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 $37,960 for beginners, reaching about $47,867 at mid-level, and approach $74,729 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 $51,620, California $51,424, Massachusetts $50,739. 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: Ground Support Equipment Technician: $91,314; Equipment Operator: $70,903; Aerospace Ground Equipment: $56,818; Aerospace Ground Equipment Technician: $55,051; Ground Support Equipment Mechanic: $52,935.

Ground Equipment Operator Salary in New Mexico

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in New Mexico? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in New Mexico is $43,182 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): $52,308
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,143 to $47,959
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,467

10% $35,467

50% (Median) $43,182

90% $52,308

Ground Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,959	$3,997	$922	$23
Average	$43,182	$3,598	$830	$21
25th Percentile	$39,143	$3,262	$753	$19

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 New Mexico

Equipment Operator

Canyon Construction Company – Bloomfield, NM

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections – Albuquerque, NM

Equipment Operator

Government Jobs – Santa Fe, NM

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Government Jobs – Clovis, NM

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): $37,960
Early Career (1-2 years): $42,186
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,867
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $51,435
Expert (over 8 years): $74,729

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Machine Operator I	less than 1 year	$37,960
Ground Equipment Operator	1-2 years	$42,186
Machine Operator III	2-4 years	$47,867
Machine Operator IV	5-8 years	$51,435
Machine Operator Supervisor	over 8 years	$74,729

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: $51,620.
California: $51,424.
Massachusetts: $50,739.

District of Columbia $51,620 California $51,424 Massachusetts $50,739 Washington $50,553 New Jersey $50,534 Alaska $50,469 Connecticut $49,825 New York $49,564

Hawaii $48,730 Rhode Island $48,338 Maryland $48,072 Minnesota $47,709 Colorado $47,569 Illinois $47,522 Oregon $47,345 Delaware $47,214

New Hampshire $47,132 Virginia $46,949 Pennsylvania $46,412 Nevada $46,142 North Dakota $46,054 Michigan $45,914 Wisconsin $45,862 Vermont $45,760

Texas $45,475 Maine $45,457 Arizona $45,429 Ohio $45,396 Georgia $44,967 Indiana $44,753 Wyoming $44,711 Utah $44,646

Iowa $44,618 Kansas $44,394 Louisiana $44,328 North Carolina $44,305 Missouri $44,296 Florida $44,114 Montana $44,016 Nebraska $43,923

Kentucky $43,872 South Carolina $43,685 Tennessee $43,569 Idaho $43,522 New Mexico $43,182 Oklahoma $43,107 Alabama $42,832 South Dakota $42,370

Arkansas $42,119 West Virginia $41,983 Mississippi $41,578

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:

Algodones: $43,641
Belen: $43,398
Bernalillo: $43,719

Algodones, NM $43,641

Belen, NM $43,398

Bernalillo, NM $43,719

Bluewater, NM $42,801

Bosque, NM $43,079

Casa Blanca, NM $43,177

Cedar Crest, NM $43,755

Cedarvale, NM $42,039

Cerrillos, NM $43,673

Claunch, NM $41,884

Coyote, NM $43,030

Cuba, NM $42,961

Cubero, NM $43,272

Edgewood, NM $43,560

Estancia, NM $43,040

Gallina, NM $42,804

Counselor, NM $42,831

Grants, NM $42,752

Milan, NM $42,923

Isleta, NM $43,794

Jarales, NM $43,356

Jemez Pueblo, NM $43,431

Jemez Springs, NM $43,298

Laguna, NM $43,484

La Jara, NM $42,913

La Joya, NM $42,813

Lindrith, NM $42,762

Los Lunas, NM $43,628

Mcintosh, NM $43,277

Pueblo Of Acoma, NM $42,989

Moriarty, NM $43,132

Mountainair, NM $42,666

Nageezi, NM $42,774

New Laguna, NM $43,252

Paguate, NM $43,281

Pena Blanca, NM $43,764

Peralta, NM $43,697

Placitas, NM $43,720

Ponderosa, NM $43,376

Prewitt, NM $42,788

Regina, NM $42,817

Sandia Park, NM $43,645

Corrales, NM $43,810

San Fidel, NM $43,018

San Rafael, NM $42,835

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM $43,645

San Ysidro, NM $43,587

Stanley, NM $43,126

Tijeras, NM $43,651

Tome, NM $43,570

Torreon, NM $43,425

Veguita, NM $43,076

Willard, NM $42,589

Youngsville, NM $43,042

Bosque Farms, NM $43,777

Clines Corners, NM $42,865

Cochiti Pueblo, NM $43,679

Cochiti Lake, NM $43,735

Albuquerque, NM $43,834

Kirtland Afb, NM $43,834

Rio Rancho, NM $43,762

Gallup, NM $42,850

Brimhall, NM $42,728

Church Rock, NM $42,748

Continental Divide, NM $42,718

Crownpoint, NM $42,754

Fence Lake, NM $42,563

Fort Wingate, NM $42,734

Gamerco, NM $42,805

Mentmore, NM $42,739

Mexican Springs, NM $42,734

Ramah, NM $42,656

Rehoboth, NM $42,762

Thoreau, NM $42,765

Tohatchi, NM $42,726

Vanderwagen, NM $42,734

Zuni, NM $42,724

Navajo, NM $42,782

Jamestown, NM $42,676

Pinehill, NM $42,623

Sheep Springs, NM $42,772

Smith Lake, NM $42,931

Yatahey, NM $42,756

Farmington, NM $42,962

Aztec, NM $43,041

Blanco, NM $42,840

Bloomfield, NM $42,789

Flora Vista, NM $43,006

Fruitland, NM $42,737

Kirtland, NM $43,007

La Plata, NM $43,022

Navajo Dam, NM $43,003

Shiprock, NM $42,943

Waterflow, NM $42,921

Newcomb, NM $42,746

Sanostee, NM $42,773

Santa Fe, NM $44,058

Abiquiu, NM $42,853

Alcalde, NM $43,599

Amalia, NM $42,788

Arroyo Hondo, NM $42,727

Arroyo Seco, NM $42,777

Canjilon, NM $42,720

Canones, NM $43,110

Carson, NM $42,891

Cebolla, NM $42,746

Cerro, NM $42,758

Chama, NM $42,933

Chamisal, NM $43,484

Chimayo, NM $43,789

Cordova, NM $43,715

Costilla, NM $42,967

Taos Ski Valley, NM $42,641

Dixon, NM $43,442

Dulce, NM $42,932

El Prado, NM $42,815

El Rito, NM $43,011

Embudo, NM $43,219

Espanola, NM $43,736

Glorieta, NM $43,888

Hernandez, NM $43,329

Ilfeld, NM $43,483

La Madera, NM $42,935

Lamy, NM $43,721

Llano, NM $43,396

Los Alamos, NM $43,824

White Rock, NM $43,907

Medanales, NM $43,377

Ojo Caliente, NM $43,122

Los Ojos, NM $42,828

Pecos, NM $43,752

Penasco, NM $43,234

Petaca, NM $42,681

Questa, NM $42,803

Ranchos De Taos, NM $43,029

Red River, NM $42,681

Ribera, NM $42,956

Rowe, NM $43,524

San Cristobal, NM $42,680

San Jose, NM $43,417

Ohkay Owingeh, NM $43,629

Santa Cruz, NM $43,774

Serafina, NM $42,847

Taos, NM $42,790

Tererro, NM $43,892

Tesuque, NM $44,058

Tierra Amarilla, NM $42,790

Trampas, NM $43,199

Tres Piedras, NM $42,669

Truchas, NM $43,593

Vadito, NM $43,177

Valdez, NM $42,712

Vallecitos, NM $42,679

Velarde, NM $43,376

Villanueva, NM $42,873

Spaceport City, NM $41,999

Las Vegas, NM $42,509

Angel Fire, NM $42,635

Anton Chico, NM $42,436

Buena Vista, NM $42,825

Chacon, NM $42,856

Cimarron, NM $42,568

Cleveland, NM $43,160

Eagle Nest, NM $42,600

Guadalupita, NM $42,790

Holman, NM $43,050

La Loma, NM $42,364

Maxwell, NM $42,582

Miami, NM $42,491

Mills, NM $42,340

Montezuma, NM $43,379

Mora, NM $43,220

Mosquero, NM $42,303

Ocate, NM $42,537

Ojo Feliz, NM $42,649

Rainsville, NM $42,836

Raton, NM $42,690

Rociada, NM $43,401

Roy, NM $42,349

Sapello, NM $43,024

Solano, NM $42,297

Springer, NM $42,472

Ute Park, NM $42,588

Valmora, NM $42,473

Wagon Mound, NM $42,425

Watrous, NM $42,488

Socorro, NM $42,389

Aragon, NM $42,518

Datil, NM $42,342

Lemitar, NM $42,587

Luna, NM $42,593

Magdalena, NM $42,346

Pie Town, NM $42,487

Polvadera, NM $42,689

Quemado, NM $42,575

Reserve, NM $42,499

San Acacia, NM $42,760

San Antonio, NM $42,155

Truth Or Consequences, NM $42,146

Arrey, NM $42,139

Caballo, NM $42,168

Derry, NM $41,954

Elephant Butte, NM $42,256

Garfield, NM $41,832

Hatch, NM $41,161

Monticello, NM $42,144

Rincon, NM $40,925

Salem, NM $41,701

Williamsburg, NM $42,199

Winston, NM $42,175

Las Cruces, NM $40,389

White Sands Missile Range, NM $40,521

Santa Teresa, NM $40,816

Playas, NM $42,341

Animas, NM $42,445

Anthony, NM $40,806

Arenas Valley, NM $42,370

Bayard, NM $42,331

Berino, NM $40,621

Buckhorn, NM $42,375

Santa Clara, NM $42,405

Chamberino, NM $40,664

Cliff, NM $42,326

Columbus, NM $42,212

Deming, NM $42,222

Dona Ana, NM $40,390

Fairacres, NM $40,511

Faywood, NM $42,202

Fort Bayard, NM $42,364

Gila, NM $42,263

Glenwood, NM $42,296

Hachita, NM $42,212

Hanover, NM $42,221

Hillsboro, NM $42,134

Hurley, NM $42,302

La Mesa, NM $41,161

Lordsburg, NM $42,310

Mesilla, NM $40,390

Mesilla Park, NM $40,394

Mesquite, NM $40,429

Mimbres, NM $42,254

Mule Creek, NM $42,368

Organ, NM $40,415

Pinos Altos, NM $42,325

Radium Springs, NM $40,406

Redrock, NM $42,217

Rodeo, NM $42,499

San Miguel, NM $40,413

Silver City, NM $42,325

Sunland Park, NM $40,599

Tyrone, NM $42,451

Vado, NM $40,445

Chaparral, NM $40,955

Clovis, NM $42,244

Cannon Afb, NM $42,151

Broadview, NM $42,121

Causey, NM $42,049

Crossroads, NM $41,949

Dora, NM $42,148

Elida, NM $41,974

Floyd, NM $42,076

Fort Sumner, NM $42,042

Grady, NM $42,161

House, NM $42,127

Kenna, NM $41,974

Lingo, NM $42,046

Melrose, NM $42,134

Milnesand, NM $41,957

Pep, NM $42,015

Portales, NM $42,168

Rogers, NM $42,026

Saint Vrain, NM $42,161

Taiban, NM $42,027

Texico, NM $42,178

Yeso, NM $41,875

Roswell, NM $41,923

Artesia, NM $42,006

Caprock, NM $41,921

Carlsbad, NM $42,034

Dexter, NM $41,953

Eunice, NM $42,071

Hagerman, NM $41,974

Hobbs, NM $42,133

Hope, NM $41,820

Jal, NM $42,022

Lake Arthur, NM $41,905

Lakewood, NM $41,967

Loco Hills, NM $42,044

Loving, NM $42,023

Lovington, NM $42,092

Mcdonald, NM $41,977

Malaga, NM $41,982

Maljamar, NM $41,941

Monument, NM $42,040

Tatum, NM $42,004

Whites City, NM $42,075

Carrizozo, NM $41,725

Alamogordo, NM $41,592

Alto, NM $41,731

Bent, NM $41,600

Capitan, NM $41,634

Cloudcroft, NM $41,595

Corona, NM $41,906

Encino, NM $42,243

Fort Stanton, NM $41,651

Glencoe, NM $41,622

High Rolls Mountain Park, NM $41,587

Holloman Air Force Base, NM $41,587

Hondo, NM $41,660

La Luz, NM $41,587

Lincoln, NM $41,539

Mayhill, NM $41,681

Mescalero, NM $41,606

Nogal, NM $41,784

Orogrande, NM $41,608

Picacho, NM $41,651

Pinon, NM $41,808

Ruidoso, NM $41,810

Ruidoso Downs, NM $41,753

Sacramento, NM $41,624

San Patricio, NM $41,674

Sunspot, NM $41,587

Timberon, NM $41,677

Tinnie, NM $41,627

Tularosa, NM $41,615

Vaughn, NM $42,072

Weed, NM $41,676

Tucumcari, NM $42,281

Amistad, NM $42,227

Bard, NM $42,159

Capulin, NM $42,637

Clayton, NM $42,309

Conchas Dam, NM $42,347

Cuervo, NM $42,143

Des Moines, NM $42,468

Folsom, NM $42,534

Garita, NM $42,266

Gladstone, NM $42,351

Grenville, NM $42,343

Logan, NM $42,280

Mcalister, NM $42,149

Nara Visa, NM $42,180

Newkirk, NM $42,226

Quay, NM $42,251

San Jon, NM $42,205

Santa Rosa, NM $42,251

Sedan, NM $42,265

Trementina, NM $42,264

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	$56,136	$27.0	30%
Insurance	$53,977	$26.0	25%
Construction	$51,818	$25.0	20%
Financial Services	$49,659	$24.0	15%
Aerospace & Defense	$47,500	$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.

$39,143

Average $43,182/year

$47,959

$3,262

Average $3,598/month

$3,997

$753

Average $830/week

$922

$19

Average $21/hour

$23

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,959	$3,997	$922	$23
Average	$43,182	$3,598	$830	$21
25th Percentile	$39,143	$3,262	$753	$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.

Waste Connections | Eunice, NM

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections | Eunice, NM

Waste Connections - - Responsibilities: Spread and compact trash using a compactor. Spread daily cover using a dozer. Harvest soil using a scraper and/or l... more

8 Days Ago
City of Bloomfield | Bloomfield, NM

Equipment Operator

City of Bloomfield | Bloomfield, NM

Job Description. Job Description. Equipment Operator I - Public WorksCity of Bloomfield, NMFull-time • On-site • Public Works DepartmentAbout the JobThe Ci... more

9 Days Ago
Government Jobs | Las Cruces, NM

Equipment Operator

Government Jobs | Las Cruces, NM

Government Jobs - Full-Time - $15.24 - $23.35 Hourly This posting will close at 5:00PM on the close date. A Skills Test will be adminstered. An Individual ... more

9 Days Ago
City of Portales | Portales, NM

Street Equipment Operator

City of Portales | Portales, NM

Job Description. Job Description. THE CITY OF. PORTALES. NEW MEXICO. POSITION POSTING #2024-023. POSITION: EQUIPMENT OPERATOR I more

5 Days Ago
CR Minerals Company LLC | Española, NM

Mining Heavy Equipment Operator

CR Minerals Company LLC | Española, NM

Job Description. Job Description. Description. HABLAMOS ESPANOL. APPLY TODAY. APLICE AHORA. CR Minerals is seeking hard working, dependable individuals loo... more

6 Days Ago
Frontier Development, Inc | Eunice, NM

Heavy Equipment Operator

Frontier Development, Inc | Eunice, NM

Job Description. Job Description. Description. Ensure proper working of all equipment by inspecting it before and after use. When necessary, and asked, per... more

6 Days Ago

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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

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

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Ground Equipment Operator Salary in New Mexico

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

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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