Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Minot, ND: $50,964 (2026)

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

Minot offers a median heavy equipment operator salary of $50,964, which is $1,051 above the North Dakota state average of $49,913. Compared to the national median of $52,540, Minot pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Minot's cost of living is 92% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for heavy equipment operators in Minot spans from $32,980 at the 10th percentile to $81,480 at the 90th percentile — a $48,500 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,920, while senior heavy equipment operators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $77,600. Minot is a smaller market (pop. 48,639), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Minot by Experience

In Minot, an entry-level heavy equipment operator earns around $34,920, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$34,920

$-1,080 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$52,380

$-1,620 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$77,600

$-2,400 vs national

Percentile	Minot	ND State	National
10th Percentile	$32,980	$32,300	$34,000
25th Percentile	$39,770	$38,950	$41,000
Median (50th)	$50,964	$49,913	$52,540
75th Percentile	$65,960	$64,600	$68,000
90th Percentile	$81,480	$79,800	$84,000

Percentile

Minot

10th Percentile

$32,980

25th Percentile

$39,770

Median (50th)

$50,964

75th Percentile

$65,960

90th Percentile

$81,480

How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Minot

Education

Most heavy equipment operator positions require a high school diploma. Minot and the surrounding North Dakota 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 Minot may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Minot

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make in Minot, ND? ▼

The median heavy equipment operator salary in Minot, North Dakota is $50,964 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $52,540. Salaries range from $32,980 (10th percentile) to $81,480 (90th percentile).

How much does a Heavy Equipment Operator make per hour in Minot? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $50,964, a heavy equipment operator in Minot earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Minot compare to the North Dakota state average for heavy equipment operator pay? ▼

Minot's median heavy equipment operator salary of $50,964 is 2.1% above the North Dakota state average of $49,913. The local cost of living index is 92% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Minot, ND? ▼

Minot has a cost of living index of 92% compared to the national average. This means a heavy equipment operator salary of $50,964 in Minot 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 Minot? ▼

Most heavy equipment operator positions in Minot 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.

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Minot, North Dakota