The average salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Great Falls, MT is $62,150. This compensation is in line with national standards, reflecting a balanced and stable local job market. Notably, Great Falls, MT is a key hub for this profession, with a job concentration 1.49x higher than average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $62,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $85,580.
- Outlook: The current demand for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss is stable, with a local workforce of approximately 170 professionals. With a high job density of 4.531 per 1,000 jobs, there is a strong concentration of opportunities in this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Great Falls, MT earns-6.8%below the national average.
$29.9
$1,195
$5,179
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
Over the past 4 years, Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salaries in Great Falls, MT have remained stable with a modest increase of 0.1%. This positive trajectory often correlates with increased demand and a favorable future outlook for the profession.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
The earning potential for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss in Great Falls, MT varies significantly by experience level. The salary gap is relatively narrow, suggesting consistent and predictable earnings from entry-level to senior positions. Entry-level roles (10th percentile) typically start around $45,840, while highly experienced professionals can command wages upwards of $85,580.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $45,840 | $22 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $46,613 | $22.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $61,910 | $29.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $77,688 | $37.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $85,580 | $41.1 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$62,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$62,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
In Great Falls, MT, the Cost of Living Index is 100. This increases your effective purchasing power from $62,150 to $62,150.
Job Market Context
170
Total Jobs
4.531
Per 1K Jobs
1.49
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.49, Great Falls, MT has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators roles compared to the national norm.
170 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Great Falls, MT.
Moderate density — roughly 4.531 out of every 1,000 local jobs are in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Great Falls, MT is $62,150. This typically ranges from $45,840 for entry-level positions to $85,580 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 6.8% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Yes, Great Falls, MT is highly recommended due to strong job demand. While salaries are competitive ($62,150), the area is particularly notable for its high job density for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss. See distinct detailed breakdown below.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($58,060) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 170 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 4.531 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 Great Falls, MT