Across U.S. metros, heavy equipment operators typically earn $11,455 more a year than hazmat removal workers (24%). In the 134 metros where BLS publishes both, hazmat removal workers earn more in 11 and heavy equipment operators in 123.
| Hazmat Removal Worker | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical metro median pay | $48,215 | $59,670 |
| Lowest metro median | $26,520 | $27,770 |
| Highest metro median | $104,530 | $124,990 |
| Job growth 2025–35 (U.S.) | +1.5% | +4.6% |
| Openings per year (U.S.) | 4,300 | 39,200 |
| Self-employed | 1% | 2% |
| Typical education | High school diploma or equivalent | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Typical training | Moderate-term on-the-job training | Moderate-term on-the-job training |
| Injury rate per 10k workers (U.S.) | 71 | 78 |
| Metros with pay data | 134 | 391 |
On safety, heavy equipment operators report more injuries that cause missed work (78 vs. 71 per 10,000 full-time workers, national 2023–24).
Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025 (typical = median across metros). Growth, openings, education, training: BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Injuries: BLS SOII 2023–24.
Where hazmat removal workers out-earn heavy equipment operators the most Our calculation
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
Where heavy equipment operators out-earn hazmat removal workers the most
Gap in median yearly pay, same metro.
State by state Government data
Using statewide pay, hazmat removal workers earn more in 4 states and heavy equipment operators in 47. The gap favors hazmat removal workers most in Tennessee ($8,090) and heavy equipment operators most in Hawaii ($57,420).
BLS OEWS statewide medians, May 2025.
How the work differs Government data
The biggest differences: Indoors with heating and air conditioning: sometimes for hazmat removal workers, rarely for heavy equipment operators. Outdoors, in all kinds of weather: often for hazmat removal workers, very often for heavy equipment operators.
| Hazmat Removal Worker | Heavy Equipment Operator | |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoors, in all kinds of weather | Often | Very often |
| Indoors with heating and air conditioning | Sometimes | Rarely |
| Very hot or cold conditions | Often | Often |
| Working at heights | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Climbing ladders, scaffolds or poles | Occasionally | Rarely |
| Cramped spaces and awkward positions | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Loud noise | Often | Often |
| Hazardous conditions | Often | Occasionally |
| Standing, bending, kneeling and walking | Sometimes | Occasionally |
| Sitting | Occasionally | Sometimes |
O*NET 31.0 Work Context, national.
What each trade does
Hazmat Removal Worker
Identify, remove, pack, transport, or dispose of hazardous materials, including asbestos, lead-based paint, waste oil, fuel, transmission fluid, radioactive materials, or contaminated soil. Specialized training and certification in hazardous materials handling or a confined entry permit are generally required. May operate earth-moving equipment or trucks.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Operate one or several types of power construction equipment, such as motor graders, bulldozers, scrapers, compressors, pumps, derricks, shovels, tractors, or front-end loaders to excavate, move, and grade earth, erect structures, or pour concrete or other hard surface pavement. May repair and maintain equipment in addition to other duties.
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