What are the main factors that influence a Ground Equipment Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

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.

How does experience change A Ground Equipment Operator's salary?

A Ground Equipment Operator's salary grows with experience: starting around $42,259 for beginners, reaching about $53,293 at mid-level, and approach $83,209 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Ground Equipment Operator?

Ground Equipment Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Ground Equipment Operator roles are District of Columbia $51,621, California $51,425, Massachusetts $50,740. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Ground Equipment Operator roles make?

Salaries for Ground Equipment Operator level roles vary by specialization: Equipment Operator: $70,923; Aerospace Ground Equipment: $56,814; Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician: $55,059; Ground Support Equipment Mechanic: $52,929; Equipment Operator-Crane: $52,100.

Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Maryland

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in Maryland? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in Maryland is $48,073 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): $58,234
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $43,578 to $53,392
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $39,485

10% $39,485

50% (Median) $48,073

90% $58,234

Ground Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$53,392	$4,449	$1,027	$26
Average	$48,073	$4,006	$924	$23
25th Percentile	$43,578	$3,631	$838	$21

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in Maryland

Equipment Operator

Safe Harbor Marinas – Annapolis, MD

Equipment Operator

Bartley Corp – Silver Spring, MD

Equipment Operator

Amrize – , MD

Equipment Operator

Amrize – Baltimore, MD

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): $42,259
Early Career (1-2 years): $46,965
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $53,293
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $57,255
Expert (over 8 years): $83,209

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Machine Operator I	less than 1 year	$42,259
Ground Equipment Operator	1-2 years	$46,965
Machine Operator III	2-4 years	$53,293
Machine Operator IV	5-8 years	$57,255
Machine Operator Supervisor	over 8 years	$83,209

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.

District of Columbia $51,621 California $51,425 Massachusetts $50,740 Washington $50,554 New Jersey $50,535 Alaska $50,470 Connecticut $49,826 New York $49,565

Hawaii $48,731 Rhode Island $48,339 Maryland $48,073 Minnesota $47,710 Colorado $47,570 Illinois $47,523 Oregon $47,346 Delaware $47,215

New Hampshire $47,133 Virginia $46,950 Pennsylvania $46,413 Nevada $46,143 North Dakota $46,054 Michigan $45,915 Wisconsin $45,863 Vermont $45,761

Texas $45,476 Maine $45,458 Arizona $45,430 Ohio $45,397 Georgia $44,968 Indiana $44,754 Wyoming $44,712 Utah $44,646

Iowa $44,618 Kansas $44,395 Louisiana $44,329 North Carolina $44,306 Missouri $44,297 Florida $44,115 Montana $44,017 Nebraska $43,924

Kentucky $43,873 South Carolina $43,686 Tennessee $43,569 Idaho $43,523 New Mexico $43,183 Oklahoma $43,108 Alabama $42,833 South Dakota $42,371

Arkansas $42,119 West Virginia $41,984 Mississippi $41,579

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:

Owings: $49,499
Riverdale: $51,270
College Park: $51,211

Owings, MD $49,499

Riverdale, MD $51,270

College Park, MD $51,211

Fort Washington, MD $51,177

Oxon Hill, MD $51,325

Suitland, MD $51,309

District Heights, MD $51,283

Temple Hills, MD $51,310

Deale, MD $49,270

Dunkirk, MD $49,791

Fort George G Meade, MD $48,649

Friendship, MD $49,426

Fulton, MD $49,295

Andrews Air Force Base, MD $51,136

Savage, MD $48,721

Shady Side, MD $48,881

Galesville, MD $49,096

Greenbelt, MD $51,033

Glenn Dale, MD $50,470

Upper Marlboro, MD $50,519

Harwood, MD $49,285

Highland, MD $49,251

West River, MD $49,294

Tracys Landing, MD $49,329

Hyattsville, MD $51,311

Jessup, MD $48,482

Bethesda, MD $51,326

Glen Echo, MD $51,317

Chevy Chase, MD $51,321

Cabin John, MD $51,306

Olney, MD $50,151

Brookeville, MD $49,215

Poolesville, MD $49,648

Barnesville, MD $48,957

Beallsville, MD $49,047

Boyds, MD $49,422

Dickerson, MD $48,990

Rockville, MD $50,741

Potomac, MD $50,887

Derwood, MD $50,203

Sandy Spring, MD $49,910

Ashton, MD $49,800

Brinklow, MD $49,430

Burtonsville, MD $50,009

Montgomery Village, MD $49,600

Kensington, MD $51,278

Garrett Park, MD $51,217

Suburb Maryland Fac, MD $50,815

Silver Spring, MD $51,248

Takoma Park, MD $51,315

Aberdeen, MD $47,003

Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD $46,993

Abingdon, MD $47,357

Gunpowder, MD $47,642

Arnold, MD $48,197

Baldwin, MD $47,553

Bel Air, MD $47,158

Belcamp, MD $47,226

Benson, MD $46,941

Boring, MD $47,045

Brooklandville, MD $48,016

Butler, MD $47,487

Chase, MD $47,862

Churchville, MD $46,805

Clarksville, MD $48,728

Cockeysville, MD $47,578

Hunt Valley, MD $47,778

Crownsville, MD $48,523

Darlington, MD $46,391

Davidsonville, MD $49,231

Dayton, MD $48,697

Edgewater, MD $48,780

Edgewood, MD $47,501

Ellicott City, MD $48,111

Columbia, MD $48,471

Fallston, MD $47,377

Finksburg, MD $47,393

Forest Hill, MD $46,901

Fork, MD $47,714

Fort Howard, MD $48,015

Freeland, MD $45,958

Gambrills, MD $48,706

Gibson Island, MD $48,042

Glen Arm, MD $47,890

Glen Burnie, MD $48,098

Glyndon, MD $47,638

Hampstead, MD $46,543

Elkridge, MD $48,151

Hanover, MD $48,179

Harmans, MD $48,176

Havre De Grace, MD $46,698

Hydes, MD $47,718

Jarrettsville, MD $46,745

Joppa, MD $47,622

Kingsville, MD $47,727

Lineboro, MD $45,841

Linthicum Heights, MD $48,106

Long Green, MD $47,811

Spencerville, MD $49,935

Clarksburg, MD $48,843

Damascus, MD $48,422

Germantown, MD $49,869

Annapolis, MD $48,570

Cumberland, MD $44,121

Accident, MD $44,048

Barton, MD $44,255

Bittinger, MD $44,172

Bloomington, MD $44,329

Corriganville, MD $43,841

Eckhart Mines, MD $44,084

Ellerslie, MD $43,897

Flintstone, MD $44,132

Friendsville, MD $44,035

Frostburg, MD $44,023

Grantsville, MD $44,025

Kitzmiller, MD $44,028

Lonaconing, MD $44,175

Luke, MD $44,332

Mc Henry, MD $44,052

Midland, MD $44,323

Midlothian, MD $44,029

Mount Savage, MD $43,828

Oakland, MD $43,924

Oldtown, MD $44,192

Pinto, MD $44,274

Rawlings, MD $44,288

Spring Gap, MD $44,246

Swanton, MD $44,139

Westernport, MD $44,330

Easton, MD $47,607

Barclay, MD $47,209

Bethlehem, MD $47,270

Betterton, MD $47,244

Bozman, MD $48,013

Cambridge, MD $47,272

Centreville, MD $47,656

Chester, MD $48,024

Chestertown, MD $47,465

Church Creek, MD $47,198

Church Hill, MD $47,401

Claiborne, MD $48,099

Cordova, MD $47,446

Crapo, MD $46,782

Crocheron, MD $46,444

Crumpton, MD $47,155

Denton, MD $47,198

East New Market, MD $47,084

Federalsburg, MD $47,075

Fishing Creek, MD $46,955

Galena, MD $47,028

Goldsboro, MD $47,107

Grasonville, MD $47,933

Greensboro, MD $47,116

Henderson, MD $47,159

Hillsboro, MD $47,480

Hurlock, MD $47,095

Ingleside, MD $47,247

Kennedyville, MD $47,112

Mcdaniel, MD $48,080

Madison, MD $47,565

Marydel, MD $47,030

Massey, MD $47,039

Millington, MD $47,106

Neavitt, MD $48,073

Newcomb, MD $47,741

Oxford, MD $47,505

Preston, MD $47,253

Price, MD $47,434

Queen Anne, MD $47,558

Queenstown, MD $47,829

Rhodesdale, MD $46,813

Ridgely, MD $47,302

Rock Hall, MD $47,755

Royal Oak, MD $47,653

Saint Michaels, MD $47,976

Secretary, MD $47,263

Sherwood, MD $48,366

Deal Island, MD $46,089

Eden, MD $46,179

Ewell, MD $45,945

Fruitland, MD $46,338

Girdletree, MD $45,840

Hebron, MD $46,295

Linkwood, MD $46,948

Manokin, MD $46,027

Mardela Springs, MD $46,461

Marion Station, MD $45,866

Nanticoke, MD $46,274

Newark, MD $46,082

Ocean City, MD $46,303

Parsonsburg, MD $46,211

Pittsville, MD $46,212

Pocomoke City, MD $45,925

Powellville, MD $46,189

Princess Anne, MD $46,146

Quantico, MD $46,204

Rehobeth, MD $45,852

Sharptown, MD $46,716

Showell, MD $46,211

Snow Hill, MD $46,048

Stockton, MD $45,772

Tyaskin, MD $46,159

Tylerton, MD $45,999

Upper Fairmount, MD $46,140

Vienna, MD $46,560

Westover, MD $46,027

Whaleyville, MD $46,187

Willards, MD $46,205

Delmar, MD $46,328

North East, MD $46,741

Perry Point, MD $46,673

Perryville, MD $46,655

Port Deposit, MD $46,540

Rising Sun, MD $46,388

Warwick, MD $47,018

Cecilton, MD $46,986

Charlestown, MD $46,734

Chesapeake City, MD $46,985

Childs, MD $46,922

Stevensville, MD $48,147

Colora, MD $46,346

Conowingo, MD $46,268

Earleville, MD $46,941

Elk Mills, MD $46,938

Elkton, MD $46,904

Georgetown, MD $46,976

Lutherville Timonium, MD $47,976

Abell, MD $47,499

Accokeek, MD $50,757

Aquasco, MD $49,501

Avenue, MD $47,575

Barstow, MD $48,911

Bel Alton, MD $49,153

Benedict, MD $49,120

Brandywine, MD $50,277

Broomes Island, MD $48,355

Bryans Road, MD $50,659

Bryantown, MD $49,742

Bushwood, MD $47,609

California, MD $47,569

Callaway, MD $47,237

Chaptico, MD $48,062

Charlotte Hall, MD $48,787

Cheltenham, MD $50,747

Clements, MD $48,062

Cobb Island, MD $47,631

Coltons Point, MD $47,407

Compton, MD $47,665

Dameron, MD $46,635

Dowell, MD $47,717

Drayden, MD $46,747

Faulkner, MD $48,890

Great Mills, MD $47,313

Helen, MD $48,511

Hollywood, MD $47,850

Hughesville, MD $49,410

Huntingtown, MD $49,208

Indian Head, MD $49,514

Ironsides, MD $49,314

Issue, MD $47,888

La Plata, MD $49,654

Leonardtown, MD $47,490

Lexington Park, MD $47,168

Loveville, MD $47,987

Lusby, MD $47,806

Marbury, MD $49,911

Mechanicsville, MD $48,501

Morganza, MD $48,218

Mount Victoria, MD $47,663

Nanjemoy, MD $48,734

Newburg, MD $48,246

Park Hall, MD $47,030

Patuxent River, MD $47,278

Piney Point, MD $46,820

Pomfret, MD $50,194

Port Republic, MD $48,619

Port Tobacco, MD $49,471

Prince Frederick, MD $48,914

Ridge, MD $46,428

Rock Point, MD $48,229

Saint Inigoes, MD $46,578

Saint Leonard, MD $48,384

Saint Marys City, MD $47,021

Scotland, MD $46,121

Solomons, MD $47,674

Sunderland, MD $49,306

Tall Timbers, MD $46,879

Valley Lee, MD $46,898

Welcome, MD $49,163

White Plains, MD $50,199

Southern Md Facility, MD $50,811

Annapolis Junction, MD $48,592

Lanham, MD $51,004

Beltsville, MD $50,931

Laurel, MD $49,821

Bladensburg, MD $51,303

Lothian, MD $49,793

Mount Rainier, MD $51,327

North Beach, MD $49,101

Bowie, MD $49,813

Brentwood, MD $51,324

Capitol Heights, MD $51,301

Chesapeake Beach, MD $49,076

Churchton, MD $49,087

Clinton, MD $51,012

Still Pond, MD $47,247

Sudlersville, MD $47,159

Taylors Island, MD $47,578

Templeville, MD $47,033

Tilghman, MD $48,257

Toddville, MD $46,552

Trappe, MD $47,301

Wingate, MD $46,734

Wittman, MD $48,098

Woolford, MD $47,381

Worton, MD $47,409

Wye Mills, MD $47,746

Frederick, MD $47,205

Adamstown, MD $48,186

Big Pool, MD $44,760

Boonsboro, MD $46,355

Braddock Heights, MD $47,181

Brownsville, MD $47,043

Brunswick, MD $47,478

Buckeystown, MD $47,827

Burkittsville, MD $47,119

Cascade, MD $45,933

Cavetown, MD $45,875

Chewsville, MD $45,945

Clear Spring, MD $45,331

Cooksville, MD $48,091

Emmitsburg, MD $46,086

Fairplay, MD $46,057

Funkstown, MD $46,052

Glenelg, MD $48,600

Glenwood, MD $48,361

Hagerstown, MD $45,819

Hancock, MD $44,540

Ijamsville, MD $48,068

Jefferson, MD $47,525

Keedysville, MD $46,502

Keymar, MD $46,478

Knoxville, MD $47,228

Ladiesburg, MD $46,646

Libertytown, MD $47,075

Lisbon, MD $48,097

Little Orleans, MD $44,293

Maugansville, MD $45,653

Middletown, MD $47,007

Monrovia, MD $47,962

Mount Airy, MD $47,675

Myersville, MD $46,397

New Market, MD $47,482

New Midway, MD $46,644

New Windsor, MD $47,066

Point Of Rocks, MD $48,095

Rocky Ridge, MD $46,334

Rohrersville, MD $46,819

Sabillasville, MD $45,995

Saint James, MD $46,064

Sharpsburg, MD $46,433

Smithsburg, MD $45,916

Sykesville, MD $47,798

Taneytown, MD $46,196

Thurmont, MD $46,386

Tuscarora, MD $48,278

Union Bridge, MD $46,875

Unionville, MD $47,102

Walkersville, MD $46,935

West Friendship, MD $48,196

Williamsport, MD $45,869

Woodbine, MD $48,091

Woodsboro, MD $46,712

Salisbury, MD $46,328

Allen, MD $46,265

Berlin, MD $46,216

Bishopville, MD $46,227

Bivalve, MD $46,396

Manchester, MD $45,983

Marriottsville, MD $47,989

Maryland Line, MD $45,841

Mayo, MD $48,672

Millersville, MD $48,276

Monkton, MD $47,140

Odenton, MD $48,764

Crofton, MD $49,043

Owings Mills, MD $47,893

Parkton, MD $46,417

Pasadena, MD $48,055

Perry Hall, MD $47,925

Perryman, MD $47,126

Phoenix, MD $47,672

Pylesville, MD $46,140

Randallstown, MD $47,967

Reisterstown, MD $47,780

Riderwood, MD $48,069

Riva, MD $48,859

Severn, MD $48,268

Severna Park, MD $48,203

Simpsonville, MD $48,673

Sparks Glencoe, MD $47,286

Crisfield, MD $45,978

Stevenson, MD $47,999

Dhs, MD $50,770

Waldorf, MD $50,170

Street, MD $46,350

Upperco, MD $47,006

Upper Falls, MD $47,774

Westminster, MD $47,008

Whiteford, MD $46,122

White Hall, MD $46,354

White Marsh, MD $47,880

Woodstock, MD $48,011

Baltimore, MD $48,073

Towson, MD $48,068

Gwynn Oak, MD $48,084

Pikesville, MD $48,050

Sparrows Point, MD $48,022

Middle River, MD $47,922

Essex, MD $48,036

Dundalk, MD $48,081

Brooklyn, MD $48,082

Curtis Bay, MD $48,092

Halethorpe, MD $48,088

Catonsville, MD $48,112

Parkville, MD $48,060

Nottingham, MD $48,011

Rosedale, MD $48,073

Windsor Mill, MD $48,058

Gaithersburg, MD $50,098

Washington Grove, MD $50,124

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	$62,495	$30.0	30%
Insurance	$60,092	$29.0	25%
Construction	$57,688	$28.0	20%
Financial Services	$55,284	$27.0	15%
Aerospace & Defense	$52,881	$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.

$43,578

Average $48,073/year

$53,392

$3,631

Average $4,006/month

$4,449

$838

Average $924/week

$1,027

$21

Average $23/hour

$26

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$53,392	$4,449	$1,027	$26
Average	$48,073	$4,006	$924	$23
25th Percentile	$43,578	$3,631	$838	$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.

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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Maryland

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in Maryland

Key Factors That Influence Ground Equipment Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Ground Equipment Operator Salaries?

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

Top Paying Cities for Ground Equipment Operator

Ground Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Ground Equipment Operator

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

Find Your Next Ground Equipment Operator Job

For Employees

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Maryland

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in Maryland

Key Factors That Influence Ground Equipment Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Ground Equipment Operator Salaries?

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

Top Paying Cities for Ground Equipment Operator

Ground Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Ground Equipment Operator

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

Salaries of jobs related to Ground Equipment Operator

Find Your Next Ground Equipment Operator Job

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