📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Salary in Montana (2026)

Montana · 5.0% below national average · High Demand

Average
$66,861
per year
Median
$62,282
per year
Hourly
$32.14
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$42,731
25th Percentile — Junior$56,031
50th Percentile — Median$62,282
75th Percentile — Senior$85,956
90th Percentile — Top Earners$97,434
💡 Top-earning Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss in Montana make up to $97,434 per year. The job market in Montana is rated moderate, with key industries including Agriculture, Tourism, Energy.
📈
Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$56.3k
2021
$58.3k
2022
$60.3k
2023
$62.4k
2024
$64.6k
2025
$66.9k
2026
📈 Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries in Montana have followed the national trend with 3.5% annual growth. The strong demand in Montana's job market supports continued salary increases.
🗺️
Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Salary by City in Montana
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Statewide Average $66,861 +0% High
🔍
Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators Job Market in Montana
Key factors affecting compensation

Montana is home to a moderate job market for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss. The state's key industries — Agriculture, Tourism, Energy — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $66,861 per year, Montana's Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Montana (index: 0.95) makes salaries stretch further than in higher-cost states. Entry-level professionals in Montana can expect to earn $42,731–$56,031, while experienced Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss can command $85,956–$97,434.

Looking ahead, the Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators profession in Montana is projected to grow at 3.5% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Agriculture continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
⚖️
Compare with Similar Jobs
Related career salary benchmarks
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salary in Montana is $66,861 per year in 2026, which is 5.0% below the national average of $70,380.
  • Major metro areas typically pay Operating Engineers and Equipment Operatorss the highest wages in Montana due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • Montana has a moderate job market with major industries in Agriculture, Tourism, Energy. Opportunities exist in for Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators employment.
  • At $66,861/year, Montana Operating Engineers and Equipment Operators salaries are 5.0% lower than the national average of $70,380/year.