Trades & Labor Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Great Falls, MT is $47,286 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 7.2% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$47,286
vs State Avg
$-3,678
vs National
$-5,254
Cost of Living
88%

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

Great Falls offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286, which is $3,678 below the Montana state average of $50,964. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $47,286 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $53,734 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Great Falls spans from $30,600 at the 10th percentile to $75,600 at the 90th percentile — a $45,000 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $32,400, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,000. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $32,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,400
$-3,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,600
$-5,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,000
$-8,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $30,600
25th Percentile $36,900
Median (50th) $47,286
75th Percentile $61,200
90th Percentile $75,600

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$61,472
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$54,642
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$51,489
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$50,438
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Great Falls

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana 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 Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Great Falls, Montana is $47,286 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $30,600 (10th percentile) to $75,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,286, a heavy equipment operator in Great Falls earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Great Falls's median heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286 is 7.2% below the Montana state average of $50,964. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $47,286 in Great Falls 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 Great Falls? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Great Falls 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.