Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Tennessee
Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Tennessee, explained
Heavy equipment operators in Tennessee earn a median of $52,000 per year ($25.00 per hour), which is 13% below the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $41,600, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $75,430. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Tennessee.
Is $52,000 good pay in Tennessee?
Adjusted for Tennessee's cost of living (which runs 92% of the U.S. average), that $52,000 is worth about $56,602 in national buying power — ranking Tennessee #40 for real pay (vs #39 on the sticker number).
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Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Tennessee
Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs TN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennessee (here) | $52,000 | $56,602 | — |
| Missouri | $60,540 | $66,662 | −$8,540 |
| Kentucky | $57,780 | $64,087 | −$5,780 |
| Virginia | $57,160 | $56,536 | −$5,160 |
| North Carolina | $49,310 | $52,276 | +$2,690 |
| Georgia | $47,880 | $49,723 | +$4,120 |
| Alabama | $47,520 | $53,500 | +$4,480 |
| Mississippi | $47,410 | $54,524 | +$4,590 |
| Arkansas | $44,520 | $51,209 | +$7,480 |
Heavy Equipment Operator in Tennessee: FAQ
How much do heavy equipment operators make in Tennessee?
Heavy equipment operators in Tennessee earn a median of $52,000 per year ($25.00 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.
Does Tennessee pay heavy equipment operators well?
At $52,000, Tennessee pays 13% below the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 10,660 work in the state.