Construction Equipment Operator Salary in 2026
How Much Do Construction Equipment Operators Make?
Construction Equipment Operators earn a median annual salary of $58,710 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $40,080 at the 10th percentile to $100,690 at the 90th percentile — a range of $60,610. The highest-paying state is Hawaii at $105,440.
| Percentile | Annual salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $40,080 |
| 25th percentile | $47,780 |
| Median (50th) | $58,710 |
| 75th percentile | $75,750 |
| 90th percentile | $100,690 |
Construction Equipment Operator Salary by State
Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Hawaiitop | $105,440 |
| Illinois | $96,980 |
| California | $89,120 |
| New Jersey | $84,170 |
| New York | $80,260 |
| Washington | $79,190 |
| Minnesota | $78,580 |
| Connecticut | $76,690 |
| Rhode Island | $76,030 |
| Alaska | $75,000 |
| Massachusetts | $72,800 |
| Nevada | $72,780 |
| Wisconsin | $72,650 |
| Indiana | $72,370 |
| District of Columbia | $69,050 |
| Oregon | $68,210 |
| Wyoming | $63,560 |
| New Hampshire | $62,770 |
| North Dakota | $62,760 |
| Michigan | $62,550 |
| Ohio | $62,410 |
| Colorado | $61,570 |
| Iowa | $61,210 |
| Maryland | $60,620 |
| Montana | $60,130 |
| Missouri | $60,050 |
| Arizona | $59,900 |
| Utah | $59,760 |
| Idaho | $59,140 |
| Pennsylvania | $58,580 |
| Nebraska | $57,240 |
| Kentucky | $57,060 |
| South Dakota | $56,720 |
| Delaware | $56,630 |
| Vermont | $56,260 |
| Maine | $55,170 |
| Virginia | $52,240 |
| Kansas | $50,600 |
| West Virginia | $50,010 |
| Louisiana | $49,650 |
| Texas | $49,650 |
| New Mexico | $49,130 |
| Tennessee | $49,070 |
| North Carolina | $48,910 |
| Florida | $48,780 |
| South Carolina | $47,480 |
| Oklahoma | $47,190 |
| Alabama | $46,870 |
| Georgia | $46,380 |
| Mississippi | $46,020 |
| Arkansas | $45,170 |
Highest-Paying Metros for Construction Equipment Operators
Construction 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) | ~$40,080 – $47,780 |
| Mid career (3–7 yrs) | ~$58,710 |
| Experienced (8–15 yrs) | ~$75,750 |
| Senior (15+ yrs) | $100,690+ |
How to Earn More as a Construction Equipment Operator
Location is the single biggest salary lever: Construction Equipment Operators in San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA earn $117,350 — $58,640 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 ($75,750) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.
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Construction Equipment Operator Salary vs Similar Careers
| Career | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Construction Equipment Operatorthis career | $58,710 |
| Construction Laborer | $46,730 |
| Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operator | $51,650 |
| Pile Driver Operator | $70,510 |
| Highway Maintenance Worker | $49,070 |
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SOC: 47-2073.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.