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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Washington

Median Annual in Washington
$81,700/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$39.28/hr
▲ 37% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Washington

groups Employed in WA
10,290
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$76,346 #8 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Washington, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Washington earn a median of $81,700 per year ($39.28 per hour), which is 37% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $57,200, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $125,490. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Washington.

Is $81,700 good pay in Washington?

Adjusted for Washington's cost of living (which runs 107% of the U.S. average), that $81,700 is worth about $76,346 in national buying power — ranking Washington #8 for real pay (vs #5 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Washington

Entry level (10th pct)
$57,200
$27.50/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$81,700
$39.28/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$125,490
$60.33/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs WA
Washington (here) $81,700 $76,346
Oregon $73,430 $71,042 +$8,270
Idaho $61,680 $64,590 +$20,020

Heavy Equipment Operator in Washington: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Washington?

Heavy equipment operators in Washington earn a median of $81,700 per year ($39.28 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Washington pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $81,700, Washington pays 37% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 10,290 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

Related careers in Washington