The salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator I in the United States varies depending on several factors, including experience, location, education level, marketing trend and company sizes.
As of May 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Heavy Equipment Operator I in the United States is $45,262. According to Salary.com, salaries can range from a low of $38,828 to a high of $55,359, with most professionals earning between $41,894 and $50,547.
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $50,547 | $4,212 | $972 | $24 |
| Average | $45,262 | $3,772 | $870 | $22 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,894 | $3,491 | $806 | $20 |
An entry-level Heavy Equipment Operator I with less than 1 year of experience earns about $45,011. With 1-2 years of experience, the average salary increases to $45,814. For 2-4 years of experience, the pay typically rises to $46,603. Senior-level professionals with 5-8 years of experience earn around $46,840, and those with over 8 years of experience can expect an average of $46,997.
| 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 |
| Entry Level | 1% |
| Mid Level | 1% |
| Senior Level | 3% |
| Top Level | 3% |
| Experienced | 4% |
Salaries in the United States differ widely between states due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
What Am I Worth?
Salaries in the United States can vary greatly between cities due to factors like cost of living, local economies, and industry presence.
As of May 01, 2025, our research reveals a significant shift in Heavy Equipment Operator I compensation over the past six years. For example, the median salary increased from $46,199 in 2023 to approximately $46,081 in 2024. (For a detailed analysis of Heavy Equipment Operator I salary trends, click here.)
Key factors like location, experience, industry demand, and economic growth significantly influence salary variations, making them important to consider.
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.
Here are companies hiring for Heavy Equipment Operator I and their salaries, click below for more details.
| Core Compensation | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Base Salary | $45,262 | 62.5% | ||
| Bonus | $3,472 | 4.8% | ||
| Value of Benefits | ||||
| Core Compensation | Median | % of Total | ||
| Social Security | $3,728 | 5.1% | ||
| 401K/403B | $2,047 | 2.8% | ||
| Disability | $975 | 1.3% | ||
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 11.5% | ||
| Pension | $2,632 | 3.6% | ||
| Time Off | $5,998 | 8.3% | ||
| Total Compensation | $72,466 | 100% | ||
The average annual salary of Heavy Equipment Operator I is $45,262. In case you are finding an easy salary calculator, the average hourly pay of Heavy Equipment Operator I is $22; the average weekly pay of Heavy Equipment Operator I is $870; the average monthly pay of Heavy Equipment Operator I is $3,772.
A Heavy Equipment Operator I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Heavy Equipment Operator I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Heavy Equipment Operator I is $57,089.
The highest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator I is $55,359.
The lowest pay for Heavy Equipment Operator I is $38,828.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
