Agricultural Equipment Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Agricultural Equipment Operators Make?
Agricultural Equipment Operators earn a median annual salary of $42,580 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $31,240 at the 10th percentile to $57,790 at the 90th percentile — a range of $26,550. The highest-paying state is Montana at $53,900.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $31,240 |
| 25th percentile | $36,640 |
| Median (50th) | $42,580 |
| 75th percentile | $48,690 |
| 90th percentile | $57,790 |
Agricultural Equipment Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Montanatop | $53,900 |
| New York | $51,100 |
| Delaware | $50,450 |
| Ohio | $49,070 |
| Indiana | $48,930 |
| Iowa | $48,690 |
| Minnesota | $48,390 |
| North Dakota | $47,640 |
| Wisconsin | $47,520 |
| Maine | $47,500 |
| Illinois | $46,810 |
| New Jersey | $46,650 |
| Missouri | $46,610 |
| South Dakota | $45,890 |
| Virginia | $45,740 |
| Nebraska | $45,690 |
| Idaho | $44,700 |
| Kentucky | $44,700 |
| Kansas | $44,510 |
| Colorado | $42,940 |
| Michigan | $42,600 |
| South Carolina | $42,580 |
| Utah | $42,060 |
| Pennsylvania | $41,660 |
| Maryland | $41,440 |
| North Carolina | $40,300 |
| California | $40,130 |
| Tennessee | $39,980 |
| Washington | $39,980 |
| Oregon | $39,730 |
| Hawaii | $39,440 |
| Massachusetts | $39,310 |
| Vermont | $36,610 |
| Florida | $35,510 |
| New Mexico | $35,460 |
| Georgia | $34,770 |
| Oklahoma | $34,340 |
| Arizona | $34,270 |
| Mississippi | $30,570 |
| Arkansas | $30,380 |
| Texas | $29,930 |
| Alabama | $29,410 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Agricultural Equipment Operators
Agricultural Equipment Operator Salary by Experience
Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.
| Experience level | Estimated salary |
|---|---|
| Entry level (0–2 yrs) | ~$31,240 – $36,640 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$42,580 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$48,690 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $57,790+ |
How to Earn More as an Agricultural Equipment Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Agricultural Equipment Operators in Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN earn $54,020 — $11,440 above the national median. Union membership, additional certifications, and supervisory experience are the most reliable paths to higher earnings in this field. Reaching the 75th percentile ($48,690) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Agricultural Equipment Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Equipment Operatorthis career | $42,580 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | $45,200 |
| Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse | $35,690 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Construction Equipment Operator | $58,710 |
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SOC: 45-2091.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.