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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Rhode Island

Median Annual in Rhode Island
$63,610/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$30.58/hr
▲ 6% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Rhode Island

groups Employed in RI
970
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$62,192 #27 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Rhode Island, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Rhode Island earn a median of $63,610 per year ($30.58 per hour), which is 6% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $52,460, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $98,870. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Rhode Island.

Is $63,610 good pay in Rhode Island?

Adjusted for Rhode Island's cost of living (which runs 102% of the U.S. average), that $63,610 is worth about $62,192 in national buying power — ranking Rhode Island #27 for real pay (vs #17 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Rhode Island

Entry level (10th pct)
$52,460
$25.22/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$63,610
$30.58/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$98,870
$47.53/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs RI
Rhode Island (here) $63,610 $62,192
Connecticut $78,750 $76,006 −$15,140
Massachusetts $76,820 $72,638 −$13,210

Heavy Equipment Operator in Rhode Island: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Rhode Island?

Heavy equipment operators in Rhode Island earn a median of $63,610 per year ($30.58 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Rhode Island pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $63,610, Rhode Island pays 6% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 970 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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