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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Arkansas

Median Annual in Arkansas
$44,520/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$21.41/hr
▼ 26% below U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Arkansas

groups Employed in AR
5,800
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$51,209 #49 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Arkansas, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Arkansas earn a median of $44,520 per year ($21.41 per hour), which is 26% below the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $35,520, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $58,670. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Arkansas.

Is $44,520 good pay in Arkansas?

Adjusted for Arkansas's cost of living (which runs 87% of the U.S. average), that $44,520 is worth about $51,209 in national buying power — ranking Arkansas #49 for real pay (vs #51 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Arkansas

Entry level (10th pct)
$35,520
$17.08/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$44,520
$21.41/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$58,670
$28.21/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs AR
Arkansas (here) $44,520 $51,209
Missouri $60,540 $66,662 −$16,020
Tennessee $52,000 $56,602 −$7,480
Louisiana $51,700 $58,612 −$7,180
Texas $50,460 $51,990 −$5,940
Oklahoma $47,970 $54,609 −$3,450
Mississippi $47,410 $54,524 −$2,890

Heavy Equipment Operator in Arkansas: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Arkansas?

Heavy equipment operators in Arkansas earn a median of $44,520 per year ($21.41 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Arkansas pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $44,520, Arkansas pays 26% below the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 5,800 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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