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 $47,871 at mid-level, and approach $74,743 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 New Mexico

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in New Mexico? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in New Mexico is $43,183 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): $52,309
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,144 to $47,960
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,468

10% $35,468

50% (Median) $43,183

90% $52,309

Ground Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,960	$3,997	$922	$23
Average	$43,183	$3,599	$830	$21
25th Percentile	$39,144	$3,262	$753	$19

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

For HR & Compensation Team

What should I pay?

See how Salary.com helps teams price roles more accurately.

Benchmark Ground Equipment Operator with confidence

Get deeper market data to support decisions.

Work Email

Phone No.

Choose a perfect time to talk with a compensation expert.

Book a Demo

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in New Mexico

Equipment Operator

Canyon Construction Company – Bloomfield, NM

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections – Carlsbad, NM

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections – Jal, NM

Equipment Operator

Government Jobs – Santa Fe, 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): $42,187
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $47,871
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $51,430
Expert (over 8 years): $74,743

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Machine Operator I	less than 1 year	$37,960
Ground Equipment Operator	1-2 years	$42,187
Machine Operator III	2-4 years	$47,871
Machine Operator IV	5-8 years	$51,430
Machine Operator Supervisor	over 8 years	$74,743

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:

Algodones: $43,642
Belen: $43,399
Bernalillo: $43,720

Algodones, NM $43,642

Belen, NM $43,399

Bernalillo, NM $43,720

Bluewater, NM $42,802

Bosque, NM $43,080

Casa Blanca, NM $43,178

Cedar Crest, NM $43,756

Cedarvale, NM $42,040

Cerrillos, NM $43,674

Claunch, NM $41,885

Coyote, NM $43,031

Cuba, NM $42,962

Cubero, NM $43,273

Edgewood, NM $43,561

Estancia, NM $43,041

Gallina, NM $42,805

Counselor, NM $42,832

Grants, NM $42,753

Milan, NM $42,924

Isleta, NM $43,795

Jarales, NM $43,357

Jemez Pueblo, NM $43,432

Jemez Springs, NM $43,299

Laguna, NM $43,485

La Jara, NM $42,913

La Joya, NM $42,814

Lindrith, NM $42,762

Los Lunas, NM $43,629

Mcintosh, NM $43,278

Pueblo Of Acoma, NM $42,990

Moriarty, NM $43,133

Mountainair, NM $42,667

Nageezi, NM $42,775

New Laguna, NM $43,252

Paguate, NM $43,282

Pena Blanca, NM $43,765

Peralta, NM $43,698

Placitas, NM $43,721

Ponderosa, NM $43,377

Prewitt, NM $42,789

Regina, NM $42,818

Sandia Park, NM $43,646

Corrales, NM $43,811

San Fidel, NM $43,019

San Rafael, NM $42,836

Santo Domingo Pueblo, NM $43,646

San Ysidro, NM $43,588

Stanley, NM $43,127

Tijeras, NM $43,652

Tome, NM $43,571

Torreon, NM $43,426

Veguita, NM $43,077

Willard, NM $42,590

Youngsville, NM $43,043

Bosque Farms, NM $43,778

Clines Corners, NM $42,866

Cochiti Pueblo, NM $43,680

Cochiti Lake, NM $43,736

Albuquerque, NM $43,835

Kirtland Afb, NM $43,835

Rio Rancho, NM $43,763

Gallup, NM $42,851

Brimhall, NM $42,729

Church Rock, NM $42,749

Continental Divide, NM $42,719

Crownpoint, NM $42,754

Fence Lake, NM $42,564

Fort Wingate, NM $42,734

Gamerco, NM $42,806

Mentmore, NM $42,740

Mexican Springs, NM $42,735

Ramah, NM $42,657

Rehoboth, NM $42,763

Thoreau, NM $42,766

Tohatchi, NM $42,727

Vanderwagen, NM $42,735

Zuni, NM $42,725

Navajo, NM $42,783

Jamestown, NM $42,677

Pinehill, NM $42,623

Sheep Springs, NM $42,773

Smith Lake, NM $42,932

Yatahey, NM $42,757

Farmington, NM $42,963

Aztec, NM $43,042

Blanco, NM $42,841

Bloomfield, NM $42,790

Flora Vista, NM $43,007

Fruitland, NM $42,738

Kirtland, NM $43,008

La Plata, NM $43,023

Navajo Dam, NM $43,004

Shiprock, NM $42,944

Waterflow, NM $42,922

Newcomb, NM $42,747

Sanostee, NM $42,774

Santa Fe, NM $44,059

Abiquiu, NM $42,854

Alcalde, NM $43,600

Amalia, NM $42,789

Arroyo Hondo, NM $42,728

Arroyo Seco, NM $42,778

Canjilon, NM $42,721

Canones, NM $43,111

Carson, NM $42,892

Cebolla, NM $42,747

Cerro, NM $42,759

Chama, NM $42,934

Chamisal, NM $43,485

Chimayo, NM $43,790

Cordova, NM $43,716

Costilla, NM $42,968

Taos Ski Valley, NM $42,642

Dixon, NM $43,443

Dulce, NM $42,933

El Prado, NM $42,816

El Rito, NM $43,012

Embudo, NM $43,220

Espanola, NM $43,737

Glorieta, NM $43,889

Hernandez, NM $43,330

Ilfeld, NM $43,484

La Madera, NM $42,936

Lamy, NM $43,722

Llano, NM $43,397

Los Alamos, NM $43,825

White Rock, NM $43,908

Medanales, NM $43,378

Ojo Caliente, NM $43,123

Los Ojos, NM $42,829

Pecos, NM $43,753

Penasco, NM $43,235

Petaca, NM $42,682

Questa, NM $42,804

Ranchos De Taos, NM $43,030

Red River, NM $42,682

Ribera, NM $42,957

Rowe, NM $43,525

San Cristobal, NM $42,681

San Jose, NM $43,418

Ohkay Owingeh, NM $43,630

Santa Cruz, NM $43,775

Serafina, NM $42,848

Taos, NM $42,791

Tererro, NM $43,893

Tesuque, NM $44,059

Tierra Amarilla, NM $42,791

Trampas, NM $43,200

Tres Piedras, NM $42,670

Truchas, NM $43,594

Vadito, NM $43,178

Valdez, NM $42,713

Vallecitos, NM $42,679

Velarde, NM $43,377

Villanueva, NM $42,874

Spaceport City, NM $42,000

Las Vegas, NM $42,510

Angel Fire, NM $42,636

Anton Chico, NM $42,437

Buena Vista, NM $42,826

Chacon, NM $42,857

Cimarron, NM $42,569

Cleveland, NM $43,161

Eagle Nest, NM $42,601

Guadalupita, NM $42,791

Holman, NM $43,051

La Loma, NM $42,365

Maxwell, NM $42,583

Miami, NM $42,492

Mills, NM $42,340

Montezuma, NM $43,380

Mora, NM $43,221

Mosquero, NM $42,304

Ocate, NM $42,538

Ojo Feliz, NM $42,650

Rainsville, NM $42,837

Raton, NM $42,691

Rociada, NM $43,402

Roy, NM $42,350

Sapello, NM $43,025

Solano, NM $42,298

Springer, NM $42,473

Ute Park, NM $42,589

Valmora, NM $42,474

Wagon Mound, NM $42,426

Watrous, NM $42,489

Socorro, NM $42,390

Aragon, NM $42,519

Datil, NM $42,343

Lemitar, NM $42,588

Luna, NM $42,594

Magdalena, NM $42,347

Pie Town, NM $42,488

Polvadera, NM $42,690

Quemado, NM $42,576

Reserve, NM $42,499

San Acacia, NM $42,761

San Antonio, NM $42,156

Truth Or Consequences, NM $42,147

Arrey, NM $42,140

Caballo, NM $42,169

Derry, NM $41,954

Elephant Butte, NM $42,257

Garfield, NM $41,833

Hatch, NM $41,162

Monticello, NM $42,145

Rincon, NM $40,925

Salem, NM $41,702

Williamsburg, NM $42,200

Winston, NM $42,175

Las Cruces, NM $40,390

White Sands Missile Range, NM $40,522

Santa Teresa, NM $40,817

Playas, NM $42,342

Animas, NM $42,446

Anthony, NM $40,807

Arenas Valley, NM $42,371

Bayard, NM $42,332

Berino, NM $40,622

Buckhorn, NM $42,375

Santa Clara, NM $42,406

Chamberino, NM $40,664

Cliff, NM $42,326

Columbus, NM $42,213

Deming, NM $42,223

Dona Ana, NM $40,391

Fairacres, NM $40,512

Faywood, NM $42,203

Fort Bayard, NM $42,365

Gila, NM $42,264

Glenwood, NM $42,297

Hachita, NM $42,213

Hanover, NM $42,222

Hillsboro, NM $42,135

Hurley, NM $42,303

La Mesa, NM $41,162

Lordsburg, NM $42,311

Mesilla, NM $40,391

Mesilla Park, NM $40,395

Mesquite, NM $40,429

Mimbres, NM $42,255

Mule Creek, NM $42,369

Organ, NM $40,416

Pinos Altos, NM $42,326

Radium Springs, NM $40,407

Redrock, NM $42,218

Rodeo, NM $42,499

San Miguel, NM $40,414

Silver City, NM $42,326

Sunland Park, NM $40,600

Tyrone, NM $42,451

Vado, NM $40,446

Chaparral, NM $40,956

Clovis, NM $42,245

Cannon Afb, NM $42,152

Broadview, NM $42,122

Causey, NM $42,050

Crossroads, NM $41,950

Dora, NM $42,149

Elida, NM $41,974

Floyd, NM $42,077

Fort Sumner, NM $42,043

Grady, NM $42,162

House, NM $42,128

Kenna, NM $41,975

Lingo, NM $42,047

Melrose, NM $42,135

Milnesand, NM $41,958

Pep, NM $42,016

Portales, NM $42,169

Rogers, NM $42,027

Saint Vrain, NM $42,162

Taiban, NM $42,028

Texico, NM $42,179

Yeso, NM $41,876

Roswell, NM $41,924

Artesia, NM $42,007

Caprock, NM $41,922

Carlsbad, NM $42,035

Dexter, NM $41,954

Eunice, NM $42,072

Hagerman, NM $41,975

Hobbs, NM $42,133

Hope, NM $41,821

Jal, NM $42,023

Lake Arthur, NM $41,905

Lakewood, NM $41,968

Loco Hills, NM $42,045

Loving, NM $42,024

Lovington, NM $42,093

Mcdonald, NM $41,978

Malaga, NM $41,983

Maljamar, NM $41,942

Monument, NM $42,041

Tatum, NM $42,005

Whites City, NM $42,076

Carrizozo, NM $41,726

Alamogordo, NM $41,593

Alto, NM $41,732

Bent, NM $41,601

Capitan, NM $41,635

Cloudcroft, NM $41,596

Corona, NM $41,907

Encino, NM $42,244

Fort Stanton, NM $41,652

Glencoe, NM $41,622

High Rolls Mountain Park, NM $41,588

Holloman Air Force Base, NM $41,588

Hondo, NM $41,661

La Luz, NM $41,588

Lincoln, NM $41,539

Mayhill, NM $41,682

Mescalero, NM $41,607

Nogal, NM $41,785

Orogrande, NM $41,609

Picacho, NM $41,652

Pinon, NM $41,809

Ruidoso, NM $41,811

Ruidoso Downs, NM $41,754

Sacramento, NM $41,625

San Patricio, NM $41,675

Sunspot, NM $41,588

Timberon, NM $41,678

Tinnie, NM $41,628

Tularosa, NM $41,615

Vaughn, NM $42,073

Weed, NM $41,677

Tucumcari, NM $42,282

Amistad, NM $42,228

Bard, NM $42,160

Capulin, NM $42,637

Clayton, NM $42,310

Conchas Dam, NM $42,348

Cuervo, NM $42,144

Des Moines, NM $42,469

Folsom, NM $42,535

Garita, NM $42,267

Gladstone, NM $42,352

Grenville, NM $42,344

Logan, NM $42,281

Mcalister, NM $42,150

Nara Visa, NM $42,181

Newkirk, NM $42,227

Quay, NM $42,251

San Jon, NM $42,206

Santa Rosa, NM $42,251

Sedan, NM $42,266

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	$56,137	$27.0	30%
Insurance	$53,978	$26.0	25%
Construction	$51,819	$25.0	20%
Financial Services	$49,660	$24.0	15%
Aerospace & Defense	$47,501	$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.

$39,144

Average $43,183/year

$47,960

$3,262

Average $3,599/month

$3,997

$753

Average $830/week

$922

$19

Average $21/hour

$23

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$47,960	$3,997	$922	$23
Average	$43,183	$3,599	$830	$21
25th Percentile	$39,144	$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.

Government Jobs | Clovis, NM

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Government Jobs | Clovis, NM

Government Jobs - FULL-TIME - $15.35 - $23.02 Hourly Position involves some manual labor and the operation of equipment in moderate complexity involving th... more

10 Days Ago
NAVAJO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUST | Farmington, NM

Equipment Operator

NAVAJO AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS INDUST | Farmington, NM

Job Description. Job Description. I. Position Function SUMMARY. Under direct supervision, the Equipment Operator provides support in operating farm equipme... more

7 Days Ago
Lea County | Hobbs, NM

Equipment Operator

Lea County | Hobbs, NM

Job Description. Job Description. ESSENTIAL DUTIES. Regular attendance is an essential function of this position. Repairs, constructs, scrapes and fills a ... more

7 Days Ago
Waste Connections | Eunice, NM

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections | Eunice, NM

Waste Connections - - Responsibilities: Spread and compact trash with a compactor. Distribute daily cover with a dozer. Harvest soil with an ADT and/or scr... more

10 Days Ago
City of Bloomfield | Bloomfield, NM

Equipment Operator

City of Bloomfield | Bloomfield, NM

Job Description. Job Description. Equipment Operator I - Public Works. City of Bloomfield, NM. Full-time • On-site • Public Works Department. About the Job... more

6 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

10 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

Salary Search

Salary Calculator Tools

Know Your Worth

Advance at Work

Explore Career Path

Land Your Next Role

Software + AI

Data

Survey Catalogue

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

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?