Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Carolina
Heavy Equipment Operator pay in North Carolina, explained
Heavy equipment operators in North Carolina earn a median of $49,310 per year ($23.71 per hour), which is 18% below the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $39,050, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $64,450. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within North Carolina.
Is $49,310 good pay in North Carolina?
Adjusted for North Carolina's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $49,310 is worth about $52,276 in national buying power — ranking North Carolina #46 for real pay (vs #45 on the sticker number).
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Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in North Carolina
Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs NC |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (here) | $49,310 | $52,276 | — |
| Virginia | $57,160 | $56,536 | −$7,850 |
| Tennessee | $52,000 | $56,602 | −$2,690 |
| South Carolina | $48,940 | $52,203 | +$370 |
| Georgia | $47,880 | $49,723 | +$1,430 |
Heavy Equipment Operator in North Carolina: FAQ
How much do heavy equipment operators make in North Carolina?
Heavy equipment operators in North Carolina earn a median of $49,310 per year ($23.71 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.
Does North Carolina pay heavy equipment operators well?
At $49,310, North Carolina pays 18% below the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 16,580 work in the state.