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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Wisconsin

Median Annual in Wisconsin
$75,280/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$36.19/hr
▲ 26% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Wisconsin

groups Employed in WI
8,140
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$80,004 #6 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Wisconsin, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Wisconsin earn a median of $75,280 per year ($36.19 per hour), which is 26% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $51,370, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $100,140. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Wisconsin.

Is $75,280 good pay in Wisconsin?

Adjusted for Wisconsin's cost of living (which runs 94% of the U.S. average), that $75,280 is worth about $80,004 in national buying power — ranking Wisconsin #6 for real pay (vs #12 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Wisconsin

Entry level (10th pct)
$51,370
$24.70/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$75,280
$36.19/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$100,140
$48.14/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs WI
Wisconsin (here) $75,280 $80,004
Illinois $97,740 $97,781 −$22,460
Minnesota $79,130 $80,236 −$3,850
Michigan $62,690 $65,155 +$12,590
Iowa $60,330 $68,743 +$14,950

Heavy Equipment Operator in Wisconsin: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Wisconsin?

Heavy equipment operators in Wisconsin earn a median of $75,280 per year ($36.19 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Wisconsin pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $75,280, Wisconsin pays 26% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 8,140 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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