verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Alabama

Median Annual in Alabama
$47,520/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$22.84/hr
▼ 21% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Alabama

groups Employed in AL
9,640
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$53,500 #45 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Alabama, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Alabama earn a median of $47,520 per year ($22.84 per hour), which is 21% below the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $36,230, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $67,690. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Alabama.

Is $47,520 good pay in Alabama?

Adjusted for Alabama's cost of living (which runs 89% of the U.S. average), that $47,520 is worth about $53,500 in national buying power — ranking Alabama #45 for real pay (vs #49 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Alabama

Entry level (10th pct)
$36,230
$17.42/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$47,520
$22.84/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$67,690
$32.54/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs AL
Alabama (here) $47,520 $53,500
Tennessee $52,000 $56,602 −$4,480
Florida $49,400 $47,769 −$1,880
Georgia $47,880 $49,723 −$360
Mississippi $47,410 $54,524 +$110

Heavy Equipment Operator in Alabama: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Alabama?

Heavy equipment operators in Alabama earn a median of $47,520 per year ($22.84 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Alabama pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $47,520, Alabama pays 21% below the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 9,640 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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