Trades & Labor Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Helena, Montana

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Helena, MT is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$50,438
vs State Avg
$-526
vs National
$-2,102
Cost of Living
94%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,560, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,560
$-1,440 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,840
$-2,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $32,640
25th Percentile $39,360
Median (50th) $50,438
75th Percentile $65,280
90th Percentile $80,640

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
Great Falls, MT
$47,286
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Helena

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Helena 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 Helena may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Helena

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Helena

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Helena, Montana is $50,438 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,640 (10th percentile) to $80,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,438, a heavy equipment operator in Helena earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼
Helena's median heavy equipment operator salary of $50,438 is 1% below the Montana state average of $50,964. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $50,438 in Helena 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 Helena? ▼
Most heavy equipment operator positions in Helena 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.