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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in Missouri

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in Missouri? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in Missouri is $44,297 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): $53,659
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,154 to $49,197
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,383
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in Missouri

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): $38,939
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $43,276
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $49,106
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,757
  • Expert (over 8 years): $76,672
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Machine Operator I less than 1 year $38,939
Ground Equipment Operator 1-2 years $43,276
Machine Operator III 2-4 years $49,106
Machine Operator IV 5-8 years $52,757
Machine Operator Supervisor over 8 years $76,672

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:

  • Braggadocio: $42,923
  • Eugene: $43,098
  • Fortuna: $43,086

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 $57,586 $28.0 30%
Insurance $55,371 $27.0 25%
Construction $53,156 $26.0 20%
Financial Services $50,941 $24.0 15%
Aerospace & Defense $48,726 $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
$40,154
Average $44,297/year
$49,197
$3,346
Average $3,691/month
$4,100
$772
Average $852/week
$946
$19
Average $21/hour
$24
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $49,197 $4,100 $946 $24
Average $44,297 $3,691 $852 $21
25th Percentile $40,154 $3,346 $772 $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.

  • SA Recycling | Poplar Bluff, MO

    Equipment Operator

    SA Recycling | Poplar Bluff, MO

    SA Recycling - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment safely in recycling yard. Load/unload containers and trailers. Inspect equipment before/after us... more

    5 Days Ago

  • SA Recycling | St. Louis, MO

    Equipment Operator

    SA Recycling | St. Louis, MO

    SA Recycling - - Responsibilities: Preform pre- and post- operations inspections of equipment. Ensure equipment is operationally ready. Determine load weig... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Martin Marietta Materials | Savannah, MO

    Equipment Operator

    Martin Marietta Materials | Savannah, MO

    Martin Marietta Materials - - Responsibilities: Operate large equipment such as excavators and bulldozers to remove overburden in quarries. Inspect equipme... more

    5 Days Ago

  • SA Recycling | Saint Louis, MO

    Equipment Operator

    SA Recycling | Saint Louis, MO

    Equipment Operator. SA Recycling, a world leader in the metals recycling and processing industry, is actively looking for a diligent, reliable and talented... more

    5 Days Ago

  • KCS LLC | Grandview, MO

    Equipment Operator

    KCS LLC | Grandview, MO

    Job Description. Job Description. Now Hiring: Septic System. Technician/Operator. We are seeking a motivated, team-oriented individual to join our growing ... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Asplundh | Farmington, MO

    Equipment Operator

    Asplundh | Farmington, MO

    Asplundh - - Responsibilities: Operates heavy equipment to remove branches from electrical lines. Plans, assigns, directs and coordinates work. Trains new ... 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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