Agricultural Equipment Operators Salary in Chicago, IL-IN

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

Median annual salary $49,160 +15.5% vs national
Median hourly $23.63
10th percentile $40,440
90th percentile $57,850
Employed locally 470
National median $42,580

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Agricultural Equipment Operators
in
Chicago, IL-IN
vs

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $40,440
    25th
    $45,990
    50th (median)
    $49,160
    75th
    $54,190
    90th
    $57,850

    Chicago economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.10% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $88,850 2023 • Census ACS
    Agricultural Equipment Operators salary vs area income 55% Median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary is 45% below the area median household income

    Top-paying metros for Agricultural Equipment Operators

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Southwest Missouri nonmetropolitan area $61,580
    Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN $54,380
    Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN $54,020
    Montana $53,900
    Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI $53,510
    Southeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area $52,870

    Nearby metros — Agricultural Equipment Operators salary comparison

    Metro areaMedian salary
    Evansville, IN $47,500
    Champaign-Urbana, IL $47,440
    St. Louis, MO-IL $47,230
    Bloomington, IL $47,120
    Decatur, IL $47,030
    Illinois $46,810

    Related occupations in Chicago, IL-IN

    OccupationMedian salary
    Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse $41,360
    Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals $35,150
    Agricultural Inspectors $54,720
    First-Line Supervisors of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Workers $65,600
    Forest and Conservation Workers $55,790
    Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products $38,980

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Agricultural Equipment Operators make per hour in Chicago?

    The median hourly wage for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Chicago, IL-IN is $23.63, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $28.79 or more per hour.

    Is Chicago above or below average for Agricultural Equipment Operators salaries?

    The median Agricultural Equipment Operators salary in Chicago, IL-IN is 15.5% above the national median of $42,580. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.

    What is the entry-level salary for Agricultural Equipment Operators in Chicago?

    Entry-level Agricultural Equipment Operators (10th percentile) earn around $40,440 per year in Chicago, IL-IN. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $45,990.