What is the best city for heavy equipment operators?

After cost of living, the Kahului–Wailuku, HI area: the median of $124,990 a year buys about what $114,260 would at average U.S. prices.

Which city pays heavy equipment operators the most?

Before adjusting for prices, the Kahului–Wailuku, HI area has the highest median, $124,990. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 386.

What is the best big city for heavy equipment operators?

Among the 20 metro areas with the most heavy equipment operators, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 12th overall: its median of $103,100 buys what $99,520 would nationally.

Where does heavy equipment operator pay go the least far?

Of the 386 metro areas ranked, the Rome, GA area, where the median of $36,400 buys about what $40,370 would nationally.

Which cities are included?

The 386 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for heavy equipment operators and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's heavy equipment operator pay page.

How is cost of living adjusted?

We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.

Best-paying cities for heavy equipment operators

Updated September 27, 2026

After adjusting for cost of living, the Kahului–Wailuku, HI area is the best-paying metro for heavy equipment operators: its median of $124,990 a year buys what $114,260 would nationally, according to May 2025 BLS wages and BEA 2024 price levels. It also has the highest pay before adjusting. Among the 20 metros with the most heavy equipment operators, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area ranks highest (12th overall).

Top 50 metro areas, after cost of living

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
1	Kahului–WailukuHI · $124,990 median · prices 109.4	$114,260	$124,990	109.4	400
2	DecaturIL · $100,520 median · prices 88.4	$113,680	$100,520	88.4	100
3	San Jose–Sunnyvale–Santa ClaraCA · $124,340 median · prices 110.4	$112,600	$124,340	110.4	1,360
4	Waterloo–Cedar FallsIA · $97,770 median · prices 87.1	$112,310	$97,770	87.1	420
5	San Francisco–Oakland–FremontCA · $124,750 median · prices 115.6	$107,900	$124,750	115.6	4,080
6	Michigan City–La PorteIN · $98,120 median · prices 91.7	$107,020	$98,120	91.7	170
7	Urban HonoluluHI · $117,630 median · prices 111.0	$106,010	$117,630	111.0	1,430
8	RockfordIL · $97,250 median · prices 92.2	$105,530	$97,250	92.2	260
9	BloomingtonIL · $96,250 median · prices 93.5	$102,900	$96,250	93.5	180
10	SpringfieldIL · $95,310 median · prices 92.7	$102,770	$95,310	92.7	210
11	Champaign–UrbanaIL · $92,900 median · prices 92.7	$100,210	$92,900	92.7	160
12	Chicago–Naperville–ElginIL-IN · $103,100 median · prices 103.6	$99,520	$103,100	103.6	7,930
13	Olympia–Lacey–TumwaterWA · $103,060 median · prices 103.7	$99,410	$103,060	103.7	260
14	WausauWI · $90,900 median · prices 92.7	$98,110	$90,900	92.7	200
15	KankakeeIL · $94,270 median · prices 96.4	$97,800	$94,270	96.4	90
16	Santa Rosa–PetalumaCA · $105,080 median · prices 107.8	$97,490	$105,080	107.8	710
17	PeoriaIL · $86,440 median · prices 91.2	$94,750	$86,440	91.2	330
18	Racine–Mount PleasantWI · $90,320 median · prices 96.0	$94,120	$90,320	96.0	280
19	EvansvilleIN · $84,500 median · prices 91.5	$92,320	$84,500	91.5	510
20	KokomoIN · $82,270 median · prices 89.6	$91,770	$82,270	89.6	100
21	St. CloudMN · $79,530 median · prices 87.6	$90,750	$79,530	87.6	700
22	AppletonWI · $83,010 median · prices 92.4	$89,820	$83,010	92.4	480
23	Lafayette–West LafayetteIN · $83,460 median · prices 93.4	$89,330	$83,460	93.4	340
24	BellinghamWA · $91,510 median · prices 103.3	$88,560	$91,510	103.3	400
25	VallejoCA · $95,100 median · prices 108.5	$87,670	$95,100	108.5	630
26	RochesterMN · $79,580 median · prices 90.8	$87,620	$79,580	90.8	290
27	ModestoCA · $90,560 median · prices 104.1	$86,990	$90,560	104.1	430
28	South Bend–MishawakaIN-MI · $80,460 median · prices 92.9	$86,650	$80,460	92.9	360
29	St. LouisMO-IL · $82,270 median · prices 95.1	$86,520	$82,270	95.1	4,190
30	MankatoMN · $78,560 median · prices 91.0	$86,370	$78,560	91.0	150
31	Battle CreekMI · $78,020 median · prices 90.5	$86,170	$78,020	90.5	150
32	Seattle–Tacoma–BellevueWA · $95,750 median · prices 111.1	$86,160	$95,750	111.1	4,860
33	Wenatchee–East WenatcheeWA · $89,460 median · prices 103.9	$86,140	$89,460	103.9	240
34	Sacramento–Roseville–FolsomCA · $91,650 median · prices 106.7	$85,920	$91,650	106.7	2,920
35	Indianapolis–Carmel–GreenwoodIN · $82,190 median · prices 95.7	$85,890	$82,190	95.7	3,700
36	MadisonWI · $83,060 median · prices 97.3	$85,380	$83,060	97.3	680
37	DuluthMN-WI · $75,040 median · prices 88.8	$84,530	$75,040	88.8	770
38	New York–Newark–Jersey CityNY-NJ · $95,050 median · prices 112.6	$84,440	$95,050	112.6	11,430
39	Fort WayneIN · $77,450 median · prices 92.6	$83,660	$77,450	92.6	650
40	Mount Vernon–AnacortesWA · $85,390 median · prices 102.4	$83,350	$85,390	102.4	180
41	Albany–Schenectady–TroyNY · $82,540 median · prices 99.6	$82,900	$82,540	99.6	1,000
42	Oshkosh–NeenahWI · $77,020 median · prices 92.9	$82,880	$77,020	92.9	150
43	ColumbusOH · $78,950 median · prices 95.5	$82,700	$78,950	95.5	3,290
44	Green BayWI · $76,290 median · prices 93.1	$81,960	$76,290	93.1	420
45	Milwaukee–WaukeshaWI · $79,430 median · prices 96.9	$81,940	$79,430	96.9	2,070
46	Bay CityMI · $75,310 median · prices 91.9	$81,930	$75,310	91.9	140
47	Eau ClaireWI · $75,970 median · prices 92.8	$81,870	$75,970	92.8	260
48	Los Angeles–Long Beach–AnaheimCA · $92,890 median · prices 113.6	$81,790	$92,890	113.6	8,780
49	Jefferson CityMO · $71,140 median · prices 88.0	$80,860	$71,140	88.0	410
50	FlintMI · $75,140 median · prices 93.0	$80,770	$75,140	93.0	240

See all 386 metro areas

#	Metro area	After cost of living	Median pay	Price level	Jobs
51	NapaCA · $90,060 median · prices 112.6	$80,010	$90,060	112.6	160
52	VinelandNJ · $76,740 median · prices 96.0	$79,960	$76,740	96.0	180
53	Fairbanks–CollegeAK · $82,390 median · prices 103.2	$79,830	$82,390	103.2	430
54	Kennewick–RichlandWA · $79,850 median · prices 100.1	$79,790	$79,850	100.1	460
55	Minneapolis–St. Paul–BloomingtonMN-WI · $83,340 median · prices 104.8	$79,510	$83,340	104.8	4,270
56	Waterbury–SheltonCT · $78,330 median · prices 99.8	$78,500	$78,330	99.8	300
57	ChicoCA · $79,040 median · prices 101.2	$78,110	$79,040	101.2	230
58	Fond du LacWI · $71,560 median · prices 91.6	$78,090	$71,560	91.6	160
59	La Crosse–OnalaskaWI-MN · $71,430 median · prices 91.8	$77,840	$71,430	91.8	120
60	Yuba CityCA · $80,620 median · prices 104.2	$77,350	$80,620	104.2	230
61	Bakersfield–DelanoCA · $77,960 median · prices 100.9	$77,280	$77,960	100.9	1,000
62	Atlantic City–HammontonNJ · $76,240 median · prices 98.9	$77,120	$76,240	98.9	320
63	Bridgeport–Stamford–DanburyCT · $82,250 median · prices 106.9	$76,970	$82,250	106.9	600
64	Buffalo–CheektowagaNY · $73,650 median · prices 95.8	$76,840	$73,650	95.8	950
65	FresnoCA · $78,310 median · prices 102.2	$76,660	$78,310	102.2	1,290
66	ReddingCA · $77,090 median · prices 100.7	$76,570	$77,090	100.7	340
67	ClevelandOH · $71,740 median · prices 93.9	$76,380	$71,740	93.9	2,660
68	New HavenCT · $79,840 median · prices 104.6	$76,360	$79,840	104.6	450
69	MercedCA · $74,800 median · prices 98.3	$76,110	$74,800	98.3	160
70	SpringfieldMA · $73,070 median · prices 96.1	$76,070	$73,070	96.1	670
71	Oxnard–Thousand Oaks–VenturaCA · $83,290 median · prices 110.5	$75,350	$83,290	110.5	780
72	YakimaWA · $71,810 median · prices 95.5	$75,160	$71,810	95.5	190
73	WorcesterMA · $77,050 median · prices 102.5	$75,150	$77,050	102.5	1,230
74	Portland–Vancouver–HillsboroOR-WA · $79,040 median · prices 105.4	$74,980	$79,040	105.4	3,040
75	Santa Maria–Santa BarbaraCA · $81,500 median · prices 108.8	$74,910	$81,500	108.8	400
76	San Diego–Chula Vista–CarlsbadCA · $83,670 median · prices 111.9	$74,780	$83,670	111.9	3,130
77	Hartford–West Hartford–East HartfordCT · $76,740 median · prices 102.7	$74,690	$76,740	102.7	990
78	El CentroCA · $70,830 median · prices 95.2	$74,420	$70,830	95.2	240
79	MansfieldOH · $66,100 median · prices 88.9	$74,380	$66,100	88.9	190
80	Barnstable TownMA · $72,920 median · prices 98.4	$74,140	$72,920	98.4	400
81	Spokane–Spokane ValleyWA · $74,360 median · prices 100.3	$74,100	$74,360	100.3	700
82	Riverside–San Bernardino–OntarioCA · $78,720 median · prices 106.4	$73,960	$78,720	106.4	4,740
83	Stockton–LodiCA · $77,420 median · prices 105.1	$73,670	$77,420	105.1	760
84	SalinasCA · $80,320 median · prices 109.0	$73,660	$80,320	109.0	340
85	Bremerton–Silverdale–Port OrchardWA · $77,780 median · prices 105.6	$73,650	$77,780	105.6	180
86	San Luis Obispo–Paso RoblesCA · $79,340 median · prices 108.6	$73,060	$79,340	108.6	530
87	Davenport–Moline–Rock IslandIA-IL · $64,850 median · prices 89.1	$72,800	$64,850	89.1	570
88	St. JosephMO-KS · $62,820 median · prices 86.4	$72,720	$62,820	86.4	390
89	AnchorageAK · $76,520 median · prices 105.4	$72,590	$76,520	105.4	980
90	RenoNV · $73,260 median · prices 101.0	$72,520	$73,260	101.0	1,290
91	KenoshaWI · $73,190 median · prices 101.1	$72,380	$73,190	101.1	120
92	MinotND · $62,990 median · prices 87.0	$72,380	$62,990	87.0	290
93	SalemOR · $74,270 median · prices 103.6	$71,660	$74,270	103.6	750
94	MidlandMI · $65,710 median · prices 91.9	$71,490	$65,710	91.9	120
95	Cape GirardeauMO-IL · $61,480 median · prices 86.1	$71,420	$61,480	86.1	130
96	DubuqueIA · $62,250 median · prices 87.3	$71,280	$62,250	87.3	160
97	Cedar RapidsIA · $63,310 median · prices 89.0	$71,160	$63,310	89.0	490
98	Watertown–Fort DrumNY · $62,340 median · prices 87.7	$71,090	$62,340	87.7	190
99	Boston–Cambridge–NewtonMA-NH · $76,940 median · prices 108.3	$71,070	$76,940	108.3	6,370
100	Grand ForksND-MN · $61,520 median · prices 86.7	$70,990	$61,520	86.7	370
101	Janesville–BeloitWI · $66,320 median · prices 93.7	$70,780	$66,320	93.7	240
102	ToledoOH · $64,380 median · prices 91.5	$70,400	$64,380	91.5	780
103	AmesIA · $62,400 median · prices 88.8	$70,250	$62,400	88.8	190
104	CincinnatiOH-KY-IN · $66,950 median · prices 95.4	$70,200	$66,950	95.4	3,120
105	Terre HauteIN · $61,630 median · prices 87.8	$70,200	$61,630	87.8	230
106	KingstonNY · $70,370 median · prices 100.7	$69,870	$70,370	100.7	150
107	ColumbusIN · $64,970 median · prices 93.0	$69,860	$64,970	93.0	110
108	ElmiraNY · $65,760 median · prices 94.4	$69,660	$65,760	94.4	70
109	Kansas CityMO-KS · $64,060 median · prices 92.5	$69,220	$64,060	92.5	4,110
110	Dayton–Kettering–BeavercreekOH · $64,050 median · prices 92.7	$69,100	$64,050	92.7	710
111	Santa Cruz–WatsonvilleCA · $75,640 median · prices 109.9	$68,830	$75,640	109.9	130
112	Walla WallaWA · $67,750 median · prices 98.5	$68,770	$67,750	98.5	50
113	Providence–WarwickRI-MA · $69,900 median · prices 101.8	$68,680	$69,900	101.8	1,570
114	PaducahKY-IL · $59,000 median · prices 86.1	$68,540	$59,000	86.1	460
115	AkronOH · $63,920 median · prices 93.4	$68,460	$63,920	93.4	830
116	Sioux CityIA-NE-SD · $59,140 median · prices 86.5	$68,410	$59,140	86.5	200
117	SheboyganWI · $64,290 median · prices 94.0	$68,380	$64,290	94.0	100
118	Elkhart–GoshenIN · $61,710 median · prices 90.3	$68,320	$61,710	90.3	290
119	BismarckND · $62,150 median · prices 91.0	$68,280	$62,150	91.0	580
120	Des Moines–West Des MoinesIA · $62,610 median · prices 91.7	$68,280	$62,610	91.7	1,260
121	Rapid CitySD · $60,660 median · prices 89.2	$68,030	$60,660	89.2	410
122	MuncieIN · $59,910 median · prices 88.1	$67,970	$59,910	88.1	80
123	Detroit–Warren–DearbornMI · $68,130 median · prices 100.3	$67,930	$68,130	100.3	3,790
124	FargoND-MN · $61,690 median · prices 90.9	$67,890	$61,690	90.9	960
125	PittsfieldMA · $64,460 median · prices 95.1	$67,780	$64,460	95.1	150
126	Youngstown–WarrenOH · $59,210 median · prices 87.4	$67,750	$59,210	87.4	420
127	RochesterNY · $65,720 median · prices 97.0	$67,730	$65,720	97.0	910
128	Idaho FallsID · $63,910 median · prices 94.4	$67,690	$63,910	94.4	470
129	Trenton–PrincetonNJ · $69,800 median · prices 103.2	$67,650	$69,800	103.2	270
130	SanduskyOH · $60,380 median · prices 89.3	$67,630	$60,380	89.3	240
131	BeckleyWV · $59,700 median · prices 88.4	$67,560	$59,700	88.4	480
132	BoulderCO · $71,060 median · prices 105.2	$67,550	$71,060	105.2	190
133	Sioux FallsSD-MN · $60,960 median · prices 90.6	$67,260	$60,960	90.6	630
134	LewistonID-WA · $61,290 median · prices 91.2	$67,230	$61,290	91.2	100
135	Utica–RomeNY · $62,270 median · prices 92.7	$67,190	$62,270	92.7	200
136	Canton–MassillonOH · $60,010 median · prices 89.4	$67,120	$60,010	89.4	530
137	Grand Rapids–Wyoming–KentwoodMI · $63,850 median · prices 95.5	$66,830	$63,850	95.5	900
138	Bowling GreenKY · $60,180 median · prices 90.2	$66,730	$60,180	90.2	300
139	AlbanyOR · $68,080 median · prices 102.1	$66,680	$68,080	102.1	150
140	Amherst Town–NorthamptonMA · $66,830 median · prices 100.2	$66,670	$66,830	100.2	180
141	SyracuseNY · $63,810 median · prices 95.7	$66,650	$63,810	95.7	700
142	PocatelloID · $59,250 median · prices 88.9	$66,640	$59,250	88.9	190
143	PuebloCO · $61,130 median · prices 91.8	$66,620	$61,130	91.8	310
144	LawrenceKS · $60,080 median · prices 90.2	$66,580	$60,080	90.2	120
145	Norwich–New London–WillimanticCT · $66,850 median · prices 100.4	$66,550	$66,850	100.4	210
146	Louisville/Jefferson CountyKY-IN · $61,890 median · prices 93.1	$66,500	$61,890	93.1	1,920
147	BozemanMT · $68,160 median · prices 102.5	$66,490	$68,160	102.5	530
148	MissoulaMT · $64,050 median · prices 96.4	$66,410	$64,050	96.4	310
149	LincolnNE · $60,810 median · prices 91.6	$66,400	$60,810	91.6	490
150	BillingsMT · $61,990 median · prices 93.5	$66,280	$61,990	93.5	540
151	Iowa CityIA · $60,530 median · prices 91.5	$66,150	$60,530	91.5	210
152	Carson CityNV · $64,820 median · prices 98.1	$66,060	$64,820	98.1	80
153	Kiryas Joel–Poughkeepsie–NewburghNY · $72,240 median · prices 109.4	$66,020	$72,240	109.4	590
154	WheelingWV-OH · $58,250 median · prices 88.3	$65,950	$58,250	88.3	500
155	PittsburghPA · $62,320 median · prices 94.7	$65,830	$62,320	94.7	5,050
156	SaginawMI · $59,830 median · prices 90.9	$65,830	$59,830	90.9	170
157	Longview–KelsoWA · $64,150 median · prices 97.5	$65,760	$64,150	97.5	190
158	BinghamtonNY · $61,000 median · prices 92.9	$65,690	$61,000	92.9	330
159	Coeur d'AleneID · $64,540 median · prices 98.3	$65,660	$64,540	98.3	450
160	LimaOH · $58,860 median · prices 89.7	$65,640	$58,860	89.7	130
161	Traverse CityMI · $61,200 median · prices 93.4	$65,540	$61,200	93.4	280
162	HelenaMT · $62,570 median · prices 95.7	$65,400	$62,570	95.7	220
163	Grants PassOR · $63,920 median · prices 97.8	$65,380	$63,920	97.8	90
164	BloomingtonIN · $62,120 median · prices 95.1	$65,330	$62,120	95.1	230
165	OmahaNE-IA · $60,020 median · prices 91.9	$65,300	$60,020	91.9	1,380
166	JacksonMI · $59,860 median · prices 91.8	$65,220	$59,860	91.8	160
167	BendOR · $67,520 median · prices 103.6	$65,170	$67,520	103.6	580
168	MonroeMI · $60,910 median · prices 93.5	$65,150	$60,910	93.5	140
169	Philadelphia–Camden–WilmingtonPA-NJ-DE-MD · $66,810 median · prices 102.6	$65,150	$66,810	102.6	5,620
170	Kalamazoo–PortageMI · $61,730 median · prices 94.8	$65,090	$61,730	94.8	190
171	CharlestonWV · $57,640 median · prices 88.7	$64,970	$57,640	88.7	940
172	Huntington–AshlandWV-KY-OH · $57,320 median · prices 88.4	$64,830	$57,320	88.4	1,040
173	Kingsport–BristolTN-VA · $55,960 median · prices 86.4	$64,730	$55,960	86.4	770
174	Lansing–East LansingMI · $61,390 median · prices 95.0	$64,630	$61,390	95.0	480
175	NilesMI · $59,670 median · prices 92.4	$64,600	$59,670	92.4	130
176	Muskegon–Norton ShoresMI · $59,660 median · prices 92.5	$64,480	$59,660	92.5	100
177	York–HanoverPA · $61,870 median · prices 96.0	$64,450	$61,870	96.0	790
178	ManhattanKS · $58,080 median · prices 90.2	$64,420	$58,080	90.2	360
179	Eugene–SpringfieldOR · $65,390 median · prices 101.6	$64,380	$65,390	101.6	330
180	ReadingPA · $62,290 median · prices 97.1	$64,180	$62,290	97.1	590
181	Baton RougeLA · $58,210 median · prices 90.8	$64,120	$58,210	90.8	2,260
182	Great FallsMT · $62,090 median · prices 96.8	$64,110	$62,090	96.8	170
183	Fort Collins–LovelandCO · $64,650 median · prices 101.1	$63,930	$64,650	101.1	600
184	TopekaKS · $56,760 median · prices 88.8	$63,900	$56,760	88.8	530
185	EriePA · $58,030 median · prices 91.0	$63,800	$58,030	91.0	280
186	Las Vegas–Henderson–North Las VegasNV · $63,910 median · prices 100.2	$63,770	$63,910	100.2	2,460
187	Grand IslandNE · $55,020 median · prices 86.7	$63,490	$55,020	86.7	120
188	ColumbiaMO · $56,770 median · prices 89.4	$63,470	$56,770	89.4	310
189	Scranton––Wilkes–BarrePA · $59,330 median · prices 93.6	$63,420	$59,330	93.6	950
190	Glens FallsNY · $60,030 median · prices 94.9	$63,280	$60,030	94.9	170
191	SpringfieldOH · $57,230 median · prices 90.5	$63,250	$57,230	90.5	100
192	Beaumont–Port ArthurTX · $56,850 median · prices 90.0	$63,130	$56,850	90.0	1,120
193	Allentown–Bethlehem–EastonPA-NJ · $63,050 median · prices 100.0	$63,070	$63,050	100.0	920
194	Lexington–FayetteKY · $58,560 median · prices 92.9	$63,040	$58,560	92.9	760
195	FarmingtonNM · $55,180 median · prices 87.7	$62,910	$55,180	87.7	480
196	New Orleans–MetairieLA · $58,240 median · prices 92.6	$62,900	$58,240	92.6	1,150
197	State CollegePA · $60,540 median · prices 96.8	$62,570	$60,540	96.8	460
198	LancasterPA · $61,340 median · prices 98.3	$62,430	$61,340	98.3	1,010
199	ChambersburgPA · $58,800 median · prices 94.6	$62,130	$58,800	94.6	280
200	JoplinMO-KS · $53,210 median · prices 85.7	$62,080	$53,210	85.7	330
201	Hanford–CorcoranCA · $63,050 median · prices 101.6	$62,050	$63,050	101.6	100
202	Ann ArborMI · $62,490 median · prices 100.9	$61,940	$62,490	100.9	170
203	Boise CityID · $60,930 median · prices 98.4	$61,930	$60,930	98.4	1,730
204	Prescott Valley–PrescottAZ · $60,830 median · prices 98.3	$61,910	$60,830	98.3	770
205	MedfordOR · $62,410 median · prices 101.4	$61,530	$62,410	101.4	270
206	Colorado SpringsCO · $61,660 median · prices 100.7	$61,230	$61,660	100.7	1,030
207	Salt Lake City–MurrayUT · $61,750 median · prices 100.9	$61,220	$61,750	100.9	2,570
208	Provo–Orem–LehiUT · $59,880 median · prices 98.2	$60,960	$59,880	98.2	1,440
209	VisaliaCA · $60,530 median · prices 99.8	$60,640	$60,530	99.8	260
210	Denver–Aurora–CentennialCO · $64,080 median · prices 105.8	$60,580	$64,080	105.8	5,150
211	GreeleyCO · $60,690 median · prices 100.2	$60,580	$60,690	100.2	1,550
212	Phoenix–Mesa–ChandlerAZ · $62,540 median · prices 103.3	$60,530	$62,540	103.3	7,980
213	Lexington ParkMD · $60,930 median · prices 100.8	$60,470	$60,930	100.8	230
214	MidlandTX · $57,900 median · prices 95.8	$60,450	$57,900	95.8	1,150
215	Grand JunctionCO · $57,700 median · prices 95.5	$60,430	$57,700	95.5	390
216	JohnstownPA · $51,830 median · prices 85.9	$60,320	$51,830	85.9	230
217	CharlottesvilleVA · $59,790 median · prices 99.1	$60,310	$59,790	99.1	310
218	SpringfieldMO · $53,340 median · prices 88.6	$60,210	$53,340	88.6	530
219	Shreveport–Bossier CityLA · $51,000 median · prices 84.8	$60,170	$51,000	84.8	750
220	CheyenneWY · $57,970 median · prices 96.5	$60,080	$57,970	96.5	270
221	OgdenUT · $60,250 median · prices 100.3	$60,040	$60,250	100.3	1,160
222	TucsonAZ · $58,100 median · prices 96.9	$59,960	$58,100	96.9	1,130
223	LebanonPA · $55,750 median · prices 93.2	$59,810	$55,750	93.2	160
224	St. GeorgeUT · $57,900 median · prices 97.3	$59,490	$57,900	97.3	670
225	Burlington–South BurlingtonVT · $60,000 median · prices 100.9	$59,440	$60,000	100.9	330
226	LoganUT-ID · $56,980 median · prices 95.9	$59,400	$56,980	95.9	180
227	CorvallisOR · $61,780 median · prices 104.0	$59,390	$61,780	104.0	60
228	BirminghamAL · $54,330 median · prices 91.6	$59,280	$54,330	91.6	2,070
229	Lewiston–AuburnME · $56,140 median · prices 94.7	$59,260	$56,140	94.7	130
230	Harrisburg–CarlislePA · $58,420 median · prices 98.7	$59,220	$58,420	98.7	670
231	HammondLA · $49,870 median · prices 84.5	$59,050	$49,870	84.5	90
232	OdessaTX · $55,430 median · prices 93.9	$59,030	$55,430	93.9	670
233	YumaAZ · $54,270 median · prices 92.7	$58,540	$54,270	92.7	180
234	FlagstaffAZ · $58,720 median · prices 100.3	$58,530	$58,720	100.3	250
235	CasperWY · $54,870 median · prices 93.8	$58,480	$54,870	93.8	280
236	MemphisTN-MS-AR · $53,870 median · prices 92.2	$58,440	$53,870	92.2	1,140
237	Portland–South PortlandME · $59,530 median · prices 101.9	$58,440	$59,530	101.9	880
238	EnidOK · $49,050 median · prices 84.3	$58,210	$49,050	84.3	110
239	Nashville–Davidson––Murfreesboro––FranklinTN · $56,030 median · prices 96.3	$58,160	$56,030	96.3	3,820
240	Baltimore–Columbia–TowsonMD · $60,740 median · prices 104.5	$58,130	$60,740	104.5	3,350
241	SalisburyMD · $55,480 median · prices 95.6	$58,020	$55,480	95.6	70
242	Weirton–SteubenvilleWV-OH · $51,290 median · prices 89.0	$57,610	$51,290	89.0	310
243	Houma–Bayou Cane–ThibodauxLA · $48,990 median · prices 85.1	$57,570	$48,990	85.1	710
244	Lake CharlesLA · $49,270 median · prices 85.9	$57,390	$49,270	85.9	410
245	SumterSC · $50,340 median · prices 88.0	$57,190	$50,340	88.0	220
246	Manchester–NashuaNH · $60,370 median · prices 105.7	$57,140	$60,370	105.7	210
247	LafayetteLA · $49,800 median · prices 87.2	$57,100	$49,800	87.2	370
248	Sherman–DenisonTX · $53,380 median · prices 93.8	$56,930	$53,380	93.8	180
249	Pinehurst–Southern PinesNC · $50,210 median · prices 88.3	$56,840	$50,210	88.3	90
250	MorgantownWV · $52,970 median · prices 93.3	$56,760	$52,970	93.3	530
251	AltoonaPA · $50,790 median · prices 89.5	$56,740	$50,790	89.5	230
252	DecaturAL · $49,470 median · prices 87.2	$56,720	$49,470	87.2	290
253	Washington–Arlington–AlexandriaDC-VA-MD-WV · $61,660 median · prices 108.9	$56,630	$61,660	108.9	6,450
254	Sierra Vista–DouglasAZ · $50,470 median · prices 89.2	$56,550	$50,470	89.2	140
255	Twin FallsID · $52,080 median · prices 92.1	$56,540	$52,080	92.1	150
256	RichmondVA · $55,280 median · prices 97.9	$56,490	$55,280	97.9	2,220
257	ElizabethtownKY · $50,960 median · prices 90.6	$56,260	$50,960	90.6	110
258	DothanAL · $47,120 median · prices 83.8	$56,210	$47,120	83.8	200
259	WichitaKS · $49,930 median · prices 88.9	$56,140	$49,930	88.9	1,150
260	LynchburgVA · $50,100 median · prices 89.4	$56,060	$50,100	89.4	230
261	Eagle PassTX · $46,920 median · prices 83.8	$55,990	$46,920	83.8	50
262	ClarksvilleTN-KY · $50,910 median · prices 90.9	$55,980	$50,910	90.9	420
263	OwensboroKY · $49,550 median · prices 88.6	$55,920	$49,550	88.6	140
264	MorristownTN · $48,170 median · prices 86.4	$55,780	$48,170	86.4	220
265	TexarkanaTX-AR · $46,800 median · prices 84.0	$55,710	$46,800	84.0	280
266	GettysburgPA · $52,960 median · prices 95.4	$55,530	$52,960	95.4	190
267	BurlingtonNC · $51,570 median · prices 93.2	$55,330	$51,570	93.2	200
268	FlorenceSC · $48,000 median · prices 86.8	$55,320	$48,000	86.8	250
269	Rocky MountNC · $48,640 median · prices 88.0	$55,270	$48,640	88.0	170
270	Florence–Muscle ShoalsAL · $46,850 median · prices 84.8	$55,240	$46,850	84.8	260
271	JacksonTN · $47,240 median · prices 85.5	$55,240	$47,240	85.5	270
272	WilliamsportPA · $50,890 median · prices 92.3	$55,110	$50,890	92.3	230
273	MonroeLA · $46,000 median · prices 83.6	$55,030	$46,000	83.6	230
274	ChattanoogaTN-GA · $50,320 median · prices 91.5	$55,020	$50,320	91.5	750
275	Fayetteville–Springdale–RogersAR · $50,090 median · prices 91.4	$54,830	$50,090	91.4	900
276	AbileneTX · $49,500 median · prices 90.4	$54,780	$49,500	90.4	230
277	Lake Havasu City–KingmanAZ · $51,550 median · prices 94.1	$54,780	$51,550	94.1	220
278	ClevelandTN · $48,210 median · prices 88.1	$54,730	$48,210	88.1	160
279	Slidell–Mandeville–CovingtonLA · $50,580 median · prices 92.7	$54,550	$50,580	92.7	250
280	Parkersburg–ViennaWV · $47,450 median · prices 87.1	$54,500	$47,450	87.1	330
281	TuscaloosaAL · $47,710 median · prices 87.7	$54,390	$47,710	87.7	650
282	TulsaOK · $48,420 median · prices 89.2	$54,270	$48,420	89.2	1,530
283	GreenvilleNC · $47,940 median · prices 88.4	$54,230	$47,940	88.4	210
284	Las CrucesNM · $48,890 median · prices 90.2	$54,190	$48,890	90.2	440
285	Gulfport–BiloxiMS · $48,700 median · prices 90.0	$54,110	$48,700	90.0	510
286	Johnson CityTN · $47,560 median · prices 87.9	$54,090	$47,560	87.9	200
287	Hagerstown–MartinsburgMD-WV · $50,800 median · prices 94.2	$53,940	$50,800	94.2	380
288	Wildwood–The VillagesFL · $46,060 median · prices 85.4	$53,920	$46,060	85.4	410
289	BangorME · $52,000 median · prices 96.5	$53,880	$52,000	96.5	310
290	Oklahoma CityOK · $48,690 median · prices 90.4	$53,860	$48,690	90.4	2,250
291	MobileAL · $47,400 median · prices 88.1	$53,800	$47,400	88.1	990
292	SpartanburgSC · $48,940 median · prices 91.1	$53,750	$48,940	91.1	650
293	HattiesburgMS · $47,030 median · prices 87.6	$53,670	$47,030	87.6	180
294	LongviewTX · $48,030 median · prices 89.5	$53,670	$48,030	89.5	750
295	LawtonOK · $46,030 median · prices 85.9	$53,560	$46,030	85.9	210
296	AlbuquerqueNM · $51,160 median · prices 95.5	$53,540	$51,160	95.5	1,330
297	Hickory–Lenoir–MorgantonNC · $47,340 median · prices 88.5	$53,500	$47,340	88.5	370
298	Staunton–Stuarts DraftVA · $48,750 median · prices 91.1	$53,500	$48,750	91.1	160
299	Wichita FallsTX · $47,860 median · prices 89.5	$53,470	$47,860	89.5	180
300	Auburn–OpelikaAL · $47,000 median · prices 87.9	$53,450	$47,000	87.9	360
301	GoldsboroNC · $47,180 median · prices 88.5	$53,330	$47,180	88.5	220
302	AmarilloTX · $48,850 median · prices 91.8	$53,200	$48,850	91.8	490
303	JacksonMS · $47,340 median · prices 89.0	$53,160	$47,340	89.0	870
304	Virginia Beach–Chesapeake–NorfolkVA-NC · $52,060 median · prices 97.9	$53,150	$52,060	97.9	2,150
305	Brunswick–St. SimonsGA · $46,600 median · prices 87.7	$53,130	$46,600	87.7	190
306	Greensboro–High PointNC · $49,310 median · prices 92.9	$53,100	$49,310	92.9	1,080
307	JonesboroAR · $45,590 median · prices 85.9	$53,090	$45,590	85.9	240
308	IthacaNY · $54,820 median · prices 103.3	$53,060	$54,820	103.3	50
309	LaredoTX · $46,100 median · prices 87.0	$53,020	$46,100	87.0	280
310	VictoriaTX · $47,520 median · prices 89.8	$52,890	$47,520	89.8	180
311	HuntsvilleAL · $49,110 median · prices 93.1	$52,770	$49,110	93.1	1,100
312	College Station–BryanTX · $47,980 median · prices 91.0	$52,750	$47,980	91.0	590
313	WinchesterVA-WV · $50,790 median · prices 96.5	$52,660	$50,790	96.5	260
314	Santa FeNM · $52,000 median · prices 98.8	$52,650	$52,000	98.8	140
315	FayettevilleNC · $48,390 median · prices 92.0	$52,610	$48,390	92.0	440
316	KnoxvilleTN · $48,690 median · prices 92.6	$52,600	$48,690	92.6	1,210
317	Greenville–Anderson–GreerSC · $48,980 median · prices 93.3	$52,520	$48,980	93.3	1,130
318	Augusta–Richmond CountyGA-SC · $48,190 median · prices 91.9	$52,440	$48,190	91.9	670
319	RoanokeVA · $49,010 median · prices 93.6	$52,350	$49,010	93.6	480
320	HarrisonburgVA · $49,670 median · prices 94.9	$52,340	$49,670	94.9	260
321	Macon–Bibb CountyGA · $46,300 median · prices 88.5	$52,300	$46,300	88.5	310
322	Charlotte–Concord–GastoniaNC-SC · $50,870 median · prices 97.3	$52,260	$50,870	97.3	4,440
323	Killeen–TempleTX · $47,590 median · prices 91.1	$52,220	$47,590	91.1	570
324	Corpus ChristiTX · $48,320 median · prices 92.7	$52,140	$48,320	92.7	1,160
325	Durham–Chapel HillNC · $50,820 median · prices 97.6	$52,080	$50,820	97.6	480
326	Raleigh–CaryNC · $51,110 median · prices 98.2	$52,070	$51,110	98.2	3,080
327	San AngeloTX · $48,120 median · prices 92.5	$52,050	$48,120	92.5	210
328	AlexandriaLA · $44,570 median · prices 85.7	$52,020	$44,570	85.7	260
329	ColumbusGA-AL · $46,430 median · prices 89.3	$52,000	$46,430	89.3	490
330	Austin–Round Rock–San MarcosTX · $50,960 median · prices 98.1	$51,970	$50,960	98.1	5,010
331	AlbanyGA · $45,460 median · prices 87.7	$51,850	$45,460	87.7	260
332	Little Rock–North Little Rock–ConwayAR · $46,290 median · prices 89.4	$51,800	$46,290	89.4	1,230
333	Hilton Head Island–Bluffton–Port RoyalSC · $50,740 median · prices 98.0	$51,770	$50,740	98.0	320
334	Houston–Pasadena–The WoodlandsTX · $51,040 median · prices 98.6	$51,750	$51,040	98.6	14,000
335	Winston–SalemNC · $47,590 median · prices 92.0	$51,700	$47,590	92.0	770
336	ColumbiaSC · $48,410 median · prices 93.7	$51,690	$48,410	93.7	1,120
337	WacoTX · $47,730 median · prices 92.5	$51,570	$47,730	92.5	470
338	San Antonio–New BraunfelsTX · $48,750 median · prices 94.7	$51,470	$48,750	94.7	3,980
339	Warner RobinsGA · $48,110 median · prices 93.8	$51,300	$48,110	93.8	240
340	SavannahGA · $48,810 median · prices 95.2	$51,270	$48,810	95.2	720
341	JacksonvilleNC · $46,930 median · prices 92.1	$50,960	$46,930	92.1	180
342	LubbockTX · $46,490 median · prices 91.3	$50,910	$46,490	91.3	550
343	El PasoTX · $45,630 median · prices 89.9	$50,750	$45,630	89.9	980
344	TylerTX · $46,670 median · prices 92.2	$50,640	$46,670	92.2	290
345	HinesvilleGA · $47,510 median · prices 93.9	$50,580	$47,510	93.9	60
346	Sebastian–Vero Beach–West Vero CorridorFL · $49,710 median · prices 98.3	$50,570	$49,710	98.3	120
347	SebringFL · $46,760 median · prices 92.5	$50,570	$46,760	92.5	70
348	Orlando–Kissimmee–SanfordFL · $51,020 median · prices 101.4	$50,310	$51,020	101.4	4,330
349	Myrtle Beach–Conway–North Myrtle BeachSC · $47,000 median · prices 93.6	$50,190	$47,000	93.6	980
350	Charleston–North CharlestonSC · $50,640 median · prices 101.0	$50,160	$50,640	101.0	1,470
351	Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–DestinFL · $48,640 median · prices 97.0	$50,130	$48,640	97.0	390
352	Daphne–Fairhope–FoleyAL · $47,450 median · prices 94.7	$50,110	$47,450	94.7	350
353	DoverDE · $48,860 median · prices 97.5	$50,110	$48,860	97.5	190
354	MontgomeryAL · $44,860 median · prices 89.7	$50,020	$44,860	89.7	580
355	GainesvilleGA · $48,350 median · prices 96.8	$49,970	$48,350	96.8	300
356	Panama City–Panama City BeachFL · $48,620 median · prices 97.3	$49,970	$48,620	97.3	500
357	Tampa–St. Petersburg–ClearwaterFL · $50,300 median · prices 100.9	$49,860	$50,300	100.9	3,980
358	Dallas–Fort Worth–ArlingtonTX · $51,370 median · prices 103.1	$49,830	$51,370	103.1	11,510
359	GainesvilleFL · $48,190 median · prices 96.7	$49,820	$48,190	96.7	300
360	AshevilleNC · $47,970 median · prices 96.5	$49,710	$47,970	96.5	510
361	WilmingtonNC · $47,910 median · prices 96.4	$49,690	$47,910	96.4	790
362	TallahasseeFL · $46,530 median · prices 93.9	$49,540	$46,530	93.9	490
363	Naples–Marco IslandFL · $51,040 median · prices 103.2	$49,460	$51,040	103.2	680
364	Atlanta–Sandy Springs–RoswellGA · $49,430 median · prices 100.1	$49,400	$49,430	100.1	8,360
365	Lakeland–Winter HavenFL · $47,900 median · prices 97.1	$49,310	$47,900	97.1	820
366	JacksonvilleFL · $48,920 median · prices 99.5	$49,170	$48,920	99.5	1,990
367	Palm Bay–Melbourne–TitusvilleFL · $49,140 median · prices 100.0	$49,140	$49,140	100.0	620
368	Pensacola–Ferry Pass–BrentFL · $47,860 median · prices 97.7	$48,980	$47,860	97.7	600
369	Anniston–OxfordAL · $42,020 median · prices 85.9	$48,890	$42,020	85.9	240
370	Homosassa SpringsFL · $45,650 median · prices 93.5	$48,840	$45,650	93.5	220
371	OcalaFL · $46,500 median · prices 95.2	$48,830	$46,500	95.2	460
372	Fort SmithAR-OK · $41,820 median · prices 85.9	$48,690	$41,820	85.9	440
373	Punta GordaFL · $48,860 median · prices 100.5	$48,600	$48,860	100.5	200
374	Port St. LucieFL · $48,600 median · prices 100.2	$48,490	$48,600	100.2	610
375	North Port–Bradenton–SarasotaFL · $49,460 median · prices 102.4	$48,290	$49,460	102.4	1,090
376	Cape Coral–Fort MyersFL · $49,330 median · prices 102.3	$48,200	$49,330	102.3	1,160
377	Athens–Clarke CountyGA · $44,300 median · prices 93.3	$47,460	$44,300	93.3	230
378	Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond BeachFL · $46,950 median · prices 99.4	$47,250	$46,950	99.4	730
379	ValdostaGA · $41,500 median · prices 88.3	$47,010	$41,500	88.3	190
380	Brownsville–HarlingenTX · $40,190 median · prices 86.0	$46,750	$40,190	86.0	330
381	McAllen–Edinburg–MissionTX · $39,200 median · prices 85.9	$45,640	$39,200	85.9	1,010
382	DaltonGA · $40,860 median · prices 89.8	$45,480	$40,860	89.8	200
383	Miami–Fort Lauderdale–West Palm BeachFL · $51,800 median · prices 114.2	$45,380	$51,800	114.2	5,850
384	Hot SpringsAR · $37,760 median · prices 85.7	$44,050	$37,760	85.7	250
385	GadsdenAL · $36,910 median · prices 85.7	$43,090	$36,910	85.7	100
386	RomeGA · $36,400 median · prices 90.2	$40,370	$36,400	90.2	150

Price level: BEA Regional Price Parity, U.S. average = 100. Every metro links to its full heavy equipment operator pay page. By state: best states for heavy equipment operators.

How we ranked them

Each metro area's median annual wage for operating engineers and other construction equipment operators (BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, SOC 47-2073) divided by its Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parity for 2024 (all items, U.S. = 100), then ranked. Metros are included when BLS publishes a median and at least 50 heavy equipment operators work there. Wages exclude self-employed heavy equipment operators. Methodology

Questions

What is the best city for heavy equipment operators?: After cost of living, the Kahului–Wailuku, HI area: the median of $124,990 a year buys about what $114,260 would at average U.S. prices.
Which city pays heavy equipment operators the most?: Before adjusting for prices, the Kahului–Wailuku, HI area has the highest median, $124,990. After cost of living it ranks 1st of 386.
What is the best big city for heavy equipment operators?: Among the 20 metro areas with the most heavy equipment operators, the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL-IN area, 12th overall: its median of $103,100 buys what $99,520 would nationally.
Where does heavy equipment operator pay go the least far?: Of the 386 metro areas ranked, the Rome, GA area, where the median of $36,400 buys about what $40,370 would nationally.
Which cities are included?: The 386 metro areas where BLS publishes a median for heavy equipment operators and at least 50 of them work. Smaller metros and rural areas are on each state's heavy equipment operator pay page.
How is cost of living adjusted?: We divide each metro's median by its Regional Price Parity from the Bureau of Economic Analysis (2024), where the U.S. average is 100. A metro with prices 10% above average (110) has its median divided by 1.10.