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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in District of Columbia? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in District of Columbia is $51,621 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $62,532
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $46,794 to $57,332
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $42,399
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in District of Columbia

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 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): $45,378
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $50,432
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $57,226
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $61,480
  • Expert (over 8 years): $89,350
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $45,378
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $50,432
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $57,226
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $61,480
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $89,350

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $51,341
  • Washington: $51,342
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $51,339

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 $67,108 $32.0 30%
Insurance $64,527 $31.0 25%
Construction $61,946 $30.0 20%
Financial Services $59,365 $29.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $56,783 $27.0 10%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$46,794
Average $51,621/year
$57,332
$3,900
Average $4,302/month
$4,778
$900
Average $993/week
$1,103
$22
Average $25/hour
$28
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $57,332 $4,778 $1,103 $28
Average $51,621 $4,302 $993 $25
25th Percentile $46,794 $3,900 $900 $22

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.

  • Noble Casing Inc | WILLISTON, ND

    Pumping Ground Operator CDL Required

    Noble Casing Inc | WILLISTON, ND

    Description. Summary of Responsibilities. As part of the crew, you will be responsible for safely performing tasks associated with the operation, rig up/do... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Hawaiian Airlines | FORT SHAFTER, HI

    Ground Support Equipment Mechanic

    Hawaiian Airlines | FORT SHAFTER, HI

    Hawaiian Airlines is seeking a Ground Support Equipment Mechanic to maintain and repair automotive and ground support fleets that keep our aircraft operati... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Signature Aviation | DULLES TOWN CENTER, VA

    Ground Service Equipment Mechanic

    Signature Aviation | DULLES TOWN CENTER, VA

    Signature Aviation seeks a Ground Service Equipment Mechanic to inspect, maintain, and repair a variety of aviation ground support vehicles and equipment, ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • CVS Health | WAVERLY, NY

    Equipment Operator

    CVS Health | WAVERLY, NY

    CVS Health is hiring a 1st Shift Equipment Operator to support our healthcare distribution operations. In this role, you will safely operate pallet jacks, ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • CVS Health | NEWFIELD, NY

    Equipment Operator

    CVS Health | NEWFIELD, NY

    CVS Health is hiring a 1st Shift Equipment Operator to support our healthcare distribution operations. In this role, you will safely operate pallet jacks, ... more

    9 Days Ago

  • CVS Health | PAINTED POST, NY

    Equipment Operator

    CVS Health | PAINTED POST, NY

    CVS Health is hiring a 1st Shift Equipment Operator to support our healthcare distribution operations. In this role, you will safely operate pallet jacks, ... more

    9 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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