Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Grand Forks, North Dakota
The median heavy equipment operator salary in Grand Forks, ND is $48,862 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 2.1% below the North Dakota state average.
Heavy Equipment Operator Pay in Grand Forks: What to Expect (2026)
Grand Forks offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $48,862, which is $1,051 below the North Dakota state average of $49,913. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Grand Forks pays below the national benchmark for this role.
One of Grand Forks's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $48,862 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,525 in an average-cost city. This makes Grand Forks an attractive option for heavy equipment operators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.
The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Grand Forks spans from $31,620 at the 10th percentile to $78,120 at the 90th percentile — a $46,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,480, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,400. Grand Forks is a smaller market (pop. 56,588), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Grand Forks by Experience
In Grand Forks, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $33,480, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Grand Forks, ND
| Percentile | Grand Forks |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $31,620 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,130 |
| Median (50th) | $48,862 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,240 |
| 90th Percentile | $78,120 |
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Other North Dakota Cities
How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Grand Forks
Education
Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Grand Forks and the surrounding North Dakota area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Grand Forks may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find Heavy Equipment Operator Jobs in Grand Forks
Browse open heavy equipment operator positions in Grand Forks, ND: