Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Michigan

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in Michigan? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in Michigan is $45,915 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): $55,619
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $41,621 to $50,994
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,712

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): $40,362
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $44,856
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $50,900
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $54,684
  • Expert (over 8 years): $79,472
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $40,362
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $44,856
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $50,900
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $54,684
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $79,472

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:

  • Davison: $44,263
  • Decker: $43,733
  • Deckerville: $43,573

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 $59,689 $29.0 30%
Insurance $57,393 $28.0 25%
Construction $55,098 $26.0 20%
Financial Services $52,802 $25.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $50,506 $24.0 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
$41,621
Average $45,915/year
$50,994
$3,468
Average $3,826/month
$4,250
$800
Average $883/week
$981
$20
Average $22/hour
$25
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $50,994 $4,250 $981 $25
Average $45,915 $3,826 $883 $22
25th Percentile $41,621 $3,468 $800 $20

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.

  • Lane Automotive | Watervliet, MI

    Lane Automotive | Watervliet, MI

    Lane Automotive, a leader in high-performance automotive parts distribution, is seeking a 2nd Shift Equipment Operator to support our fast-paced warehouse ... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Cleveland-Cliffs | Detroit, MI

    Cleveland-Cliffs | Detroit, MI

    Operator. Ferrous Processing and Trading (FPT) is one of North America's premier processors, buyers, sellers and recyclers of scrap metals of all kinds and... more

    3 Days Ago

  • OWL Services | Clarkston, MI

    OWL Services | Clarkston, MI

    Equipment Operator. OWL Services is the premier sales, installation, program management and service provider to retail, commercial, fleet, aviation and mar... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Mariani Landscape | Petoskey, MI

    Mariani Landscape | Petoskey, MI

    Work With The Best. We are building the premier outdoor living company in the country by creating a "family of family companies" across the nation. Now you... more

    4 Days Ago

  • CVS Health | Novi, MI

    CVS Health | Novi, MI

    Equipment Operator. We're building a world of health around every individual shaping a more connected, convenient and compassionate health experience. At C... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Team Elmer's | Traverse City, MI

    Team Elmer's | Traverse City, MI

    Job Description. Job Description. Equipment Operator - DirtTeam Elmer's seeks to fill a position for a skilled equipment operator. This position may operat... more

    3 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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