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Maintenance equipment operator salary
Average maintenance equipment operator salary
$36,428
Understanding Maintenance Equipment Operator Salaries
The average salary for a Maintenance Equipment Operator in the United States is $36,428 annually. This figure can vary based on several factors including geographic location, level of experience, and the specific industry of employment. For instance, operators working in construction often earn higher than those in manufacturing due to the nature of the projects involved.
In addition, states like California and New York typically offer higher salaries compared to others, with urban areas providing more opportunities for increased earnings. Major cities such as Los Angeles and Chicago frequently rank among the highest-paying locations for this profession. Operators with specialized skills or certifications may also command higher salaries.
To maximize earning potential, aspiring maintenance equipment operators should consider pursuing additional training or certifications related to heavy machinery operation. Understanding the specific demands of the industry and staying informed about salary trends can greatly assist in career planning.
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Where can a Maintenance Equipment Operator earn more?
Average maintenance equipment operator salary by state
The average maintenance equipment operator salary in Pennsylvania, Alaska, and Wyoming are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average maintenance equipment operator salary states are Georgia, Arkansas, and Alabama.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for maintenance equipment operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montana | $41,757 | $20.08 |
| 2 | Pennsylvania | $45,899 | $22.07 |
| 3 | Nevada | $41,492 | $19.95 |
| 4 | Alaska | $44,303 | $21.30 |
| 5 | Arizona | $41,253 | $19.83 |
| 6 | Idaho | $41,544 | $19.97 |
| 7 | Wyoming | $43,463 | $20.90 |
| 8 | Utah | $39,811 | $19.14 |
| 9 | Wisconsin | $39,061 | $18.78 |
| 10 | Illinois | $42,969 | $20.66 |
| 11 | Rhode Island | $38,378 | $18.45 |
| 12 | North Dakota | $40,112 | $19.28 |
| 13 | Nebraska | $38,903 | $18.70 |
| 14 | Oregon | $41,875 | $20.13 |
| 15 | Washington | $42,715 | $20.54 |
| 16 | Indiana | $37,868 | $18.21 |
| 17 | South Dakota | $40,221 | $19.34 |
| 18 | Massachusetts | $38,058 | $18.30 |
| 19 | Ohio | $37,089 | $17.83 |
| 20 | North Carolina | $37,046 | $17.81 |
| 21 | California | $41,911 | $20.15 |
| 22 | Virginia | $39,416 | $18.95 |
| 23 | New Hampshire | $37,595 | $18.07 |
| 24 | Maine | $36,554 | $17.57 |
| 25 | Kentucky | $35,297 | $16.97 |
| 26 | Hawaii | $35,216 | $16.93 |
| 27 | District of Columbia | $38,111 | $18.32 |
| 28 | Missouri | $37,076 | $17.82 |
| 29 | Michigan | $36,722 | $17.65 |
| 30 | Delaware | $38,879 | $18.69 |
| 31 | Iowa | $37,716 | $18.13 |
| 32 | Kansas | $35,936 | $17.28 |
| 33 | New Jersey | $35,477 | $17.06 |
| 34 | Connecticut | $38,674 | $18.59 |
| 35 | West Virginia | $36,136 | $17.37 |
| 36 | Maryland | $38,460 | $18.49 |
| 37 | Minnesota | $36,487 | $17.54 |
| 38 | Tennessee | $32,502 | $15.63 |
| 39 | Vermont | $36,984 | $17.78 |
| 40 | Mississippi | $32,529 | $15.64 |
| 41 | Colorado | $37,477 | $18.02 |
| 42 | Oklahoma | $33,242 | $15.98 |
| 43 | New Mexico | $32,027 | $15.40 |
| 44 | Louisiana | $32,379 | $15.57 |
| 45 | Georgia | $30,782 | $14.80 |
| 46 | New York | $35,392 | $17.02 |
| 47 | Texas | $28,992 | $13.94 |
| 48 | Florida | $27,781 | $13.36 |
| 49 | Arkansas | $29,791 | $14.32 |
| 50 | Alabama | $29,790 | $14.32 |
| 51 | South Carolina | $26,952 | $12.96 |
Highest paying cities for maintenance equipment operators
The highest-paying cities for maintenance equipment operators are Sacramento, CA, Palatine, IL, and Mount Vernon, WA.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sacramento, CA | $43,601 | $20.96 |
| 2 | Palatine, IL | $43,185 | $20.76 |
| 3 | Mount Vernon, WA | $42,864 | $20.61 |
| 4 | Prescott, AZ | $42,348 | $20.36 |
| 5 | Beaverton, OR | $41,937 | $20.16 |
| 6 | Billings, MT | $41,477 | $19.94 |
| 7 | Salt Lake City, UT | $39,825 | $19.15 |
| 8 | Dartmouth, MA | $38,456 | $18.49 |
| 9 | Fort Collins, CO | $37,941 | $18.24 |
| 10 | Saint Charles, MO | $37,127 | $17.85 |
| 11 | Jackson, NJ | $35,527 | $17.08 |
| 12 | Gates, NY | $34,828 | $16.74 |
| 13 | Columbus, GA | $30,266 | $14.55 |
| 14 | Fort Worth, TX | $29,443 | $14.16 |
| 15 | Kissimmee, FL | $27,906 | $13.42 |
| 16 | Charleston, SC | $26,511 | $12.75 |
Maintenance equipment operator salary details
A maintenance equipment operator's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $47,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a maintenance equipment operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $47,000 | $3,917 | $23 |
| 75th Percentile | $41,000 | $3,417 | $20 |
| Average | $36,428 | $3,036 | $18 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,000 | $2,583 | $15 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
Highest paying maintenance equipment operator jobs
The highest paying types of maintenance equipment operators are track mechanic, foreman/operator, and track repairer.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Labour Operator | $34,180 | $2,848 | $16.43 | 61,894 |
| Maintenance Technician | $43,293 | $3,608 | $20.81 | 178,450 |
| Equipment Operator/Labour | $33,959 | $2,830 | $16.33 | 60,770 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $39,822 | $3,319 | $19.15 | 47,261 |
| Equipment Operator | $31,739 | $2,645 | $15.26 | 62,473 |
Top companies hiring maintenance equipment operators now:
Which companies pay maintenance equipment operators the most?
Maintenance equipment operator salaries at University of Massachusetts Boston and State Of Illinois - Illinois Student Assistance Commission are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average maintenance equipment operator salary at companies like Columbus Consolidated Government and Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts Boston | $48,869 | $23.49 |
| 2 | State Of Illinois - Illinois Student Assistance Commission | $44,786 | $21.53 |
| 3 | Columbus Consolidated Government | $44,476 | $21.38 |
| 4 | Redevelopment Agency of Salt Lake City | $44,458 | $21.37 |
| 5 | Howard County Government | $44,386 | $21.34 |
| 6 | City of Haltom City, TX | $43,869 | $21.09 |
| 7 | City of Billings | $43,751 | $21.03 |
| 8 | City of Seattle | $43,635 | $20.98 |
| 9 | Martin Marietta | $43,353 | $20.84 |
| 10 | City and County of Denver Government | $43,258 | $20.80 |
| 11 | UMass Dartmouth | $42,977 | $20.66 |
| 12 | City of San Antonio | $42,754 | $20.55 |
| 13 | Fortive | $42,706 | $20.53 |
| 14 | UMass Lowell | $42,596 | $20.48 |
| 15 | City of Prescott | $42,499 | $20.43 |
| 16 | Sherburne County | $41,529 | $19.97 |
| 17 | University of Massachusetts Amherst | $40,255 | $19.35 |
| 18 | Thorlabs | $39,616 | $19.05 |
| 19 | United Natural Foods | $38,548 | $18.53 |
| 20 | Hyatt Hotels | $38,477 | $18.50 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Maintenance Equipment Operator salary by industry
The average maintenance equipment operator salary varies across industries:
- The average maintenance equipment operator salary in the energy industry is $40,911, the highest of any industry.
- The average maintenance equipment operator salary in the finance industry is $40,665.
- Maintenance equipment operators in the professional industry earn an average salary of $33,763, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for maintenance equipment operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energy | $40,911 | $19.67 |
| 2 | Government | $40,665 | $19.55 |
| 3 | Construction | $39,489 | $18.99 |
| 4 | Manufacturing | $35,862 | $17.24 |
| 5 | Transportation | $33,939 | $16.32 |
| 6 | Professional | $33,763 | $16.23 |
High paying maintenance equipment operator jobs
Maintenance equipment operator salary trends
The average maintenance equipment operator salary has risen by $7,348 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average maintenance equipment operator earned $29,080 annually, but today, they earn $36,428 a year. That works out to a 4% change in pay for maintenance equipment operators over the last decade.
Compare maintenance equipment operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average maintenance equipment operator salary over time
Compare maintenance equipment operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Maintenance equipment operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $36,400 | $17.51 | +0.5% |
| 2024 | $36,300 | $17.43 | -1.5% |
| 2023 | $36,800 | $17.69 | +1.5% |
| 2022 | $36,200 | $17.42 | +3.7% |
| 2021 | $34,900 | $16.77 | +2.1% |
Recently added maintenance equipment operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| State of Illinois | Maintenance Equipment Operator | Kankakee, IL | 06/30/2025 | $81,864 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | D7 Lanscape Maintenance Equipment Operator | Albuquerque, NM | 06/18/2025 | $51,382 |
| San Dieguito Union High School District | Grounds Maintenance Equipment Operator | Encinitas, CA | 06/15/2025 | $53,573 |
| Albuquerque Public Schools | D7 Lanscape Maintenance Equipment Operator | Albuquerque, NM | 05/28/2025 | $51,382 |
| Manpowergroup | Small Parts Equipment Maintenance | Suamico, WI | 05/22/2025 | $37,566 |
| State of Georgia | District 1: Maintenance Equipment Operator A1Aw1 (Trt052 PG: I) | Gainesville, GA | 05/22/2025 | $43,604 |
| Davey Tree | Vegetation Maintenance Equipment Operator | Northeast | Kent, OH | 05/21/2025 | $35,479 |
| City of Seattle | Construction and Maintenance Equipment Operator, Senior | Seattle, WA | 05/10/2025 | $98,068 |
| Hyatt Hotels Corp | Golf Course Maintenance-Equipment Operator/Seasonal | Cambridge, MD | 04/26/2025 | $33,914 |
| Minnesota City Jobs | Utilities Maintenance-Equipment Operator I | Forest Lake, MN | 04/26/2025 | $67,890 |
Maintenance equipment operator salary FAQs
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