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Unit operator salary
Average unit operator salary
$41,192
Average Unit Operator Salary
The average unit operator salary in the United States is $41,192 annually. Hourly rates typically hover around $20. Salaries can vary significantly across different states and industries. For instance, unit operators in manufacturing may earn more compared to those in other sectors.
Salary by State
States such as California and Texas often report higher salaries due to the demand for skilled operators. Understanding the regional salary discrepancies can aid job seekers in targeting their applications effectively.
Factors Affecting Salary
Experience is another critical factor; those with more years in the field can command higher wages. Additionally, specialized skills in operating complex machinery may increase earning potential. By focusing on developing these skills, unit operators can enhance their career prospects.
Job Opportunities
Unit operators are essential in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and utilities. With a range of opportunities available, individuals can find positions that align with their skills and career goals. Regularly updating skills and certifications can lead to better job placements and higher salaries.
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Where can a Unit Operator earn more?
Unit operator salary estimates from across the web
Average unit operator salary by state
The average unit operator salary in Minnesota, New Jersey, and Missouri are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average unit operator salary states are Vermont, South Dakota, and Maine.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for unit operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $53,144 | $25.55 |
| 2 | Massachusetts | $50,492 | $24.27 |
| 3 | Tennessee | $48,295 | $23.22 |
| 4 | Minnesota | $54,024 | $25.97 |
| 5 | New Mexico | $45,157 | $21.71 |
| 6 | Missouri | $52,236 | $25.11 |
| 7 | Delaware | $46,312 | $22.27 |
| 8 | New York | $51,558 | $24.79 |
| 9 | Louisiana | $43,734 | $21.03 |
| 10 | Alaska | $46,364 | $22.29 |
| 11 | Wyoming | $42,083 | $20.23 |
| 12 | Arkansas | $45,955 | $22.09 |
| 13 | West Virginia | $41,173 | $19.79 |
| 14 | Nevada | $44,584 | $21.43 |
| 15 | Alabama | $42,322 | $20.35 |
| 16 | North Dakota | $40,092 | $19.27 |
| 17 | Utah | $44,586 | $21.44 |
| 18 | California | $48,035 | $23.09 |
| 19 | Rhode Island | $38,678 | $18.60 |
| 20 | District of Columbia | $41,523 | $19.96 |
| 21 | Mississippi | $37,625 | $18.09 |
| 22 | Ohio | $41,032 | $19.73 |
| 23 | Nebraska | $40,736 | $19.58 |
| 24 | Wisconsin | $40,176 | $19.32 |
| 25 | North Carolina | $40,091 | $19.27 |
| 26 | Colorado | $43,203 | $20.77 |
| 27 | Connecticut | $40,025 | $19.24 |
| 28 | Hawaii | $36,364 | $17.48 |
| 29 | Pennsylvania | $37,061 | $17.82 |
| 30 | New Hampshire | $36,688 | $17.64 |
| 31 | Michigan | $36,728 | $17.66 |
| 32 | Iowa | $37,212 | $17.89 |
| 33 | Oregon | $40,261 | $19.36 |
| 34 | Arizona | $39,353 | $18.92 |
| 35 | Texas | $37,326 | $17.95 |
| 36 | Kentucky | $36,019 | $17.32 |
| 37 | South Dakota | $35,591 | $17.11 |
| 38 | Maine | $35,532 | $17.08 |
| 39 | Montana | $36,429 | $17.51 |
| 40 | Vermont | $35,677 | $17.15 |
| 41 | Maryland | $38,281 | $18.40 |
| 42 | Washington | $38,959 | $18.73 |
| 43 | Oklahoma | $36,132 | $17.37 |
| 44 | Florida | $35,975 | $17.30 |
| 45 | Idaho | $36,551 | $17.57 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $35,276 | $16.96 |
| 47 | Georgia | $36,165 | $17.39 |
| 48 | Indiana | $35,059 | $16.86 |
| 49 | Kansas | $34,041 | $16.37 |
| 50 | Virginia | $36,862 | $17.72 |
| 51 | Illinois | $35,828 | $17.23 |
Highest paying cities for unit operators
The highest-paying cities for unit operators are Plymouth, MN, Santa Clara, CA, and Gallatin, TN.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Plymouth, MN | $54,041 | $25.98 |
| 2 | Santa Clara, CA | $49,112 | $23.61 |
| 3 | Gallatin, TN | $47,870 | $23.01 |
| 4 | Colorado Springs, CO | $43,445 | $20.89 |
| 5 | Kettering, OH | $40,745 | $19.59 |
| 6 | Minot, ND | $40,208 | $19.33 |
| 7 | Odessa, TX | $37,908 | $18.23 |
| 8 | Henderson, KY | $36,245 | $17.43 |
| 9 | Pocatello, ID | $36,029 | $17.32 |
Unit operator salary details
A unit operator's salary ranges from $27,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $62,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a unit operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $62,000 | $5,167 | $30 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,000 | $4,250 | $25 |
| Average | $41,192 | $3,433 | $20 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $27,000 | $2,250 | $13 |
Highest paying unit operator jobs
The highest paying types of unit operators are fishing tool operator, oil well fishing tool technician, and service unit operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lease Operator | $25,625 | $2,135 | $12.32 | 33,754 |
| Wireline Operator | $43,448 | $3,621 | $20.89 | 35,693 |
| Field Operator | $42,202 | $3,517 | $20.29 | 81,407 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
| Rig Operator | $38,713 | $3,226 | $18.61 | 30,722 |
| Plant Operator | $42,697 | $3,558 | $20.53 | 43,388 |
Top companies hiring unit operators now:
Which companies pay unit operators the most?
Unit operator salaries at Applied Materials and Ranger Energy Services are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average unit operator salary at companies like Volvo Trucks and Phillips 66 are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Applied Materials | $46,491 | $22.35 |
| 2 | Ranger Energy Services | $45,603 | $21.92 |
| 3 | Volvo Trucks | $44,994 | $21.63 |
| 4 | Phillips 66 | $44,300 | $21.30 |
| 5 | International Paper | $41,506 | $19.95 |
| 6 | Lehigh Hanson | $41,115 | $19.77 |
| 7 | 3M Company | $41,038 | $19.73 |
| 8 | Land O'Lakes | $40,237 | $19.34 |
| 9 | Kettering Health Network | $38,351 | $18.44 |
| 10 | Torch Technologies | $38,241 | $18.39 |
| 11 | Teknor Apex | $37,893 | $18.22 |
| 12 | Tennessee Valley Authority | $37,537 | $18.05 |
| 13 | Security Industry Specialists | $36,486 | $17.54 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Unit Operator salary by industry
The average unit operator salary varies across industries:
- The average unit operator salary in the energy industry is $42,322, the highest of any industry.
- The average unit operator salary in the finance industry is $41,548.
- Unit operators in the finance industry earn an average salary of $35,411, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for unit operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Energy | $42,322 | $20.35 |
| 2 | Media | $41,548 | $19.98 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $38,589 | $18.55 |
| 4 | Utilities | $37,816 | $18.18 |
| 5 | Finance | $35,411 | $17.02 |
High paying unit operator jobs
Unit operator salary trends
The average unit operator salary has risen by $5,764 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average unit operator earned $35,428 annually, but today, they earn $41,192 a year. That works out to a -3% change in pay for unit operators over the last decade.
Compare unit operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average unit operator salary over time
Compare unit operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Unit operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $41,200 | $19.80 | +1.4% |
| 2025 | $40,600 | $19.54 | -2.4% |
| 2024 | $41,600 | $20.00 | -0.9% |
| 2023 | $42,000 | $20.18 | -0.7% |
| 2022 | $42,300 | $20.32 | +7.4% |
Recently added unit operator salaries
| Company | Job | Location | Date added | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heidelberg Materials Us, Inc. | Haul Unit Operator | Kane, PA | 06/27/2025 | $47,479 |
| Heidelberg Materials | Haul Unit Operator | Johnstown, NY | 06/27/2025 | $48,001 |
| Heidelberg Materials | Haul Unit Operator | Johnstown, PA | 06/26/2025 | $48,001 |
| Georgia-Pacific | Product Unit Operator | Hillsboro, AL | 06/25/2025 | $51,361 |
| Heidelberg Materials Us, Inc. | Haul Unit Operator | Johnstown, NY | 06/25/2025 | $48,001 |
| Heidelberg Materials | Night Shift Haul Unit Operator | Davis, OK | 06/24/2025 | $46,331 |
| Heidelberg Materials | Night Shift Haul Unit Operator | Davis, CA | 06/24/2025 | $46,331 |
| Heidelberg Materials Us, Inc. | Night Shift Haul Unit Operator | Davis, OK | 06/23/2025 | $46,331 |
| Act for Health | Mobile Research Unit Operator | Birmingham, AL | 06/10/2025 | $55,000 |
| Heidelberg Materials Us, Inc. | 072050-Haul Unit Operator | Demorest, GA | 06/06/2025 | $45,789 |
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