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 $38,402 for beginners, reaching about $48,429 at mid-level, and approach $75,615 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 South Carolina

How much does a Ground Equipment Operator make in South Carolina? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Ground Equipment Operator in South Carolina is $43,686 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): $52,919
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $39,601 to $48,519
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $35,881

10% $35,881

50% (Median) $43,686

90% $52,919

Ground Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$48,519	$4,043	$933	$23
Average	$43,686	$3,641	$840	$21
25th Percentile	$39,601	$3,300	$762	$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 South Carolina

Equipment Operator

Fountain Services LLC – Greer, SC

Equipment Operator

Commercial Metals Corp. – Spartanburg, SC

Equipment Operator

Stellar Industrial Solutions Inc – Orangeburg, SC

Equipment Operator

SiteOne – Summerville, SC

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): $38,402
Early Career (1-2 years): $42,679
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $48,429
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $52,029
Expert (over 8 years): $75,615

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Machine Operator I	less than 1 year	$38,402
Ground Equipment Operator	1-2 years	$42,679
Machine Operator III	2-4 years	$48,429
Machine Operator IV	5-8 years	$52,029
Machine Operator Supervisor	over 8 years	$75,615

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:

Spartanburg: $43,528
Boiling Springs: $43,529
Arcadia: $43,528

Spartanburg, SC $43,528

Boiling Springs, SC $43,529

Arcadia, SC $43,528

Buffalo, SC $43,324

Campobello, SC $43,232

Chesnee, SC $43,410

Clifton, SC $43,522

Clinton, SC $42,836

Converse, SC $43,533

Cowpens, SC $43,470

Cross Anchor, SC $43,225

Cross Hill, SC $42,461

Drayton, SC $43,528

Duncan, SC $43,421

Enoree, SC $43,241

Fairforest, SC $43,528

Fingerville, SC $43,366

Gaffney, SC $43,586

Glendale, SC $43,539

Alcolu, SC $41,249

Ballentine, SC $43,023

Bamberg, SC $42,078

Batesburg, SC $42,623

Bethune, SC $42,185

Bishopville, SC $41,727

Blackstock, SC $43,315

Blair, SC $43,016

Blythewood, SC $42,957

Bowman, SC $42,075

Camden, SC $42,439

Cameron, SC $41,992

Carlisle, SC $43,158

Cassatt, SC $42,167

Cayce, SC $43,061

Chapin, SC $42,872

Chappells, SC $42,299

Cope, SC $42,209

Cordova, SC $42,321

Dalzell, SC $41,615

Davis Station, SC $41,605

Denmark, SC $42,178

Eastover, SC $42,521

Elgin, SC $42,848

Elliott, SC $41,578

Elloree, SC $42,013

Eutawville, SC $42,253

Gable, SC $41,250

Gadsden, SC $42,524

Gaston, SC $42,962

Gilbert, SC $42,817

Great Falls, SC $43,606

Greeleyville, SC $41,718

Heath Springs, SC $43,308

Holly Hill, SC $42,188

Hopkins, SC $42,932

Horatio, SC $42,162

Irmo, SC $42,966

Jenkinsville, SC $42,944

Kershaw, SC $42,522

Lamar, SC $41,758

Leesville, SC $42,739

Lexington, SC $43,004

Liberty Hill, SC $43,010

Little Mountain, SC $42,844

Lugoff, SC $42,652

Lydia, SC $41,808

Lynchburg, SC $41,460

Ehrhardt, SC $41,816

Lodge, SC $41,825

Mc Bee, SC $42,228

Manning, SC $41,466

Mayesville, SC $41,273

Monetta, SC $42,578

Neeses, SC $42,514

Newberry, SC $42,563

New Zion, SC $41,396

North, SC $42,607

Norway, SC $42,278

Olanta, SC $41,665

Orangeburg, SC $42,211

Peak, SC $42,915

Pelion, SC $42,790

Pinewood, SC $41,588

New Ellenton, SC $42,940

Allendale, SC $42,144

Barnwell, SC $42,358

Hilda, SC $42,223

Bath, SC $43,145

Blackville, SC $42,231

Bradley, SC $42,380

Clarks Hill, SC $42,994

Clearwater, SC $43,145

Edgefield, SC $42,796

Elko, SC $42,445

Fairfax, SC $42,006

Gloverville, SC $43,114

Graniteville, SC $43,093

Jackson, SC $43,082

Johnston, SC $42,707

Langley, SC $43,134

Mc Cormick, SC $42,480

Martin, SC $42,226

Modoc, SC $42,834

Montmorenci, SC $42,856

Mount Carmel, SC $42,187

North Augusta, SC $43,145

Beech Island, SC $43,145

Olar, SC $42,050

Parksville, SC $42,758

Plum Branch, SC $42,713

Sycamore, SC $42,035

Trenton, SC $42,914

Troy, SC $42,594

Ulmer, SC $42,027

Vaucluse, SC $43,062

Warrenville, SC $43,106

Williston, SC $42,559

Windsor, SC $42,690

Beaufort, SC $42,749

Ladys Island, SC $42,601

Okatie, SC $42,972

Bluffton, SC $43,156

Brunson, SC $41,884

Coosawhatchie, SC $42,644

Crocketville, SC $42,001

Dale, SC $42,497

Daufuskie Island, SC $43,193

Early Branch, SC $42,255

Estill, SC $42,230

Saint Helena Island, SC $42,688

Furman, SC $42,344

Garnett, SC $42,542

Gifford, SC $42,080

Hampton, SC $42,063

Hilton Head Island, SC $42,993

Hardeeville, SC $43,254

Islandton, SC $41,901

Lobeco, SC $42,524

Luray, SC $41,921

Miley, SC $41,853

Pineland, SC $42,572

Port Royal, SC $42,796

Ridgeland, SC $42,820

Scotia, SC $42,350

Seabrook, SC $42,481

Sheldon, SC $42,688

Tillman, SC $42,775

Varnville, SC $42,161

Yemassee, SC $42,301

Clemson, SC $42,820

Cleveland, SC $42,893

Conestee, SC $43,147

Donalds, SC $42,786

Inman, SC $43,425

Joanna, SC $42,694

Jonesville, SC $43,442

Kinards, SC $42,398

Landrum, SC $42,967

Laurens, SC $42,833

Lockhart, SC $43,455

Lyman, SC $43,282

Mayo, SC $43,460

Moore, SC $43,523

Mountville, SC $42,523

Pacolet, SC $43,468

Pacolet Mills, SC $43,478

Pauline, SC $43,439

Reidville, SC $43,397

Roebuck, SC $43,507

Startex, SC $43,502

Una, SC $43,528

Union, SC $43,285

Waterloo, SC $42,617

Wellford, SC $43,491

White Stone, SC $43,535

Woodruff, SC $43,348

Charleston, SC $44,273

Charleston Afb, SC $44,273

North Charleston, SC $44,273

Hanahan, SC $44,273

Adams Run, SC $43,594

Awendaw, SC $43,879

Bethera, SC $43,405

Bonneau, SC $42,959

Branchville, SC $42,015

Canadys, SC $42,471

Cordesville, SC $43,647

Cottageville, SC $43,290

Cross, SC $42,460

Dorchester, SC $42,859

Edisto Island, SC $43,466

Due West, SC $42,610

Easley, SC $43,082

Fair Play, SC $42,501

Fountain Inn, SC $43,039

Gray Court, SC $42,967

Greenwood, SC $42,470

Greer, SC $43,128

Hodges, SC $42,596

Honea Path, SC $42,873

Iva, SC $42,469

La France, SC $42,858

Liberty, SC $42,968

Long Creek, SC $42,245

Lowndesville, SC $42,485

Marietta, SC $42,966

Mauldin, SC $43,129

Mountain Rest, SC $42,348

Newry, SC $42,745

Ninety Six, SC $42,415

Norris, SC $42,903

Pelzer, SC $43,029

Pendleton, SC $42,879

Pickens, SC $42,924

Seneca, SC $42,735

Piedmont, SC $43,097

Richland, SC $42,607

Salem, SC $42,649

Sandy Springs, SC $42,822

Simpsonville, SC $43,062

Six Mile, SC $42,816

Slater, SC $43,025

Starr, SC $42,656

Sunset, SC $42,781

Tamassee, SC $42,458

Taylors, SC $43,093

Tigerville, SC $43,016

Townville, SC $42,680

Travelers Rest, SC $43,017

Walhalla, SC $42,549

Ware Shoals, SC $42,851

Westminster, SC $42,427

West Union, SC $42,662

Williamston, SC $42,976

Blacksburg, SC $43,988

Bowling Green, SC $44,607

Catawba, SC $44,648

Chester, SC $44,020

Fort Mill, SC $44,628

Chesterfield, SC $42,267

Clover, SC $44,631

Edgemoor, SC $44,636

Fort Lawn, SC $44,233

Hickory Grove, SC $43,694

Jefferson, SC $42,422

Lancaster, SC $44,026

Lando, SC $44,566

Mc Connells, SC $44,419

Mount Croghan, SC $42,482

Pageland, SC $43,229

Richburg, SC $44,200

Rock Hill, SC $44,931

Ruby, SC $42,388

Sharon, SC $43,856

Smyrna, SC $43,914

Van Wyck, SC $44,593

York, SC $44,524

Aiken, SC $42,903

Folly Beach, SC $44,273

Walterboro, SC $42,516

Williams, SC $42,043

Florence, SC $41,933

Andrews, SC $42,011

Aynor, SC $41,895

Bennettsville, SC $41,792

Blenheim, SC $41,845

Cades, SC $41,567

Centenary, SC $41,756

Cheraw, SC $42,234

Clio, SC $41,781

Conway, SC $41,893

Coward, SC $41,846

Darlington, SC $41,924

Dillon, SC $41,786

Effingham, SC $41,913

Fork, SC $41,774

Galivants Ferry, SC $41,887

Green Sea, SC $41,831

Gresham, SC $41,797

Hamer, SC $41,850

Hartsville, SC $41,944

Hemingway, SC $41,859

Johnsonville, SC $41,702

Kingstree, SC $41,889

Lake City, SC $41,665

Lake View, SC $41,854

Lane, SC $41,974

Latta, SC $41,843

Little River, SC $42,119

Little Rock, SC $41,821

Longs, SC $41,994

Loris, SC $41,876

Mc Coll, SC $41,963

Marion, SC $41,812

Myrtle Beach, SC $42,003

Minturn, SC $41,789

Mullins, SC $41,788

Murrells Inlet, SC $41,902

Nesmith, SC $41,837

Nichols, SC $41,818

North Myrtle Beach, SC $42,109

Pamplico, SC $41,804

Patrick, SC $42,209

Pawleys Island, SC $41,831

Rains, SC $41,799

Salters, SC $41,979

Scranton, SC $41,774

Sellers, SC $41,831

Society Hill, SC $41,814

Tatum, SC $41,950

Wallace, SC $42,089

Greenville, SC $43,145

Abbeville, SC $42,440

Anderson, SC $42,846

Belton, SC $42,906

Calhoun Falls, SC $42,276

Central, SC $42,860

Georgetown, SC $41,972

Goose Creek, SC $44,162

Green Pond, SC $42,968

Grover, SC $42,443

Harleyville, SC $42,346

Hollywood, SC $43,817

Huger, SC $43,744

Isle Of Palms, SC $44,265

Jacksonboro, SC $43,262

Jamestown, SC $43,117

Johns Island, SC $44,273

Ladson, SC $44,053

Mc Clellanville, SC $43,149

Moncks Corner, SC $43,428

Mount Pleasant, SC $44,273

Pineville, SC $42,105

Pinopolis, SC $42,940

Ravenel, SC $44,092

Reevesville, SC $42,132

Ridgeville, SC $43,471

Round O, SC $43,112

Ruffin, SC $42,112

Russellville, SC $42,260

Saint George, SC $42,380

Saint Stephen, SC $42,267

Smoaks, SC $42,014

Sullivans Island, SC $44,273

Summerville, SC $43,716

Wadmalaw Island, SC $44,020

Pomaria, SC $42,899

Gramling, SC $43,253

Prosperity, SC $42,762

Rembert, SC $41,978

Ridge Spring, SC $42,674

Ridgeway, SC $42,902

Rion, SC $42,968

Rowesville, SC $42,126

Saint Matthews, SC $42,385

Salley, SC $42,556

Saluda, SC $42,416

Santee, SC $42,177

Sardinia, SC $41,414

Silverstreet, SC $42,350

Springfield, SC $42,446

State Park, SC $43,060

Summerton, SC $41,808

Sumter, SC $41,224

Shaw A F B, SC $41,519

Swansea, SC $42,827

Timmonsville, SC $41,874

Turbeville, SC $41,431

Vance, SC $42,203

Wagener, SC $42,566

Ward, SC $42,575

Wedgefield, SC $41,714

West Columbia, SC $43,061

Westville, SC $42,519

White Rock, SC $42,920

Whitmire, SC $42,589

Winnsboro, SC $43,074

Columbia, SC $43,061

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	$56,792	$27.0	30%
Insurance	$54,608	$26.0	25%
Construction	$52,423	$25.0	20%
Financial Services	$50,239	$24.0	15%
Aerospace & Defense	$48,055	$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.

$39,601

Average $43,686/year

$48,519

$3,300

Average $3,641/month

$4,043

$762

Average $840/week

$933

$19

Average $21/hour

$23

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$48,519	$4,043	$933	$23
Average	$43,686	$3,641	$840	$21
25th Percentile	$39,601	$3,300	$762	$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.

Dawn Development Company | Tega Cay, SC

Equipment Operator

Dawn Development Company | Tega Cay, SC

Dawn Development Company is looking for Operators to join our team. Operators do not have to have a CDL. Candidates should have at least one year of experi... more

3 Days Ago
Dawn Development Company | Fort Mill, SC

Equipment Operator

Dawn Development Company | Fort Mill, SC

Dawn Development Company is looking for Operators to join our team. Operators do not have to have a CDL. Candidates should have at least one year of experi... more

3 Days Ago
Waste Connections | Duncan, SC

Equipment Operator

Waste Connections | Duncan, SC

Equipment Operator. We are seeking a safety-conscious Equipment Operator to join our operations team in Duncan, SC. This position is responsible for operat... more

4 Days Ago
Ulta Beauty | Greer, SC

Equipment Operator

Ulta Beauty | Greer, SC

Job Title. Material Handler Equipment Operator. Job Description. Experience operational excellence. Real investment in personal and professional developmen... more

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Commercial Metals | Spartanburg, SC

Equipment Operator

Commercial Metals | Spartanburg, SC

Equipment Operator. Location: Spartanburg, SC, US. There's more to CMC than our products and the buildings, structures, and roads they go into. At CMC, it'... more

4 Days Ago
Anderson School District Five | Anderson, SC

Equipment Operator

Anderson School District Five | Anderson, SC

Equipment Operator. The purpose of this classification is to maintain and tend to the landscape of all District properties to provide a safe and pleasant a... more

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Ground Equipment Operator Salary in South Carolina

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in South Carolina

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 South Carolina

Check out Ground Equipment Operator Job Openings in South Carolina

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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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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