Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Billings, MT
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Billings, MT, earn an average annual salary of $62,400. This figure is slightly below the national average of $66,680, reflecting localized economic factors and demand specific to the Montana region. While the nominal pay may differ, the cost of living in Billings aligns perfectly with the national benchmark, suggesting a comparable purchasing power.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,400 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $77,540.
- Outlook: Billings, MT, supports a local workforce of 520 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. The robust Location Quotient of 1.81 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand and a specialized job market within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Billings, MT earns-6.4%below the national average.
$30
$1,200
$5,200
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Billings is not provided, the construction sector nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years. It is reasonable to assume that this trend has positively impacted the demand and compensation for skilled Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Billings, MT, likely leading to salary increases.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Billings, MT
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Billings, MT, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between these salary ranges signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $49,920 | $24 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,800 | $22.5 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,850 | $29.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $78,000 | $37.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $77,540 | $37.3 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,400
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,400
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average salary of $62,400 in Billings, MT, is directly comparable to the national average due to the local Cost of Living Index being exactly 100. This means that the purchasing power of a $62,400 salary in Billings is equivalent to the national average, making it a stable financial environment for these professionals.
Job Market Context
520
Total Jobs
5.522
Per 1K Jobs
1.81
Location Quotient
Billings, MT has 1.8x the national concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 1.81, Billings, MT, demonstrates a market that is 81% more concentrated with Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average. This suggests a healthy and active job market for these roles, where demand may outpace supply in certain specialized areas, potentially leading to competitive compensation.
Nearby Job Markets
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Billings, MT?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Billings, MT is $62,400. This typically ranges from $49,920 for entry-level positions to $77,540 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Billings, MT is 6.4% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Billings, MT a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Billings, MT offers a stable earning potential for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.The average salary of $62,400 is competitive, especially when considering the national average cost of living. The high concentration of these roles (LQ 1.81) indicates strong local demand.
Is Billings, MT a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Billings, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
How does the Billings, MT salary compare to the national average?
The average salary of $62,400 in Billings, MT, is slightly lower than the national average of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Billings?
An LQ of 1.81 means Billings has a significantly higher concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators than the national average, indicating strong local industry presence and demand.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the salary in Billings?
No, the cost of living in Billings is at the national average (100), meaning the $62,400 salary has equivalent purchasing power to the national average salary.
How many Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators work in Billings?
There are approximately 520 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators employed in the Billings, MT area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 520 employees in the Billings, MT area with a job density of 5.522 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Billings, MT