Logging Equipment Operator Salary in Montana (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Logging Equipment Operators in Montana, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Montana Median
$56,530
per year
Hourly Rate
$27.18
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+14% vs US median
US median $49,740
State Rank
#9 of 36
190 employed here

How much does a Logging Equipment Operator make in Montana?

A Logging Equipment Operator working in Montana earns a median salary of $56,530 per year, or about $27.18 per hour. That is 14% above the national median of $49,740 for this occupation.

Within Montana, entry-level pay starts around $47,490 while the top 10% make $89,800 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $48,620 and $59,860 a year.

Logging Equipment Operator salary range in Montana

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$47,490$22.83
25th percentile (early career)$48,620$23.38
50th percentile (median)$56,530$27.18
75th percentile (experienced)$59,860$28.78
90th percentile (top earners)$89,800$43.17

How Montana compares

Montana ranks 9th out of 36 states and territories for Logging Equipment Operator pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Washington$75,140
2Illinois$71,100
3Texas$62,890
4California$61,940
5South Dakota$58,740

Working as a Logging Equipment Operator in Montana

Nationally, about 21,000 people work as Logging Equipment Operators in the United States. No college degree is required — most training happens on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Montana pay ($56,530) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Logging Equipment Operator make in Montana?
The median Logging Equipment Operator salary in Montana is $56,530 per year, or about $27.18 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $47,490 at the entry level to $89,800 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Montana pay compare to the national average?
Montana pays Logging Equipment Operators about 14% more than the national median of $49,740. Montana ranks 9th out of 36 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Montana a good state for Logging Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — Montana pays above the national median for this occupation, at $56,530 a year. About 190 Logging Equipment Operators are employed in Montana. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Montana?
The highest-paying occupations in Montana include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($560,820), Physician, All Other ($438,850), Radiologist ($360,330), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Logging Equipment Operator salary report

Related salaries

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$41,730
median pay · 29,000 employed

Graders and Sorters, Agricultural Products

$35,730
median pay · 25,000 employed

Log Graders and Scalers

$46,330
median pay · 3,000 employed

Forest and Conservation Workers

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Agricultural Worker, All Other

$39,850
median pay · 4,000 employed
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.