SOC 47-2073 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators — Northeast Minnesota
Northeast Minnesota nonmetropolitan area · 5 metro areas compared
In Northeast Minnesota, MN the median wage for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is $73,430 a year, which is 22.7% higher than the national figure of $59,850.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
In Northeast Minnesota, MN the median wage for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators is $73,430 a year, which is 22.7% higher than the national figure of $59,850. The middle half of workers in this occupation earn between $62,390 and $94,340. The lowest tenth earn under $52,380, while the highest tenth earn more than $98,820.
Employment stands at 250, or 5.7 jobs per thousand held locally. Within the state, Minneapolis records the highest median at $83,340. Of the 199 occupations with published wages in this area, it sits 52nd.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $52,380 | −12.5% |
| 25th | $62,390 | +4.2% |
| Median (50th) | $73,430 | +22.7% |
| 75th | $94,340 | +57.6% |
| 90th | $98,820 | +65.1% |
| Mean | $75,910 | +26.8% |
Other metro areas in Minnesota
| # | Metro area | Median | Jobs | Relative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minneapolis | $83,340 | 4,270 | |
| 2 | Rochester | $79,580 | 290 | |
| 3 | St. Cloud | $79,530 | 700 | |
| 4 | Mankato | $78,560 | 150 | |
| 5 | Duluth | $75,040 | 770 |
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Northeast Minnesota sit close to the national average, so $73,430 is worth roughly its face value against pay elsewhere.
Published median
$73,430as reported by BLSLocal price level
98.6US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$74,473US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $73,430 a year, 22.7% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $52,380 to $98,820 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The area has 250 jobs in this occupation.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Minneapolis, at $83,340.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators in Northeast Minnesota, MN?
The median annual wage is $73,430, or $35.30 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $59,850, so pay in Northeast Minnesota, MN is 22.7% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Northeast Minnesota, MN earns more than $98,820 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $52,380 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Minneapolis, at $83,340 per year.
How many jobs are there in this occupation here?
The survey estimates 250 jobs in this occupation in Northeast Minnesota, MN. Self-employed workers are not included.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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