Trades & Labor North Dakota (ND) Rank #29 of 50

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Dakota

The median heavy equipment operator salary in North Dakota is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,540.

Median Salary
$49,913
vs National
$-2,627
State Rank
#29 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Dakota by Experience

In North Dakota, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $76,000 per year. The cost of living index in North Dakota is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,200
$-1,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in North Dakota

Percentile ND Salary
10th Percentile $32,300
25th Percentile $38,950
Median (50th) $49,913
75th Percentile $64,600
90th Percentile $79,800

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary by City in North Dakota

The largest employment areas for heavy equipment operators in North Dakota include Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Fargo, ND
$52,015
Pop. 125,990 · COL 94%
Bismarck, ND
$49,913
Pop. 73,529 · COL 90%
Grand Forks, ND
$48,862
Pop. 56,588 · COL 88%
Minot, ND
$50,964
Pop. 48,639 · COL 92%
West Fargo, ND
$51,489
Pop. 38,626 · COL 93%

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in North Dakota

Education

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

Key Skills

Equipment OperationGPS/Grade ControlSafety ProceduresMechanical KnowledgeSpatial AwarenessCDL

Job Outlook in North Dakota

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

Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in North Dakota

Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in North Dakota:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Dakota

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in North Dakota? ▼
The median heavy equipment operator salary in North Dakota is $49,913 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,300 (10th percentile) to $79,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in North Dakota? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,913, a heavy equipment operator in North Dakota earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is North Dakota a good state for heavy equipment operators? ▼
North Dakota ranks #29 out of 50 states for heavy equipment operator pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level heavy equipment operators earn $34,200, while senior professionals earn $76,000.
How does North Dakota compare to other states for heavy equipment operator salary? ▼
The highest paying state for heavy equipment operators is Hawaii at $93,521. North Dakota's median of $49,913 ranks #29 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wyoming ($50,438) and Illinois ($49,913).
What is the entry-level heavy equipment operator salary in North Dakota? ▼
An entry-level heavy equipment operator in North Dakota earns approximately $34,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $76,000.
What city in North Dakota pays heavy equipment operators the most? ▼
Fargo is the highest paying city in North Dakota for heavy equipment operators, with a median salary of $52,015. Other cities include Bismarck and Grand Forks.