Salary guide
Heavy Equipment Mechanic Salary & Pay Scale (2026)
What heavy equipment mechanics earn per year, per hour and per month, with the full percentile range, the factors that move pay and how to earn more.
The median heavy equipment mechanic salary in the U.S. is $65,510 per year, or $31.50 per hour, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for May 2025. The lowest-paid 10% earned under $46,820, while the top 10% earned more than $94,460.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
Heavy Equipment Mechanic pay scale
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly* | What it usually reflects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,820 | $22.51 | Typical for new workers, part-time markets and lower-paying settings |
| 25th percentile | $56,970 | $27.39 | Early career, a year or two of experience |
| Median (50th) | $65,510 | $31.50 | Mid-career: half earn more, half earn less |
| 75th percentile | $79,270 | $38.11 | Experienced workers, specialists and higher-paying employers |
| 90th percentile | $94,460 | $45.41 | Top earners: senior, specialized, supervisory or high-cost areas |
*Hourly figures are annual wages divided by 2,080 hours. Percentile descriptions are general patterns, not guarantees.
Monthly and biweekly pay
| Pay period | At 25th percentile | At median | At 75th percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per year | $56,970 | $65,510 | $79,270 |
| Per month | $4,748 | $5,459 | $6,606 |
| Every two weeks | $2,191 | $2,520 | $3,049 |
| Per week | $1,096 | $1,260 | $1,524 |
Gross pay before taxes and deductions.
What affects heavy equipment mechanic pay
- Certifications such as ASE, FAA A&P or manufacturer credentials
- Flat-rate versus hourly pay plans in repair shops
- Industry (aerospace and utilities often pay more than general repair)
- Shift work and overtime in plants running around the clock
- Geography and cost of living: metropolitan areas and some states pay well above the national median
How to earn more as a heavy equipment mechanic
- Get credentialed: Dealer technician program credentials, AED Foundation certification, ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications.
- Build specialty experience: Repair machines in the shop.
- Move up: roles such as field service technician and lead technician or service manager typically pay more.
- Negotiate: research local pay and use our salary negotiation guide.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic pay vs. related careers
Job outlook
BLS projects employment of heavy equipment mechanics to change by +6.7% from 2025–35, faster than average compared with the 3.5% average for all occupations. About 15,000 openings are projected each year, on average, including openings to replace workers who retire or change occupations.
About this data
Figures come from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey (May 2025), which covers wage and salary workers nationwide under SOC code 49-3042 (“Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines”). Wages exclude self-employment income, overtime and most bonuses unless they are part of regular pay. We refresh these numbers when BLS releases new estimates each spring.
Heavy Equipment Mechanic salary FAQ
How much does a heavy equipment mechanic make per hour?
The median hourly wage for heavy equipment mechanics was $31.50 in May 2025 (BLS). Hourly pay for the lowest 10% was about $22.51 and the top 10% earned about $45.41 or more.
How much does a heavy equipment mechanic make a month?
At the median annual wage of $65,510, that works out to about $5,459 per month before taxes, or about $2,520 every two weeks.
What is the starting salary for a heavy equipment mechanic?
New heavy equipment mechanics often start near the lower end of the range. The 10th percentile was $46,820 and the 25th percentile was $56,970 per year in May 2025. Starting pay depends on location, employer and credentials.
How can heavy equipment mechanics earn more?
Common ways include earning Dealer technician program credentials and AED Foundation certification, gaining specialty experience, taking shifts or roles with premium pay, and moving up the career ladder to roles such as field service technician.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 49-3042 (Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.