Average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Helena, MT
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Helena, MT, earn an average annual salary of $59,190. This figure is notably below the national average of $66,680, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand play a significant role in compensation within this Montana city. Factors such as the specific construction projects underway and the overall economic climate of the region likely influence these pay rates.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $59,190 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,850.
- Outlook: Helena, MT, supports a local workforce of 200 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators. With a Location Quotient of 1.52, the concentration of these roles in Helena is 52% higher than the national average, indicating a robust demand relative to the national landscape. The presence of 4.633 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores a healthy and potentially growing job market for these skilled professionals in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Helena, MT earns-11.2%below the national average.
$28.5
$1,138
$4,933
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Helena, MT is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increased demand for infrastructure development, and the need for skilled labor in specialized construction roles.
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Salary progression for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Helena, MT, is strongly tied to experience and skill specialization. Entry-level positions will naturally command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with expertise in complex machinery and project management can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution, from the lowest to the highest earners, reflect these opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,880 | $21.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $44,393 | $21.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $59,860 | $28.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $73,988 | $35.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,850 | $36.5 |
Detailed Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$59,190
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$59,190
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $59,190 in Helena, MT, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Operating Engineer's salary in Helena is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average in a typical U.S. city. Consequently, the nominal salary translates directly to the local economic reality without significant inflation or deflationary pressures impacting affordability.
Job Market Context
200
Total Jobs
4.633
Per 1K Jobs
1.52
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 1.5x 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.
Helena, MT, exhibits a strong concentration of Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.52. This indicates that the demand for these professionals is significantly higher in Helena compared to the national average. Such a high quotient suggests a specialized local market where these skills are particularly valued and potentially less saturated than in broader metropolitan areas.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Helena, MT is $59,190. This typically ranges from $44,880 for entry-level positions to $75,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 11.2% lower than the national median of $66,680.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operatorss?
No, not compared to the national average.While Helena, MT has a higher concentration of these jobs (LQ of 1.52), the average salary of $59,190 is below the national average of $66,680.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($62,150) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does Helena's cost of living compare to the national average for this role?
Helena, MT, has a cost of living index of 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your $59,190 salary in Helena has the same purchasing power as the national average salary in a typical U.S. city.
Is the job market for Operating Engineers strong in Helena, MT?
Yes, the job market appears strong, with a Location Quotient of 1.52 indicating a higher concentration of these jobs than the national average. There are 4.633 jobs per 1,000 workers.
What is the average salary for an Operating Engineer in Helena, MT?
The average annual salary for an Operating Engineer and Other Construction Equipment Operator in Helena, MT, is $59,190.
How does the Helena salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in Helena, MT ($59,190) is lower than the national average salary of $66,680 for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 200 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 4.633 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Helena, MT
- All Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Management Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Helena, MT
- Browse All Jobs in Helena, MT →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Helena, MT