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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator in Montana is $71,706 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Heavy Construction Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $81,452 | $6,788 | $1,566 | $39 |
| Average | $71,706 | $5,975 | $1,379 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,651 | $5,304 | $1,224 | $31 |
Reveal Excavation - Missoula, MT
KH Civil Contractors - Lewistown, MT
BD Construction - Belgrade, MT
Republic Services - Floweree, MT
A Heavy Construction Equipment Operator's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Heavy Construction Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Heavy Construction Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Heavy Construction Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Heavy Construction Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $86,047 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $86,047 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $86,047 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,047 | $41.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $86,047 | $41.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Heavy Construction Equipment Operator's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $81,452 | $6,788 | $1,566 | $39 |
| Average | $71,706 | $5,975 | $1,379 | $34 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,651 | $5,304 | $1,224 | $31 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Heavy Construction Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Clean Harbors
Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Clean Harbors | Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Clean Harbors. ’ National Remediation team is seeking. Traveling. . Heavy Equipment Operators. The. Heavy Equipment. Oper... more
4 Days Ago
Martin Construction Inc.
Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Martin Construction Inc. | Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Scraper-Heavy Equipment OperatorType: Full time Salary: DOEPosition OverviewThe Scraper-Heavy Equipment Operator is requi... more
4 Days Ago
Republic Services
Missoula, MT
Republic Services | Missoula, MT
Republic Services - - Responsibilities: Perform pre- and post-operation inspections. Safely operate heavy equipment (forklift, excavator, bulldozer, front-... more
4 Days Ago
Spy Ego Media
Havre, MT
Spy Ego Media | Havre, MT
Job Description. Job Description. At Spy Ego Media, we take pride in being at the forefront of the construction management industry, leading the way in bui... more
5 Days Ago
Williams Plumbing / Williams Civil Construction
Belgrade, MT
Williams Plumbing / Williams Civil Construction | Belgrade, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Do you enjoy working outdoors, running equipment, and seeing real progress at the end of the day. If you take pride in op... more
6 Days Ago
Williams Plumbing / Williams Civil Construction
Missoula, MT
Williams Plumbing / Williams Civil Construction | Missoula, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Are you ready to take the driver's seat and power up some serious machinery. Williams Civil Construction in Missoula Mont... more
6 Days Ago
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