Dredge Operators Salary in the United States
As of May 2025, the median annual wage for dredge operators in the United States was $49,640 ($23.86 per hour), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OES survey.
Annual Salary Percentiles
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $41,080 | $19.75 |
| 25th | $46,430 | $22.32 |
| Median | $49,640 | $23.86 |
| 75th | $62,070 | $29.84 |
| 90th | $74,140 | $35.65 |
Quick Facts
- Occupational code: 53-7031
- Total U.S. employment: 1,040
- Jobs per 1,000: —
- Hourly salary breakdown
- All-state comparison
A closer look
At $23.86 per hour, a full-time schedule (2,080 hours per year) works out to roughly $49,629 — in line with the reported median annual wage of $49,640.
Dredge Operators Salary by State
The table below ranks every state by median annual wage. Click a state for detailed local data.
| State | Median Annual | Median Hourly | vs National | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $50,030 | $24.05 | +0.8% | 50 |
| Florida | $52,800 | $25.39 | +6.4% | 40 |
| Iowa | $57,990 | $27.88 | +16.8% | 60 |
| Louisiana | $48,590 | $23.36 | -2.1% | 0 |
| Nebraska | $45,290 | $21.78 | -8.8% | 30 |
| New Jersey | $63,810 | $30.68 | +28.5% | 30 |
| Ohio | $53,310 | $25.63 | +7.4% | 40 |
| Texas | $65,580 | $31.53 | +32.1% | 0 |
| Wisconsin | $54,310 | $26.11 | +9.4% | 0 |
Data source: BLS OES state file · U.S. BLS OES survey, May 2025
Related Occupations
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers — $76,210/yr
- Carpenters — $60,580/yr
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses — $64,400/yr
- Cooks, Fast Food — $30,890/yr
- Sales Managers — $148,270/yr
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors — $62,890/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for dredge operators?
The median annual wage for dredge operators is $49,640 ($23.86 per hour), according to the BLS OES survey for May 2025.
Which state pays dredge operators the most?
Wages vary by state. Use the state table above to compare median annual pay across all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
How many dredge operators are employed in the U.S.?
There are approximately 1,040 dredge operators employed nationally, per BLS OES.
How much do dredge operators make per hour?
The median hourly wage is $23.86. See the hourly salary page for the full percentile breakdown.