Landscape Heavy Equipment Operator information
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$14.18 - $15.95
2% of jobs
$15.95 - $17.72
9% of jobs
$17.72 - $19.49
13% of jobs
$19.66 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$19.49 - $21.26
14% of jobs
$21.26 - $23.03
12% of jobs
The median wage is $23.09 / hr.
$23.03 - $24.80
16% of jobs
$26.35 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$24.80 - $26.57
11% of jobs
$26.57 - $28.34
10% of jobs
$28.34 - $30.11
8% of jobs
$30.11 - $31.88
4% of jobs
$31.88 - $33.65
2% of jobs
How much do landscape heavy equipment operator jobs pay per hour?
As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for landscape heavy equipment operator in the United States is $23.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.47 and $26.92 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.
Landscape Heavy Equipment Operators are skilled professionals who operate machinery such as excavators, bulldozers, loaders, and skid steers to prepare and maintain outdoor areas. They perform tasks like grading, digging, moving earth, and installing landscaping materials according to project plans. These operators ensure the safe and efficient use of heavy equipment while adhering to safety protocols and site specifications. Their work is essential for creating and maintaining parks, gardens, golf courses, and other landscaped environments.
As a Landscape Heavy Equipment Operator, your daily tasks usually involve operating machinery such as excavators, loaders, bulldozers, and backhoes to move earth, dig trenches, grade surfaces, and transport materials on landscaping sites. You’ll also conduct routine pre-operation inspections and basic maintenance to ensure equipment safety and functionality. Collaboration with landscape architects, project managers, and other crew members is common to ensure projects meet design specifications and timelines. Flexibility is important, as job sites and duties may vary depending on the project's requirements and weather conditions.
To thrive as a Landscape Heavy Equipment Operator, you need experience operating machinery like excavators, loaders, and backhoes, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent and a valid operator’s license. Familiarity with GPS technology, grading systems, and routine equipment maintenance procedures is commonly expected. Attention to safety, strong communication, and the ability to work well within a team are critical soft skills. These abilities are essential for ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality landscape construction and maintenance projects.
What are popular job titles related to Landscape Heavy Equipment Operator jobs?
For Landscape Heavy Equipment Operator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are: