Heavy equipment operator salary in Virginia
Median $27.48 an hour for 12,100 heavy equipment operators, May 2025, with the union scale by county, the job trend since 1999 and the state's own outlook.
$27.48/hrMedian hourly wageVirginia, May data
$57,160/yrMedian annual payfull-time equivalent
$19.65 – $37.6210th to 90th percentilehourly range
12,100Jobs countedemployer survey
Heavy equipment operator pay in Virginia: the full range
Virginia ranks 36th of 51 states for median heavy equipment operator pay, and 41st once adjusted for cost of living (the cost-of-living-adjusted median is $27.18). 12,100 heavy equipment operators work in the state. The top 10% earn 1.9× what the bottom 10% earn.
| Career stage (approximate) | Hourly | Annual | Where it sits in the distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apprentice / entry level | $19.65 – $23.10 | $40,870 – $48,040 | roughly the 10th to 25th percentile |
| Journeyman | $23.10 – $30.45 | $48,040 – $63,330 | the middle half, around the median |
| Master, foreman or specialist | $30.45 – $37.62 | $63,330 – $78,250 | the 75th to 90th percentile and above |
Where does your pay fall?
Heavy equipment operator pay by metro in Virginia
| Metro | 10th | Median $/hr | Cost-of-living adjusted | 90th | Jobs | vs state |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington DC | $22.39 | $29.64 | $27.22 | $40.47 | 6,450 | 8% above |
| Charlottesville | $21.91 | $28.75 | $29.01 | $41.20 | 310 | 5% above |
| Kingsport | $19.72 | $26.90 | $31.13 | $36.73 | 770 | 2% below |
| Richmond | $19.54 | $26.58 | $27.15 | $35.77 | 2,220 | 3% below |
| Virginia Beach | $18.99 | $25.03 | $25.57 | $35.44 | 2,150 | 9% below |
| Winchester | $18.76 | $24.42 | $25.31 | $30.03 | 260 | 11% below |
| Lynchburg | $17.77 | $24.09 | $26.95 | $35.04 | 230 | 12% below |
| Blacksburg | $18.39 | $24.05 | $25.94 | $35.75 | — | 12% below |
| Harrisonburg | $19.17 | $23.88 | $25.16 | $30.71 | 260 | 13% below |
| Roanoke | $18.20 | $23.56 | $25.17 | $33.97 | 480 | 14% below |
| Staunton | $18.01 | $23.44 | $25.73 | $30.62 | 160 | 15% below |
Cost-of-living adjusted: median divided by the BEA regional price parity for the metro (2024, US = 100).
Heavy equipment operator wages in Virginia over time
Table
| Year | Virginia $/hr | In 2025 $ | US $/hr | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | $12.29 | $23.75 | $15.31 | 7,330 |
| 2000 | $13.10 | $24.49 | $15.99 | 6,950 |
| 2001 | $13.73 | $24.96 | $16.42 | 7,340 |
| 2002 | $13.90 | $24.87 | $16.94 | 8,070 |
| 2003 | $14.19 | $24.83 | $16.84 | 8,050 |
| 2004 | $14.68 | $25.02 | $17.00 | 10,050 |
| 2005 | $15.37 | $25.34 | $17.23 | 12,500 |
| 2006 | $15.78 | $25.20 | $17.74 | 11,650 |
| 2007 | $16.46 | $25.56 | $18.33 | 12,760 |
| 2008 | $16.94 | $25.33 | $18.88 | 11,810 |
| 2009 | $16.97 | $25.47 | $19.12 | 11,230 |
| 2010 | $16.97 | $25.05 | $19.42 | 9,490 |
| 2011 | $17.38 | $24.88 | $19.96 | 9,510 |
| 2012 | $17.46 | $24.48 | $20.13 | 9,200 |
| 2013 | $17.30 | $23.91 | $20.45 | 9,490 |
| 2014 | $17.89 | $24.33 | $20.92 | 9,960 |
| 2015 | $18.22 | $24.75 | $21.44 | 10,960 |
| 2016 | $18.95 | $25.42 | $22.06 | 10,770 |
| 2017 | $19.25 | $25.28 | $22.61 | 10,620 |
| 2018 | $19.34 | $24.80 | $22.98 | 10,450 |
| 2019 | $20.24 | $25.49 | $23.55 | 10,930 |
| 2020 | $21.14 | $26.30 | $23.93 | 9,800 |
| 2021 | $22.55 | $26.79 | $23.25 | 10,950 |
| 2022 | $22.77 | $25.05 | $24.73 | 10,600 |
| 2023 | $23.51 | $24.84 | $27.00 | 11,510 |
| 2024 | $25.11 | $25.77 | $28.23 | 11,280 |
| 2025 | $27.48 | $27.48 | $28.78 | 12,100 |
In today's dollars, the median heavy equipment operator wage in Virginia changed by +11.0% over the last ten years of data and by +7.8% since 2019.
Are there more heavy equipment operator jobs in Virginia?
+10.7%Jobs since 201910,930 then, 12,100 in 2025
+10.4%Jobs over 10 years2015 to 2025, employer survey
2.9Jobs per 1,000 in the stateconcentration 1.0× the US share, 34th of 51 states
Since 1999, the number of heavy equipment operators counted in Virginia has changed by +65.1%, against +47.4% for the country as a whole. Since 2019 the state count changed by +10.7%.
Table
| Year | Virginia jobs | Virginia index | US index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 7,330 | 100 | 100 |
| 2000 | 6,950 | 95 | 103 |
| 2001 | 7,340 | 100 | 109 |
| 2002 | 8,070 | 110 | 106 |
| 2003 | 8,050 | 110 | 106 |
| 2004 | 10,050 | 137 | 110 |
| 2005 | 12,500 | 170 | 117 |
| 2006 | 11,650 | 159 | 121 |
| 2007 | 12,760 | 174 | 124 |
| 2008 | 11,810 | 161 | 123 |
| 2009 | 11,230 | 153 | 114 |
| 2010 | 9,490 | 130 | 103 |
| 2011 | 9,510 | 130 | 103 |
| 2012 | 9,200 | 126 | 103 |
| 2013 | 9,490 | 130 | 105 |
| 2014 | 9,960 | 136 | 106 |
| 2015 | 10,960 | 150 | 110 |
| 2016 | 10,770 | 147 | 110 |
| 2017 | 10,620 | 145 | 113 |
| 2018 | 10,450 | 143 | 118 |
| 2019 | 10,930 | 149 | 125 |
| 2020 | 9,800 | 134 | 124 |
| 2021 | 10,950 | 149 | 125 |
| 2022 | 10,600 | 145 | 130 |
| 2023 | 11,510 | 157 | 139 |
| 2024 | 11,280 | 154 | 145 |
| 2025 | 12,100 | 165 | 147 |
Job counts are BLS OEWS survey estimates built from three years of samples, so moves of a few percent from one year to the next are within the survey's margin. Self-employed tradespeople are not counted. Areas with fewer than 3,000 jobs or a large sampling error are shown as a single figure rather than a trend.
Outlook for heavy equipment operators in Virginia
+8.0%Projected growth in Virginia2024–2034, state agency
1,100Openings per yeargrowth plus replacements
11,530Jobs in 202412,460 projected for 2034
+4.6%US projected growth2025-35, BLS, for comparison
Virginia's labor market agency projects the number of heavy equipment operators in the state to change by +8.0% between 2024 and 2034, from 11,530 to 12,460, with about 1,100 openings a year. Nationally, BLS projects +4.6% over 2025-35. State counts include the self-employed and use a different base year, so they do not match the 12,100 counted by the BLS employer survey.
Source: Virginia labor market information agency via Projections Central, 2024–2034 long-term projections (state projections page).
Union scale and prevailing wage for heavy equipment operators in Virginia
On federally funded construction in Virginia, contractors must pay heavy equipment operators at least the Davis-Bacon rate for the county. 0 of the 131 counties with a Building rate use a union contract rate (typical package — an hour including fringe); the rest use a survey rate (typical $17.11). 131 of the 131 counties still use a survey rate dated 2016 or earlier (for example Accomack County at $14.11). The market median for the state is $27.48.
Union contract rateSurvey rate
| County | Rate source | Base | Fringe | Total | Determination |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | Survey SUVA2013-025 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260013 |
| Clarke | Survey SUVA2013-032 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260018 |
| Culpeper | Survey SUVA2013-062 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260174 |
| Fauquier | Survey SUVA2013-035 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260020 |
| Frederick | Survey SUVA2013-036 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260021 |
| Loudoun | Survey SUVA2013-041 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260158 |
| Prince William | Survey SUVA2013-046 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260162 |
| Rappahannock | Survey SUVA2013-062 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260174 |
| Spotsylvania | Survey SUVA2013-050 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260165 |
| Stafford | Survey SUVA2013-062 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260174 |
| Warren | Survey SUVA2013-053 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260168 |
| Alexandria | Survey SUVA2013-025 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260013 |
| Fredericksburg | Survey SUVA2013-050 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260165 |
| Manassas | Survey SUVA2013-046 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260162 |
| Manassas Park | Survey SUVA2013-046 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260162 |
| Winchester | Survey SUVA2013-036 2016-01-11 | $23.50 | $4.50 | $28.00 | VA20260021 |
| Gloucester | Survey SUVA2013-064 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260176 |
| Isle of Wight | Survey SUVA2013-039 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260156 |
| James City | Survey SUVA2013-040 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260157 |
| Mathews | Survey SUVA2013-064 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260176 |
| York | Survey SUVA2013-054 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260169 |
| Chesapeake | Survey SUVA2013-030 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260016 |
| Hampton | Survey SUVA2013-037 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260022 |
| Poquoson | Survey SUVA2013-054 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260169 |
| Portsmouth | Survey SUVA2013-045 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260161 |
| Suffolk | Survey SUVA2013-064 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260176 |
| Williamsburg | Survey SUVA2013-040 2016-01-11 | $20.69 | $1.35 | $22.04 | VA20260157 |
| Virginia Beach | Survey SUVA2013-052 2016-01-11 | $19.25 | $2.72 | $21.97 | VA20260167 |
| Fairfax | Survey SUVA2013-034 2016-01-11 | $21.81 | $0.00 | $21.81 | VA20260178 |
| Fairfax | Survey SUVA2013-034 2016-01-11 | $21.81 | $0.00 | $21.81 | VA20260178 |
| Falls Church | Survey SUVA2013-034 2016-01-11 | $21.81 | $0.00 | $21.81 | VA20260178 |
| Amelia | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Caroline | Survey SUVA2013-028 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260015 |
| Charles City | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Chesterfield | Survey SUVA2013-031 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260017 |
| Dinwiddie | Survey SUVA2013-033 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260019 |
| Goochland | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Hanover | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Henrico | Survey SUVA2013-038 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260155 |
| King William | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| New Kent | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Powhatan | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Prince George | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Sussex | Survey SUVA2013-051 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260166 |
| Colonial Heights | Survey SUVA2013-031 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260017 |
| Hopewell | Survey SUVA2013-056 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260170 |
| Petersburg | Survey SUVA2013-033 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260019 |
| Richmond | Survey SUVA2013-038 2016-01-11 | $19.74 | $1.43 | $21.17 | VA20260155 |
| Newport News | Survey SUVA2013-042 2016-01-11 | $17.75 | $3.40 | $21.15 | VA20260159 |
| Norfolk | Survey SUVA2013-043 2016-01-11 | $18.57 | $1.19 | $19.76 | VA20260160 |
| Albemarle | Survey SUVA2013-023 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260011 |
| Amherst | Survey SUVA2013-057 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260171 |
| Appomattox | Survey SUVA2013-024 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260012 |
| Augusta | Survey SUVA2013-026 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260014 |
| Bedford | Survey SUVA2013-057 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260171 |
| Botetourt | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Buckingham | Survey SUVA2013-060 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260173 |
| Campbell | Survey SUVA2013-057 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260171 |
| Craig | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Floyd | Survey SUVA2013-063 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260175 |
| Fluvanna | Survey SUVA2013-060 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260173 |
| Franklin | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Giles | Survey SUVA2013-063 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260175 |
| Greene | Survey SUVA2013-060 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260173 |
| Montgomery | Survey SUVA2013-063 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260175 |
| Nelson | Survey SUVA2013-060 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260173 |
| Pulaski | Survey SUVA2013-047 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260163 |
| Roanoke | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Rockingham | Survey SUVA2013-049 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260164 |
| Scott | Survey SUVA2013-068 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260177 |
| Washington | Survey SUVA2013-068 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260177 |
| Bristol | Survey SUVA2013-068 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260177 |
| Charlottesville | Survey SUVA2013-023 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260011 |
| Harrisonburg | Survey SUVA2013-049 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260164 |
| Lynchburg | Survey SUVA2013-057 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260171 |
| Radford | Survey SUVA2013-063 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260175 |
| Roanoke | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Salem | Survey SUVA2013-059 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260172 |
| Staunton | Survey SUVA2013-026 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260014 |
| Waynesboro | Survey SUVA2013-026 2016-01-11 | $16.24 | $0.87 | $17.11 | VA20260014 |
| Accomack | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Brunswick | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Charlotte | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Cumberland | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Essex | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Greensville | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Halifax | Survey SUVA2013-012 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260002 |
| King and Queen | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| King George | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Lancaster | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Lunenburg | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Mecklenburg | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Middlesex | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Northampton | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Northumberland | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Nottoway | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Pittsylvania | Survey SUVA2013-013 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260003 |
| Prince Edward | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Richmond | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Southampton | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Surry | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Westmoreland | Survey SUVA2013-016 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260007 |
| Danville | Survey SUVA2013-013 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260003 |
| Emporia | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Franklin | Survey SUVA2013-019 2016-01-11 | $14.11 | $0.00 | $14.11 | VA20260010 |
| Alleghany | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Bath | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Bland | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Buchanan | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Carroll | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Dickenson | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Grayson | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Henry | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Highland | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Lee | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Louisa | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Madison | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Orange | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Page | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Patrick | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Rockbridge | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Russell | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Shenandoah | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Smyth | Survey SUVA2013-014 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260005 |
| Tazewell | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Wise | Survey SUVA2013-015 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260006 |
| Wythe | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Buena Vista | Survey SUVA2013-017 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260008 |
| Galax | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Martinsville | Survey SUVA2013-018 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260009 |
| Norton | Survey SUVA2013-015 2016-01-11 | $11.00 | $0.50 | $11.50 | VA20260006 |
Building construction type, current revisions as of 2026-11-13. Residential, Heavy and Highway rates differ; look them up on the Virginia prevailing wage page. This is not the official wage determination.
Is construction work growing in Virginia?
230.8kConstruction jobsVirginia, 2026-09
-1.1%Change over 12 monthsseasonally unadjusted
Contractor pay by county
Average pay at specialty trade contractors establishments by county (all employees, not just heavy equipment operators), from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025 annual averages. Across the 117 counties that report both years, specialty trade contractor employment (all trades) went from 111,128 in 2015 to 136,979 in 2025, +23.3%.
| County | Establishments | Employees | Average annual pay | Avg weekly wage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Goochland County | 76 | 666 | $106,792 | $2,054 |
| Arlington County | 82 | 336 | $104,574 | $2,011 |
| Lexington city | 3 | 4 | $104,428 | $2,008 |
| Loudoun County | 527 | 19,752 | $103,592 | $1,992 |
| Northumberland County | 29 | 97 | $101,173 | $1,946 |
| New Kent County | 56 | 276 | $92,843 | $1,785 |
| Manassas city | 160 | 1,620 | $91,326 | $1,756 |
| Newport News city | 168 | 3,274 | $89,428 | $1,720 |
| Alexandria city | 108 | 1,070 | $85,539 | $1,645 |
| Henrico County | 462 | 9,415 | $84,149 | $1,618 |
| Fairfax County | 1,243 | 12,936 | $83,139 | $1,599 |
| Louisa County | 79 | 596 | $83,083 | $1,598 |
| Lynchburg city | 68 | 1,134 | $81,759 | $1,572 |
| Prince William County | 886 | 11,490 | $78,609 | $1,512 |
| Richmond city | 257 | 3,380 | $77,847 | $1,497 |
| Suffolk city | 90 | 703 | $77,277 | $1,486 |
| Hanover County | 399 | 4,795 | $76,115 | $1,464 |
| Fredericksburg city | 32 | 351 | $76,044 | $1,462 |
| Norfolk city | 232 | 3,079 | $75,703 | $1,456 |
| Fauquier County | 206 | 1,841 | $74,010 | $1,423 |
| Petersburg city | 26 | 394 | $73,282 | $1,409 |
| Fairfax city | 38 | 285 | $73,073 | $1,405 |
| Botetourt County | 65 | 380 | $72,801 | $1,400 |
| Fluvanna County | 56 | 423 | $72,514 | $1,394 |
| Hampton city | 128 | 1,520 | $72,501 | $1,394 |
| Charles City County | 27 | 448 | $72,454 | $1,393 |
| Chesterfield County | 638 | 6,958 | $72,107 | $1,387 |
| Halifax County | 46 | 452 | $72,002 | $1,385 |
| Virginia Beach city | 698 | 5,800 | $70,656 | $1,359 |
| Augusta County | 166 | 1,742 | $70,539 | $1,357 |
| Chesapeake city | 478 | 6,059 | $70,522 | $1,356 |
| Winchester city | 40 | 243 | $69,498 | $1,336 |
| Albemarle County | 160 | 1,535 | $69,045 | $1,328 |
| Harrisonburg city | 62 | 880 | $68,830 | $1,324 |
| Portsmouth city | 98 | 1,181 | $68,041 | $1,308 |
| Nottoway County | 24 | 83 | $67,988 | $1,307 |
| Roanoke County | 144 | 962 | $67,655 | $1,301 |
| Culpeper County | 90 | 497 | $67,607 | $1,300 |
| Rockingham County | 198 | 2,336 | $67,303 | $1,294 |
| Southampton County | 12 | 73 | $67,025 | $1,289 |
| Roanoke city | 150 | 2,020 | $66,947 | $1,287 |
| Spotsylvania County | 206 | 1,282 | $66,749 | $1,284 |
| Amherst County | 57 | 313 | $66,617 | $1,281 |
| Radford city | 8 | 70 | $66,586 | $1,280 |
| Charlottesville city | 52 | 591 | $66,277 | $1,275 |
| Warren County | 80 | 568 | $66,068 | $1,271 |
| Frederick County | 177 | 1,523 | $65,422 | $1,258 |
| York County | 125 | 1,065 | $65,402 | $1,258 |
| James City County | 107 | 840 | $65,238 | $1,255 |
| Shenandoah County | 80 | 463 | $65,190 | $1,254 |
| Powhatan County | 138 | 1,455 | $65,132 | $1,253 |
| Campbell County | 134 | 1,619 | $64,137 | $1,233 |
| Salem city | 55 | 541 | $64,120 | $1,233 |
| Bedford County | 166 | 774 | $64,043 | $1,232 |
| Madison County | 34 | 237 | $63,574 | $1,223 |
| Isle of Wight County | 56 | 380 | $62,979 | $1,211 |
| Colonial Heights city | 22 | 161 | $62,819 | $1,208 |
| Surry County | 6 | 56 | $62,766 | $1,207 |
| Prince George County | 39 | 280 | $62,510 | $1,202 |
| Greensville County | 12 | 55 | $62,372 | $1,199 |
| Poquoson city | 18 | 96 | $62,176 | $1,196 |
| Mathews County | 18 | 66 | $61,849 | $1,189 |
| Franklin County | 140 | 1,036 | $61,764 | $1,188 |
| Caroline County | 37 | 215 | $61,578 | $1,184 |
| Richmond County | 14 | 73 | $61,061 | $1,174 |
| Williamsburg city | 10 | 54 | $60,379 | $1,161 |
| Floyd County | 45 | 188 | $60,326 | $1,160 |
| Montgomery County | 106 | 744 | $59,629 | $1,147 |
| Appomattox County | 30 | 311 | $59,579 | $1,146 |
| Waynesboro city | 21 | 240 | $59,545 | $1,145 |
| Middlesex County | 23 | 136 | $59,474 | $1,144 |
| Alleghany County | 20 | 98 | $59,451 | $1,143 |
| Lancaster County | 32 | 205 | $59,175 | $1,138 |
| Hopewell city | 17 | 246 | $58,554 | $1,126 |
| Clarke County | 43 | 231 | $58,494 | $1,125 |
| Gloucester County | 90 | 381 | $58,198 | $1,119 |
| Wythe County | 29 | 175 | $58,079 | $1,117 |
| Staunton city | 22 | 128 | $57,595 | $1,108 |
| Orange County | 72 | 405 | $57,475 | $1,105 |
| King George County | 52 | 270 | $57,451 | $1,105 |
| Rappahannock County | 20 | 75 | $57,315 | $1,102 |
| Accomack County | 46 | 178 | $56,933 | $1,095 |
| Amelia County | 52 | 350 | $56,677 | $1,090 |
| Washington County | 74 | 430 | $56,088 | $1,079 |
| Bristol city | 8 | 148 | $55,419 | $1,066 |
| Dickenson County | 8 | 45 | $55,341 | $1,064 |
| Dinwiddie County | 44 | 298 | $55,157 | $1,061 |
| Prince Edward County | 22 | 173 | $54,802 | $1,054 |
| Russell County | 23 | 110 | $54,600 | $1,050 |
| Brunswick County | 11 | 53 | $54,413 | $1,046 |
| Pittsylvania County | 84 | 591 | $54,079 | $1,040 |
| Rockbridge County | 42 | 258 | $53,824 | $1,035 |
| Tazewell County | 25 | 152 | $53,608 | $1,031 |
| Wise County | 21 | 151 | $53,465 | $1,028 |
| Sussex County | 7 | 26 | $53,379 | $1,027 |
| King William County | 42 | 127 | $53,248 | $1,024 |
| Lee County | 12 | 112 | $53,179 | $1,023 |
| Greene County | 49 | 224 | $52,972 | $1,019 |
| Pulaski County | 26 | 165 | $52,309 | $1,006 |
| Stafford County | 214 | 2,775 | $52,057 | $1,001 |
| Lunenburg County | 14 | 59 | $51,580 | $992 |
| Danville city | 40 | 300 | $51,535 | $991 |
| Smyth County | 22 | 104 | $50,771 | $976 |
| Northampton County | 18 | 80 | $50,470 | $971 |
| Martinsville city | 8 | 37 | $50,385 | $969 |
| Buchanan County | 12 | 54 | $50,008 | $962 |
| Carroll County | 26 | 108 | $48,129 | $926 |
| Henry County | 48 | 262 | $47,917 | $921 |
| Westmoreland County | 26 | 92 | $47,595 | $915 |
| Buena Vista city | 4 | 9 | $47,329 | $910 |
| Mecklenburg County | 44 | 248 | $47,026 | $904 |
| Page County | 48 | 144 | $45,770 | $880 |
| Essex County | 19 | 55 | $44,776 | $861 |
| Norton city | 4 | 47 | $44,711 | $860 |
| Nelson County | 42 | 147 | $43,982 | $846 |
| Grayson County | 16 | 30 | $42,525 | $818 |
| Patrick County | 21 | 55 | $41,468 | $797 |
| Buckingham County | 32 | 106 | $41,354 | $795 |
| Highland County | 11 | 19 | $34,831 | $670 |
| Bath County | — | — | — | — |
| Bland County | — | — | — | — |
| Charlotte County | — | — | — | — |
| Craig County | — | — | — | — |
| Cumberland County | — | — | — | — |
| Giles County | — | — | — | — |
| King and Queen County | — | — | — | — |
| Scott County | — | — | — | — |
| Covington city | — | — | — | — |
| Emporia city | — | — | — | — |
| Falls Church city | — | — | — | — |
| Franklin city | — | — | — | — |
| Galax city | — | — | — | — |
| Manassas Park city | — | — | — | — |
Keep comparing
Heavy equipment operator pay in neighbouring states
Other trades in Virginia
More on Virginia
Questions this page answers
How much do heavy equipment operators make in Virginia?
The median heavy equipment operator in Virginia earned $27.48 an hour ($57,160 a year) in May 2025, 5% below the national median of $28.78. The middle half earn $23.10–$30.45; the top 10% earn more than $37.62.
Where does Virginia rank for heavy equipment operator pay?
Virginia ranks 36th of 51 states for heavy equipment operator pay, with a median of $27.48 an hour, and 41st after adjusting for Virginia's cost of living (BEA price parity 101.1, US = 100).
What is the union heavy equipment operator rate in Virginia?
Davis-Bacon determinations do not list a heavy equipment operator classification for most Virginia counties, or the trade is not covered; the BLS wage figures above are the best available measure.
How many heavy equipment operators work in Virginia?
BLS counted 12,100 heavy equipment operators in Virginia in May 2025, 2.9 per 1,000 jobs (location quotient 0.96; 1.0 is the national average concentration).
Is heavy equipment operator work growing in Virginia?
The BLS employer survey count of heavy equipment operators in Virginia went from 10,960 in 2015 to 12,100 in 2025, +10.4%, and +10.7% since 2019. Virginia's labor market agency projects +8.0% growth for heavy equipment operators between 2024 and 2034, from 11,530 to 12,460 jobs.
How many heavy equipment operator openings a year are there in Virginia?
Virginia projects about 1,100 openings a year for heavy equipment operators over 2024–2034, counting both new positions and replacements for people who retire or change occupation. Nationally BLS projects about 39,200 a year.
Sources and notes
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, Virginia and metro areas, SOC 47-2073. Job counts are survey estimates and exclude the self-employed.
- BLS Current Employment Statistics, state construction employment through 2026-09.
- BLS Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages, 2025 annual averages.
- BEA Regional Price Parities, 2024 (cost-of-living adjustment).
- SAM.gov Davis-Bacon wage determinations, current revisions as of 2026-11-13. Not the official determination.
- BLS Employment Projections, national, 2025-35.
- State projection: Virginia labor market information agency via Projections Central, 2024–2034, fetched 2026-10-05.