Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Salary in Minnesota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minnesota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$79,130
per year
Hourly Rate
$38.04
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+32% vs US median
US median $59,850
State Rank
#8 of 51
8,590 employed here

How much do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Minnesota?

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minnesota take home a median of $79,130 annually — roughly $38.04 an hour — which runs 32% above the national median of $59,850.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $55,960 while the top 10% make $101,930 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $63,310 and $95,740 a year.

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$55,960$26.90
25th percentile (early career)$63,310$30.44
50th percentile (median)$79,130$38.04
75th percentile (experienced)$95,740$46.03
90th percentile (top earners)$101,930$49.00

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1Hawaii$115,860
2Illinois$97,740
3New Jersey$89,660
4California$87,160
5Washington$81,700

Working as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Minnesota

Nationally, about 478,000 people work as Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Minnesota pay ($79,130) 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 do Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators make in Minnesota?
The median Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary in Minnesota is $79,130 per year, or about $38.04 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $55,960 at the entry level to $101,930 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators about 32% more than the national median of $59,850. Minnesota ranks 8th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators?
Yes on pay — Minnesota pays above the national median for this occupation, at $79,130 a year. About 8,590 Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators are employed in Minnesota. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators salary report

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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.