%
Pension 3.6%
Time Off 8.2%
Core Compensation
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Base Salary $45,262 66.7%
Bonus $0 0.0%
Value of Benefits
Core Compensation Median % of Total
Social Security $3,463 5.1%
401K/403B $1,901 2.8%
Disability $905 1.3%
Healthcare $8,352 12.3%
Pension $2,444 3.6%
Time Off $5,571 8.2%
Total Compensation $67,898 100%
Core Compensation is based on averages for this job and does not reflect personal factors used to determine your projected salary range.
Value of Benefits indicates the employer's expected contribution and paid time off.
Last Updated on April 01, 2025

FAQ about Heavy Equipment Operator I

1. What are the responsibilities of Heavy Equipment Operator I?

Operates heavy equipment or machinery, such as a tractor, bulldozer, backhoe, or excavator, for the purposes of construction, demolition, or excavation. Prepares equipment and conducts routine inspections prior to operation to ensure it is safe and in working condition. Identifies and addresses potential hazards and adheres to all safety protocols and regulations. May be responsible for scheduling minor repairs and conducting routine maintenance like cleaning and lubricating. Requires a high school diploma. May require State License. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

About Our Data

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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The average hourly salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator I is $22 per hour in the United States, updated at April 01, 2025.
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