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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Indiana

Median Annual in Indiana
$79,580/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$38.26/hr
▲ 33% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Indiana

groups Employed in IN
11,520
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$85,268 #3 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Indiana, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Indiana earn a median of $79,580 per year ($38.26 per hour), which is 33% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $47,630, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $98,850. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Indiana.

Is $79,580 good pay in Indiana?

Adjusted for Indiana's cost of living (which runs 93% of the U.S. average), that $79,580 is worth about $85,268 in national buying power — ranking Indiana #3 for real pay (vs #7 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Indiana

Entry level (10th pct)
$47,630
$22.90/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$79,580
$38.26/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$98,850
$47.52/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs IN
Indiana (here) $79,580 $85,268
Illinois $97,740 $97,781 −$18,160
Ohio $64,940 $69,998 +$14,640
Michigan $62,690 $65,155 +$16,890
Kentucky $57,780 $64,087 +$21,800

Heavy Equipment Operator in Indiana: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Indiana?

Heavy equipment operators in Indiana earn a median of $79,580 per year ($38.26 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Indiana pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $79,580, Indiana pays 33% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 11,520 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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