How much does a Coal Equipment Operator make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Coal Equipment Operator in Illinois is $49,763 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.

However, a Coal Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,640
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $45,621 to $54,933
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $41,849

Key Factors That Influence Coal Equipment Operator Salaries

A Coal Equipment Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Coal Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Coal Equipment Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $48,686
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $60,064
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $72,522
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $82,112
  • Expert (over 8 years): $95,430
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Coal Equipment Operator less than 1 year $48,686
Field Service Technician II 1-2 years $60,064
Field Service Technician III 2-4 years $72,522
Field Service Technician IV 5-8 years $82,112
Field Service Technician V over 8 years $95,430

Top Paying Cities for Coal Equipment Operator

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Effingham: $45,872
  • Saint Peter: $45,809
  • Salem: $45,983

Coal Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Coal Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 41% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Coal Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Coal Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Coal Equipment Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking $62,204 $30.0 25%
Financial Services $59,716 $29.0 20%
Aerospace & Defense $58,721 $28.0 18%
Pharmaceuticals $58,223 $28.0 17%
Energy & Utilities $56,730 $27.0 14%

Coal Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Coal Equipment Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$45,621
Average $49,763/year
$54,933
$3,802
Average $4,147/month
$4,578
$877
Average $957/week
$1,056
$22
Average $24/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $54,933 $4,578 $1,056 $26
Average $49,763 $4,147 $957 $24
25th Percentile $45,621 $3,802 $877 $22

Find Your Next Coal Equipment Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Coal Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • ShipBob | North Aurora, IL

    ShipBob | North Aurora, IL

    Equipment Operator. North Aurora, Illinois, United States. As a member of the ShipBob team, you will. Grow with an Ownership Mindset: We champion continuou... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Fun Town RV, LP | Anna, IL

    Fun Town RV, LP | Anna, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. Founded in 2010, Fun Town RV (FTRV) has grown into Texas’s largest RV chain, operating 36 locations and planning to expan... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Alter Trading Corp | Peoria, IL

    Alter Trading Corp | Peoria, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. ABOUT THE POSITION. The Heavy Equipment Operator is responsible for operating all aspects of the auto shredder, material ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Waste Connections | Plainfield, IL

    Waste Connections | Plainfield, IL

    Waste Connections - - Responsibilities: Operate forklifts, skid steers, compactors, and other light equipment. Perform routine inspection and maintenance o... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Taylor Corporation | Bloomington, IL

    Taylor Corporation | Bloomington, IL

    Equipment Operator I. Taylor Corporation is looking for an Equipment Operator I to operate and maintain printing press equipment while producing high-quali... more

    11 Days Ago

  • ShipBob, Inc. | North Aurora, IL

    ShipBob, Inc. | North Aurora, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. As a member of the ShipBob Team, you will... . Grow with an Ownership Mindset.  We champion continuous learning and innov... more

    11 Days Ago

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