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

Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

Median Annual in Montana
$61,580/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$29.61/hr
▲ 3% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in Montana

groups Employed in MT
3,750
public U.S. Median
$59,850
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$65,064 #23 of 51

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in Montana, explained

Heavy equipment operators in Montana earn a median of $61,580 per year ($29.61 per hour), which is 3% above the national median of $59,850. Entry-level workers earn around $48,130, while the most experienced heavy equipment operators reach about $79,880. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Montana.

Is $61,580 good pay in Montana?

Adjusted for Montana's cost of living (which runs 95% of the U.S. average), that $61,580 is worth about $65,064 in national buying power — ranking Montana #23 for real pay (vs #24 on the sticker number).

See the full Heavy Equipment Operator Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Heavy Equipment Operator pay by experience in Montana

Entry level (10th pct)
$48,130
$23.14/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$61,580
$29.61/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$79,880
$38.40/hr

Heavy Equipment Operator pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs MT
Montana (here) $61,580 $65,064
Wyoming $62,960 $67,925 −$1,380
North Dakota $62,150 $69,864 −$570
Idaho $61,680 $64,590 −$100
South Dakota $59,500 $67,166 +$2,080

Heavy Equipment Operator in Montana: FAQ

How much do heavy equipment operators make in Montana?

Heavy equipment operators in Montana earn a median of $61,580 per year ($29.61 per hour), compared with $59,850 nationally.

Does Montana pay heavy equipment operators well?

At $61,580, Montana pays 3% above the national median for heavy equipment operators. An estimated 3,750 work in the state.

Heavy Equipment Operator salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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