Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Chicago, IL
Updated
The median heavy equipment operator in the Chicago area earns $103,100 a year ($49.57 an hour), 72% above the U.S. median ($59,850) and 5% above the Illinois median ($97,740). Half of the 7,930 heavy equipment operators there earn between $78,580 and $117,350.
| Annual pay | Chicago area | Illinois | U.S. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $58,060 | $49,770 | $42,190 |
| 25th percentile | $78,580 | $69,230 | $48,680 |
| Median | $103,100 | $97,740 | $59,850 |
| 75th percentile | $117,350 | $109,320 | $77,170 |
| 90th percentile | $124,160 | $123,330 | $101,090 |
| Average | $96,370 | $90,500 | $66,290 |
| Jobs | 7,930 | 12,290 | 478,090 |
Chicago, IL ranks 3rd of the 50 largest U.S. metro areas for heavy equipment operator pay. Highest: San Francisco, CA ($124,750).
Paid less than $103,100? That gap, with its source, is the strongest line in a raise request. Check your pay for your level in 30 seconds. Free, no sign-up.
Check my payHeavy equipment operator pay in other cities
- San Francisco, CA: $124,750
- San Jose, CA: $124,340
- Seattle, WA: $95,750
- New York, NY: $95,050
- Los Angeles, CA: $92,890
- Sacramento, CA: $91,650
- San Diego, CA: $83,670
- Minneapolis, MN: $83,340
- All cities
Similar jobs in Chicago, IL
- Construction Laborer: $60,890
- Electrician: $102,350
- Carpenter: $80,440
- Plumber: $103,380
- Construction Supervisor: $111,260
- All jobs in Chicago, IL
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, published May 15, 2026
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, www.bls.gov/oes. BLS.gov cannot vouch for the data or analyses derived from these data after the data have been retrieved from BLS.gov.