In short
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators earned a median $59,850 a year in May 2025, about $29 an hour, according to BLS. The bottom 10 percent earned under $42,190 and the top 10 percent over $101,090. Union operating engineers and operators of large or specialized machines tend to reach the top, and seasonal overtime adds more.
Yearly wages for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators across the U.S., BLS OEWS, May 2025. Hourly figures divide by 2,080 hours, so overtime is not counted. New apprentices usually sit near or below the bottom-quarter line.
| Middle pay | $59,850 a year, roughly $28.77 an hour (May 2025) |
|---|---|
| How most people start | High school or GED to start, then moderate-term on-the-job training |
| People in the trade | About 489,500 nationwide (2025) |
| Growth to 2035 | BLS expects 4.6% growth |
| Openings a year | Around 39,200, counting retirements |
From the BLS Employment Projections table (2025 to 2035) and May 2025 wage survey. These are U.S. numbers. Local shops may pay above or below them, and apprentices start well under the middle figure.
What moves equipment operator pay
- Machine type: large excavators, cranes and specialty equipment pay more.
- Union scale: operating engineers locals negotiate rates by equipment class.
- Project type: highway and pipeline work often pays more than small site work.
- Season: long summer hours, slower winters in cold areas.
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Straight answers
How much do heavy equipment operators make an hour?
The median works out to about $29 an hour.
Do equipment operators get overtime?
Often, especially during busy construction seasons.
Which equipment pays the most?
Cranes and large or specialized machines usually pay more.