Trades & Labor Rochester, MN Pop. 121,395

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Rochester, Minnesota

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Rochester, MN is $51,489 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 1.0% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$51,489
vs State Avg
+$525
vs National
$-1,051
Cost of Living
98%

Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Rochester: What to Expect (2026)

Rochester offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $51,489, which is $525 above the Minnesota state average of $50,964. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Rochester pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Rochester's cost of living is 98% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Rochester spans from $33,320 at the 10th percentile to $82,320 at the 90th percentile — a $49,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,280, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $78,400. With a population of 121,395, Rochester is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Rochester by Experience

In Rochester, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $35,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $78,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,280
$-720 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,920
$-1,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rochester, MN

Percentile Rochester
10th Percentile $33,320
25th Percentile $40,180
Median (50th) $51,489
75th Percentile $66,640
90th Percentile $82,320

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

Minneapolis, MN
$55,167
Pop. 429,954
Bloomington, MN
$53,591
Pop. 89,987
Saint Paul, MN
$52,540
Pop. 311,527
Duluth, MN
$47,286
Pop. 90,884

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Rochester

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Rochester and the surrounding Minnesota area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rochester may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Rochester

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Rochester, MN:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Rochester

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Rochester, MN? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Rochester, Minnesota is $51,489 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $33,320 (10th percentile) to $82,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Rochester? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,489, a heavy equipment operator in Rochester earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rochester compare to the Minnesota state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Rochester's median heavy equipment operator salary of $51,489 is 1.0% above the Minnesota state average of $50,964. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rochester, MN? ▼
Rochester has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $51,489 in Rochester has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a heavy equipment operator in Rochester? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Rochester require a high school diploma. Key skills include Equipment Operation, GPS/Grade Control, Safety Procedures, Mechanical Knowledge. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.