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Snow plow operator salary
Average snow plow operator salary
$38,842
Understanding Snow Plow Operator Salaries
The average snow plow operator earns approximately $38,842 annually, translating to about $19 per hour. Salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, experience, and the type of employer. In states like Massachusetts and New York, snow plow operators may earn higher wages due to increased demand and cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level
Entry-level operators can expect to earn around $30,000, while those with several years of experience may earn upwards of $50,000. Additional certifications, such as heavy machinery operation, can enhance job prospects and salary potential.
Job Opportunities
Snow plow operators are typically employed by local governments, private contractors, and transportation departments. These roles often involve extensive hours during winter storms, making flexibility crucial. Job seekers should consider the seasonal nature of this work and explore opportunities both in urban and rural areas.
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Where can a Snow Plow Operator earn more?
Snow plow operator salaries by experience level
| Experience level | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level snow plow operator | $38,400 | $18.47 |
| Mid-level snow plow operator | $41,300 | $19.85 |
| Senior-level snow plow operator | $52,300 | $25.16 |
Snow plow operator salary estimates from across the web
Average snow plow operator salary by state
The average snow plow operator salary in Washington, Idaho, and Alaska are the highest in the U.S. The lowest average snow plow operator salary states are Texas, Alabama, and Michigan.
- State view
- County view
Highest paying states for snow plow operators
| Rank | State | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Idaho | $53,096 | $25.53 |
| 2 | Iowa | $50,353 | $24.21 |
| 3 | New Jersey | $50,197 | $24.13 |
| 4 | Alaska | $51,033 | $24.54 |
| 5 | North Dakota | $46,975 | $22.58 |
| 6 | Maine | $48,290 | $23.22 |
| 7 | Utah | $45,742 | $21.99 |
| 8 | Massachusetts | $42,836 | $20.59 |
| 9 | Kansas | $48,166 | $23.16 |
| 10 | Washington | $54,504 | $26.20 |
| 11 | Illinois | $50,387 | $24.22 |
| 12 | Wisconsin | $45,034 | $21.65 |
| 13 | Minnesota | $44,951 | $21.61 |
| 14 | Colorado | $42,356 | $20.36 |
| 15 | Wyoming | $36,659 | $17.62 |
| 16 | Rhode Island | $36,512 | $17.55 |
| 17 | California | $46,869 | $22.53 |
| 18 | Ohio | $40,235 | $19.34 |
| 19 | Kentucky | $38,199 | $18.36 |
| 20 | New Hampshire | $42,510 | $20.44 |
| 21 | Vermont | $42,316 | $20.34 |
| 22 | Connecticut | $43,162 | $20.75 |
| 23 | Nevada | $38,163 | $18.35 |
| 24 | Delaware | $35,763 | $17.19 |
| 25 | Tennessee | $34,868 | $16.76 |
| 26 | West Virginia | $39,073 | $18.79 |
| 27 | Oklahoma | $36,108 | $17.36 |
| 28 | District of Columbia | $35,129 | $16.89 |
| 29 | Georgia | $33,874 | $16.29 |
| 30 | South Dakota | $36,271 | $17.44 |
| 31 | Montana | $32,051 | $15.41 |
| 32 | New York | $38,481 | $18.50 |
| 33 | Nebraska | $35,055 | $16.85 |
| 34 | New Mexico | $31,927 | $15.35 |
| 35 | Oregon | $34,400 | $16.54 |
| 36 | Hawaii | $31,090 | $14.95 |
| 37 | Indiana | $33,219 | $15.97 |
| 38 | Florida | $33,020 | $15.88 |
| 39 | Missouri | $33,650 | $16.18 |
| 40 | Louisiana | $31,811 | $15.29 |
| 41 | Virginia | $32,571 | $15.66 |
| 42 | Pennsylvania | $31,408 | $15.10 |
| 43 | Maryland | $33,874 | $16.29 |
| 44 | Texas | $30,331 | $14.58 |
| 45 | Arizona | $31,998 | $15.38 |
| 46 | South Carolina | $26,256 | $12.62 |
| 47 | Alabama | $28,290 | $13.60 |
| 48 | North Carolina | $30,571 | $14.70 |
| 49 | Mississippi | $24,656 | $11.85 |
| 50 | Arkansas | $24,097 | $11.59 |
| 51 | Michigan | $26,645 | $12.81 |
Highest paying cities for snow plow operators
The highest-paying cities for snow plow operators are SeaTac, WA, Chicago, IL, and Newark, NJ.
| Rank | City | Avg. salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SeaTac, WA | $54,591 | $26.25 |
| 2 | Chicago, IL | $50,595 | $24.32 |
| 3 | Newark, NJ | $50,309 | $24.19 |
| 4 | West Des Moines, IA | $50,033 | $24.05 |
| 5 | Wausau, WI | $45,689 | $21.97 |
| 6 | Saint Cloud, MN | $45,172 | $21.72 |
| 7 | Boston, MA | $42,822 | $20.59 |
| 8 | Denver, CO | $42,382 | $20.38 |
| 9 | Syracuse, NY | $38,890 | $18.70 |
| 10 | Rapid City, SD | $36,446 | $17.52 |
| 11 | Oklahoma City, OK | $36,186 | $17.40 |
| 12 | Cheyenne, WY | $35,933 | $17.28 |
| 13 | Richmond, VA | $32,604 | $15.68 |
| 14 | Grapevine, TX | $30,316 | $14.57 |
Snow plow operator salary details
A snow plow operator's salary ranges from $28,000 a year at the 10th percentile to $52,000 at the 90th percentile.
What is a snow plow operator's salary?
| Percentile | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90th Percentile | $52,000 | $4,333 | $25 |
| 75th Percentile | $45,000 | $3,750 | $22 |
| Average | $38,842 | $3,237 | $19 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,000 | $2,750 | $16 |
| 10th Percentile | $28,000 | $2,333 | $13 |
Highest paying snow plow operator jobs
The highest paying types of snow plow operators are highway maintainer, road repairer, and caltrans equipment operator.
| Job title | Annual salary | Monthly salary | Hourly rate | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highway Maintenance Worker | $40,488 | $3,374 | $19.47 | 72,179 |
| Equipment Operator | $31,739 | $2,645 | $15.26 | 62,473 |
| Operator | $37,928 | $3,161 | $18.23 | 159,077 |
Top companies hiring snow plow operators now:
Which companies pay snow plow operators the most?
Snow plow operator salaries at Stearns County MN and Dayton Freight are the highest-paying according to our most recent salary estimates. In addition, the average snow plow operator salary at companies like City Of West Des Moines and Minnesota State Fair are highly competitive.
| Rank | Company | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stearns County MN | $42,724 | $20.54 |
| 2 | Dayton Freight | $40,977 | $19.70 |
| 3 | City Of West Des Moines | $40,238 | $19.35 |
| 4 | Minnesota State Fair | $39,880 | $19.17 |
| 5 | State Of South Dakota | $39,384 | $18.93 |
| 6 | Trans-Tel Central | $37,288 | $17.93 |
| 7 | Dejana Industries | $37,252 | $17.91 |
| 8 | Roy Jorgensen Associates | $37,250 | $17.91 |
| 9 | Wyoming | $37,176 | $17.87 |
| 10 | Area Temps | $29,879 | $14.36 |
Wage gap by gender, race and education
Snow Plow Operator salary by industry
The average snow plow operator salary varies across industries:
- The average snow plow operator salary in the finance industry is $39,366, the highest of any industry.
- The average snow plow operator salary in the finance industry is $39,073.
- Snow plow operators in the non profits industry earn an average salary of $36,269, the lowest of any industry.
Highest paying industries for snow plow operators
| Rank | Industry | Average salary | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Finance | $39,366 | $18.93 |
| 2 | Government | $39,073 | $18.79 |
| 3 | Manufacturing | $36,919 | $17.75 |
| 4 | Health Care | $36,856 | $17.72 |
| 5 | Non Profits | $36,269 | $17.44 |
High paying snow plow operator jobs
Snow plow operator salary trends
The average snow plow operator salary has risen by $6,004 over the last ten years. In 2014, the average snow plow operator earned $32,838 annually, but today, they earn $38,842 a year. That works out to a 9% change in pay for snow plow operators over the last decade.
Compare snow plow operator salaries for cities or states with the national average over time.
Average snow plow operator salary over time
Compare snow plow operator salaries for individual cities or states with the national average.
Snow plow operator salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $38,800 | $18.67 | +2.2% |
| 2024 | $38,000 | $18.26 | +2.6% |
| 2023 | $37,000 | $17.79 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $36,100 | $17.35 | +1.5% |
| 2021 | $35,600 | $17.09 | +3.1% |
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