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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Michigan

Median Annual in Michigan
$62,690/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$30.14/hr
▲ 5% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Michigan

groups Employed in MI
9,500
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$65,155 #22 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Michigan, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Michigan earn a median of $62,690 per year ($30.14 per hour), which is 5% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $46,370, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $90,580. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Michigan.

Is $62,690 good pay in Michigan?

Adjusted for Michigan's cost of living (which runs 96% of the U.S. average), that $62,690 is worth about $65,155 in national buying power — ranking Michigan #22 for real pay (vs #19 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Michigan

Entry level (10th pct)
$46,370
$22.29/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$62,690
$30.14/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$90,580
$43.55/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs MI
Michigan (here) $62,690 $65,155
Indiana $79,580 $85,268 −$16,890
Wisconsin $75,280 $80,004 −$12,590
Ohio $64,940 $69,998 −$2,250

Heavy Equipment Operator in Michigan: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Michigan?

Heavy equipment operators in Michigan earn a median of $62,690 per year ($30.14 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Michigan pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $62,690, Michigan pays 5% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 9,500 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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