Dredge Operator salary in the U.S.
Dredge Operators in the U.S. earn a median of $49,640 a year ($23.86 an hour), based on BLS data for 1,040 workers.
Pay ranges from $41,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,140 for the top 10%. The average (mean) salary is $56,120, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for dredge operators in the U.S.
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $41,080 | $19.75 |
| 25th percentile | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Median | $49,640 | $23.86 |
| 75th percentile | $62,070 | $29.84 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $74,140 | $35.65 |
| Average (mean) | $56,120 | $26.98 |
Half of dredge operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,136.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,068.33 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,909.23 |
| Weekly | $954.62 |
| Hourly | $23.86 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Dredge Operator salary by state
| State | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | $65,580 | n/a |
| New Jersey | $63,810 | 30 |
| Iowa | $57,990 | 60 |
| Wisconsin | $54,310 | n/a |
| Ohio | $53,310 | 40 |
| Florida | $52,800 | 40 |
| Alabama | $50,030 | 50 |
| Louisiana | $48,590 | n/a |
| Nebraska | $45,290 | 30 |
Best-paying metro areas for dredge operators
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | $72,960 | n/a |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | $49,390 | n/a |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | $48,980 | 40 |
Metro areas with the most dredge operators
| Metro area | Workers | Median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 40 | $48,980 |
Related jobs in the U.S.
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand | $40,240 | $19.35 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | $37,330 | $17.95 |
| Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators | $46,420 | $22.32 |
| Packers and Packagers, Hand | $36,280 | $17.44 |
| Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment | $35,830 | $17.23 |
| Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors | $49,690 | $23.89 |
| Crane and Tower Operators | $68,080 | $32.73 |
| Machine Feeders and Offbearers | $41,220 | $19.82 |
| Material Moving Workers, All Other | $41,800 | $20.10 |
| Conveyor Operators and Tenders | $42,420 | $20.39 |
| Wellhead Pumper | $69,960 | $33.63 |
| Tank Car, Truck, and Ship Loaders | $58,870 | $28.30 |
| Pump Operators, Except Wellhead Pumpers | $61,770 | $29.70 |
| Gas Compressor and Gas Pumping Station Operators | $77,320 | $37.17 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 53-7031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a dredge operator make in the U.S.?
The median salary for dredge operators in the U.S. is $49,640 a year, or $23.86 an hour. Pay ranges from $41,080 for the lowest-paid 10% to $74,140 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid dredge operators make in the U.S.?
The top 10% of dredge operators in the U.S. earn at least $74,140 a year. The top 25% earn $62,070 or more.
What is the starting pay for dredge operators in the U.S.?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $41,080 a year, and a quarter of dredge operators earn $46,430 or less.
How many dredge operators work in the U.S.?
About 1,040 dredge operators are employed in the U.S., not counting the self-employed.