Union operating engineers (IUOE) in major metros top $100K with overtime.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for Heavy Equipment Operators. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $47,800 | $34,700 | $63,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $59,500 | $43,100 | $78,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $68,400 | $49,600 | $90,400 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $82,000 | $59,500 | $108,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $93,000 | $67,400 | $122,900 |
Top 10 states by median Heavy Equipment Operator salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $95,700 | $72,700 | $124,400 | +40% |
| Alaska | $88,900 | $67,500 | $115,500 | +30% |
| California | $88,900 | $67,500 | $115,500 | +30% |
| Hawaii | $88,900 | $67,500 | $115,500 | +30% |
| Massachusetts | $88,900 | $67,500 | $115,500 | +30% |
| Washington | $88,900 | $67,500 | $115,500 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $86,100 | $65,500 | $112,000 | +26% |
| New York | $85,400 | $64,900 | $111,100 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $82,700 | $62,900 | $107,500 | +21% |
| Illinois | $82,000 | $62,300 | $106,600 | +20% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $58,100 | $44,200 | $75,500 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $57,400 | $43,600 | $74,600 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $57,400 | $43,600 | $74,600 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $57,400 | $43,600 | $74,600 | -16% |
| Alabama | $56,700 | $43,100 | $73,800 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $56,700 | $43,100 | $73,800 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $54,700 | $41,600 | $71,100 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $54,700 | $41,600 | $71,100 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $53,300 | $40,500 | $69,300 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $53,300 | $40,500 | $69,300 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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