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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in the United States

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in the United States? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in the United States is $46,623 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $56,477
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,263 to $51,781
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,294
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in the United States

Key Factors That Influence Ground Equipment Operator Salaries

A Ground 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Ground Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Ground 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): $40,984
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $45,549
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $51,686
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $55,528
  • Expert (over 8 years): $80,699
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $40,984
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $45,549
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $51,686
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $55,528
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $80,699

How Do Ground Equipment Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Ground Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $51,621.
  • California: $51,425.
  • Massachusetts: $50,740.

Top Paying Cities for Ground 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:

  • San Jose: $58,806
  • San Francisco: $58,162
  • Oakland: $56,936

Ground Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Ground Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Media and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Ground Equipment Operator positions in MFG Durable or Internet typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Ground Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Ground Equipment Operator

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Media $60,610 $29.0 30%
Insurance $58,279 $28.0 25%
Construction $55,948 $27.0 20%
Financial Services $53,617 $26.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $51,286 $25.0 10%

How Education impacts a Ground Equipment Operator's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Ground Equipment Operator professionals enter the field with a high school degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Ground Equipment Operator with a high school is between $44,700 and $47,709.

Ground Equipment Operator Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Ground Equipment Operator
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Degree 85.7%
High School 85.7%
Associate's Degree 9.5%
Bachelor's Degree 4.8%
Master's Degree or MBA 0%
JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent 0%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how a Ground 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$42,263
Average $46,623/year
$51,781
$3,522
Average $3,885/month
$4,315
$813
Average $897/week
$996
$20
Average $22/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $51,781 $4,315 $996 $25
Average $46,623 $3,885 $897 $22
25th Percentile $42,263 $3,522 $813 $20

Most common benefits for Ground Equipment Operator

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Ground Equipment Operator

Here are companies hiring for Ground Equipment Operator and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Ground Equipment Operator Job

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

  • Congruex | Columbus, OH

    Equipment Operator Construction

    Congruex | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Reports To. VP Construction. Travel Potential. Local travel to various job sites as business needs require. Compensation.... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Rumpke of Ohio, Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    Rumpke of Ohio, Inc. | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Rumpke is a family-owned and operated company that ranks as one of the largest firms in the waste and recycling industry.... more

    8 Days Ago

  • Geotex Construction Services Inc | Columbus, OH

    Heavy Equipment Operator

    Geotex Construction Services Inc | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. BUILD WHAT MATTERS WITH GEOTEX CONSTRUCTION SERVICES. At Geotex Construction Services, we don't just move di... more

    9 Days Ago

  • CRH | Columbus, OH

    HMA Equipment Operator Laborer

    CRH | Columbus, OH

    CRH - - Responsibilities: Operate various pieces of heavy equipment, depending on the job site, accurately, efficiently and safely. Access all areas of the... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Distro | Columbus, OH

    Foreman Heavy Equipment Operator

    Distro | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. ob Description We are hiring 6 Foreman-level Heavy Equipment Operators for a large-scale civil infrastructure project sup... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Jennmar | Columbus, OH

    Flex Laborer Small Equipment Operator

    Jennmar | Columbus, OH

    Job Description. Job Description. Flex Laborer/ Small Equipment Operator.  .  . Equipment Operator, Flex Labor & Rail Yard Worker.  . We are seeking motiva... more

    11 Days Ago

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FAQ about Ground Equipment Operator

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Ground Equipment Operator?

The Media industry offers the highest average compensation for Ground Equipment Operator roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

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