How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in Florida? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in Florida is $44,115 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $53,439
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,990 to $48,995
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,234

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): $38,780
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,098
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $48,905
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,540
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,357
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $38,780
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $43,098
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $48,905
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $52,540
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $76,357

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:

  • Palatka: $42,699
  • Ocklawaha: $42,780
  • Pierson: $42,485

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 $57,349 $28.0 30%
Insurance $55,144 $27.0 25%
Construction $52,938 $25.0 20%
Financial Services $50,732 $24.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $48,526 $23.0 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
$39,990
Average $44,115/year
$48,995
$3,332
Average $3,676/month
$4,083
$769
Average $848/week
$942
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $48,995 $4,083 $942 $24
Average $44,115 $3,676 $848 $21
25th Percentile $39,990 $3,332 $769 $19

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.

  • Tyonek Native Corporation | Jacksonville, FL

    Tyonek Native Corporation | Jacksonville, FL

    Ground Support Equipment Mechanic. Diagnoses malfunctions and repairs Ground Support Equipment (GSE), advises and trains lower grade workers on diagnosis a... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Menzies Aviation | Orlando, FL

    Menzies Aviation | Orlando, FL

    Aviation Service Vehicle Maintenance Role. People. Passion. Pride. This is what has driven our teams since 1833. Since that time, we have developed to beco... more

    11 Days Ago

  • Lockheed Martin | Merritt Island, FL

    Lockheed Martin | Merritt Island, FL

    Join Our Team as a Electronics Engineer, Ground Support Equipment. Where you will work on the development of electrical & electronic Ground Support Equipme... more

    10 Days Ago

  • Equix, Inc. | Milton, FL

    Equix, Inc. | Milton, FL

    Job Description. Job Description. Equix Energy Services is an energy and utilities contractor that provides high-quality pipeline and facility construction... more

    7 Days Ago

  • CLP Circular Services | West Palm Beach, FL

    CLP Circular Services | West Palm Beach, FL

    Job Description. Job Description. About Circular Services. Circular Services is a leading developer and operator of circular economy infrastructure and ser... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Gulfstream Park Racing | Hallandale, FL

    Gulfstream Park Racing | Hallandale, FL

    Job Description. Job Description. Job Overview. Operates small and large equipment such as tractors, large vehicles, forklifts, mowers, etc. while performi... more

    7 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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