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 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

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.