Trades & Labor Montana (MT) Rank #22 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Montana is $50,964 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$50,964
vs National
$-1,576
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,600 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,920
$-1,080 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,380
$-1,620 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,600
$-2,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $32,980
25th Percentile $39,770
Median (50th) $50,964
75th Percentile $65,960
90th Percentile $81,480

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Billings, MT
$51,489
Pop. 117,116 · COL 96%
Missoula, MT
$54,642
Pop. 75,516 · COL 102%
Great Falls, MT
$47,286
Pop. 60,442 · COL 88%
Bozeman, MT
$61,472
Pop. 53,293 · COL 115%
Helena, MT
$50,438
Pop. 32,315 · COL 94%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Montana

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Montana

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Montana:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Montana? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Montana is $50,964 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,980 (10th percentile) to $81,480 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,964, a heavy equipment operator in Montana earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $34,920, while senior professionals earn $77,600.
How does Montana compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. Montana's median of $50,964 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($50,964) and Minnesota ($50,964).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in Montana earns approximately $34,920 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $52,380. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,600.
What city in Montana pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $61,472. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.