verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Minnesota

Median Annual in Minnesota
$79,130/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$38.04/hr
▲ 32% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Minnesota

groups Employed in MN
8,590
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$80,236 #5 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Minnesota, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Minnesota earn a median of $79,130 per year ($38.04 per hour), which is 32% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $55,960, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $101,930. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Minnesota.

Is $79,130 good pay in Minnesota?

Adjusted for Minnesota's cost of living (which runs 99% of the U.S. average), that $79,130 is worth about $80,236 in national buying power — ranking Minnesota #5 for real pay (vs #8 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Minnesota

Entry level (10th pct)
$55,960
$26.90/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$79,130
$38.04/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$101,930
$49.00/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs MN
Minnesota (here) $79,130 $80,236
Wisconsin $75,280 $80,004 +$3,850
North Dakota $62,150 $69,864 +$16,980
Iowa $60,330 $68,743 +$18,800
South Dakota $59,500 $67,166 +$19,630

Heavy Equipment Operator in Minnesota: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Minnesota?

Heavy equipment operators in Minnesota earn a median of $79,130 per year ($38.04 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Minnesota pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $79,130, Minnesota pays 32% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 8,590 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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