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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Missouri

Median Annual in Missouri
$60,540/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$29.10/hr
▲ 1% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Missouri

groups Employed in MO
10,470
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$66,662 #21 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Missouri, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Missouri earn a median of $60,540 per year ($29.10 per hour), which is 1% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $43,290, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $94,130. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Missouri.

Is $60,540 good pay in Missouri?

Adjusted for Missouri's cost of living (which runs 91% of the U.S. average), that $60,540 is worth about $66,662 in national buying power — ranking Missouri #21 for real pay (vs #28 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Missouri

Entry level (10th pct)
$43,290
$20.81/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$60,540
$29.10/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$94,130
$45.25/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs MO
Missouri (here) $60,540 $66,662
Illinois $97,740 $97,781 −$37,200
Iowa $60,330 $68,743 +$210
Nebraska $58,360 $64,770 +$2,180
Kentucky $57,780 $64,087 +$2,760
Tennessee $52,000 $56,602 +$8,540
Kansas $51,620 $57,312 +$8,920
Oklahoma $47,970 $54,609 +$12,570
Arkansas $44,520 $51,209 +$16,020

Heavy Equipment Operator in Missouri: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Missouri?

Heavy equipment operators in Missouri earn a median of $60,540 per year ($29.10 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Missouri pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $60,540, Missouri pays 1% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 10,470 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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