Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Illinois

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in Illinois? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in Illinois is $47,523 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,567
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,079 to $52,781
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,033

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): $41,775
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $46,428
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $52,683
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $56,599
  • Expert (over 8 years): $82,256
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $41,775
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $46,428
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $52,683
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $56,599
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $82,256

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:

  • Effingham: $43,807
  • Saint Peter: $43,747
  • Salem: $43,913

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 $61,780 $30.0 30%
Insurance $59,404 $29.0 25%
Construction $57,028 $27.0 20%
Financial Services $54,652 $26.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $52,275 $25.0 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
$43,079
Average $47,523/year
$52,781
$3,590
Average $3,960/month
$4,398
$828
Average $914/week
$1,015
$21
Average $23/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $52,781 $4,398 $1,015 $25
Average $47,523 $3,960 $914 $23
25th Percentile $43,079 $3,590 $828 $21

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.

  • MacLellan Integrated Services, Inc. | Normal, IL

    MacLellan Integrated Services, Inc. | Normal, IL

    MacLellan Integrated Services @ Rivian, Normal, IL. With safety as our guiding principle, we perform critical process cleaning for our clients. Starting Pa... more

    2 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

    2 Days Ago

  • Harbrand LeRoy Fertilizer Services | Le Roy, IL

    Harbrand LeRoy Fertilizer Services | Le Roy, IL

    Job Description. Job Description. The Equipment Operator will primarily handle agricultural and material handling equipment in agricultural fields and shop... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Trillium Staffing | Danville, IL

    Trillium Staffing | Danville, IL

    Equipment Operator. Local welding shop is looking for an Equipment Operator in Danville, IL. The yard operator is responsible for operating an end loader f... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Fun Town RV | Anna, IL

    Fun Town RV | Anna, IL

    Equipment Operator (Service Manager). Founded in 2010, Fun Town RV (FTRV) has grown into Texas's largest RV chain, operating 36 locations and planning to e... more

    3 Days Ago

  • Ulta Beauty | Bolingbrook, IL

    Ulta Beauty | Bolingbrook, IL

    Equipment Operator. We consider applications for this position on an ongoing basis. Experience operational excellence. Real investment in personal and prof... more

    3 Days Ago

For Employees

Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.

Get a Salary Increase

Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.

Search Job Openings

For Employers

Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.

Adjust Employee Salary

Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.

Price My Industry Jobs

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.

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:

  • Detailed skills and competency reports for specific positions
  • Job and employee pricing reports
  • Compensation data tools, salary structures, surveys and benchmarks.
Learn about CompAnalyst