What are the main factors that influence a Coal Equipment Operator's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

What industry pays the highest salary for Coal Equipment Operator?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Coal Equipment Operator roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

How does experience change A Coal Equipment Operator's salary?

A Coal Equipment Operator's salary grows with experience: starting around $45,094 for beginners, reaching about $67,172 at mid-level, and approach $88,390 for experts.

What are the highest paying states for a Coal Equipment Operator?

Coal Equipment Operator salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Coal Equipment Operator roles are District of Columbia $54,055, California $53,849, Massachusetts $53,132. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Coal Equipment Operator roles make?

Salaries for Coal Equipment Operator level roles vary by specialization: Nuclear Equipment Operator: $93,310; Landfill Equipment Operator: $77,879; Equipment Operator: $70,923; Auxiliary Equipment Operator: $68,637; Equipment Operator-Crane: $52,100.

Coal Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

How much does a Coal Equipment Operator make in Montana? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Coal Equipment Operator in Montana is $46,092 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $22.

However, a Coal Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

Top Earners (90th percentile): $55,240
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,255 to $50,880
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $38,762

10% $38,762

50% (Median) $46,092

90% $55,240

Coal Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$50,880	$4,240	$978	$24
Average	$46,092	$3,841	$886	$22
25th Percentile	$42,255	$3,521	$813	$20

Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

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Key Factors That Influence Coal Equipment Operator Salaries

A Coal 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.

How Experience Level Affects Coal Equipment Operator Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Coal Equipment Operator's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $45,094
Early Career (1-2 years): $55,633
Mid-Level (2-4 years): $67,172
Senior-Level (5-8 years): $76,054
Expert (over 8 years): $88,390

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Coal Equipment Operator	less than 1 year	$45,094
Field Service Technician II	1-2 years	$55,633
Field Service Technician III	2-4 years	$67,172
Field Service Technician IV	5-8 years	$76,054
Field Service Technician V	over 8 years	$88,390

How Do Coal Equipment Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Coal Equipment Operators. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

District of Columbia: $54,055.
California: $53,849.
Massachusetts: $53,132.

District of Columbia $54,055 California $53,849 Massachusetts $53,132 Washington $52,937 New Jersey $52,917 Alaska $52,849 Connecticut $52,175 New York $51,901

Hawaii $51,028 Rhode Island $50,618 Maryland $50,339 Minnesota $49,958 Colorado $49,812 Illinois $49,763 Oregon $49,578 Delaware $49,441

New Hampshire $49,355 Virginia $49,163 Pennsylvania $48,601 Nevada $48,318 North Dakota $48,225 Michigan $48,079 Wisconsin $48,025 Vermont $47,918

Texas $47,620 Maine $47,600 Arizona $47,571 Ohio $47,537 Georgia $47,088 Indiana $46,863 Wyoming $46,819 Utah $46,751

Iowa $46,722 Kansas $46,487 Louisiana $46,419 North Carolina $46,395 Missouri $46,385 Florida $46,194 Montana $46,092 Nebraska $45,994

Kentucky $45,940 South Carolina $45,745 Tennessee $45,623 Idaho $45,574 New Mexico $45,218 Oklahoma $45,140 Alabama $44,852 South Dakota $44,368

Arkansas $44,105 West Virginia $43,963 Mississippi $43,538

Top Paying Cities for Coal Equipment Operator

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:

Absarokee: $45,811
Acton: $46,920
Ashland: $45,776

Absarokee, MT $45,811

Acton, MT $46,920

Ashland, MT $45,776

Ballantine, MT $46,849

Bearcreek, MT $45,805

Belfry, MT $45,851

Bighorn, MT $45,701

Big Timber, MT $45,773

Birney, MT $45,744

Boyd, MT $46,224

Bridger, MT $46,044

Broadview, MT $46,661

Busby, MT $45,795

Clyde Park, MT $45,781

Columbus, MT $46,158

Cooke City, MT $45,692

Crow Agency, MT $45,835

Custer, MT $45,847

Decker, MT $45,787

Edgar, MT $46,746

Emigrant, MT $45,777

Fishtail, MT $45,738

Fromberg, MT $46,561

Gardiner, MT $45,779

Garryowen, MT $45,816

Grass Range, MT $45,732

Greycliff, MT $45,776

Hardin, MT $46,215

Fort Smith, MT $46,072

Harlowton, MT $45,757

Huntley, MT $47,079

Hysham, MT $45,724

Ingomar, MT $45,637

Joliet, MT $46,567

Lame Deer, MT $45,822

Laurel, MT $47,066

Lavina, MT $45,885

Livingston, MT $45,832

Lodge Grass, MT $45,842

Mc Leod, MT $45,677

Martinsdale, MT $45,707

Melstone, MT $45,724

Melville, MT $45,690

Molt, MT $46,788

Mosby, MT $45,661

Musselshell, MT $45,709

Nye, MT $45,733

Otter, MT $45,777

Park City, MT $46,743

Pompeys Pillar, MT $46,558

Pray, MT $45,754

Pryor, MT $46,584

Rapelje, MT $46,045

Red Lodge, MT $45,815

Reed Point, MT $45,757

Roberts, MT $46,008

Roscoe, MT $45,724

Roundup, MT $45,811

Ryegate, MT $45,716

Saint Xavier, MT $46,030

Sanders, MT $45,780

Sand Springs, MT $45,666

Shawmut, MT $45,701

Shepherd, MT $46,873

Silver Gate, MT $45,815

Springdale, MT $45,747

Sumatra, MT $45,666

Teigen, MT $45,732

Two Dot, MT $45,696

Wilsall, MT $45,737

Winnett, MT $45,700

Worden, MT $46,500

Wyola, MT $45,862

Billings, MT $47,120

Baker, MT $45,935

Wolf Point, MT $45,778

Antelope, MT $45,834

Bainville, MT $45,991

Brockton, MT $45,755

Brockway, MT $45,691

Circle, MT $45,726

Crane, MT $46,023

Culbertson, MT $45,856

Dagmar, MT $45,877

Fairview, MT $46,010

Flaxville, MT $45,719

Fort Peck, MT $45,697

Frazer, MT $45,750

Froid, MT $45,794

Glasgow, MT $45,774

Saint Marie, MT $45,969

Glentana, MT $45,698

Hinsdale, MT $45,688

Homestead, MT $45,794

Lambert, MT $45,766

Larslan, MT $45,691

Medicine Lake, MT $45,788

Nashua, MT $45,751

Opheim, MT $45,684

Outlook, MT $45,753

Peerless, MT $45,693

Plentywood, MT $45,825

Poplar, MT $45,786

Raymond, MT $45,791

Redstone, MT $45,694

Reserve, MT $45,739

Richey, MT $45,713

Richland, MT $45,688

Saco, MT $45,714

Savage, MT $45,849

Scobey, MT $45,755

Sidney, MT $46,022

Vandalia, MT $45,709

Vida, MT $45,724

Westby, MT $45,868

Whitetail, MT $45,687

Miles City, MT $45,782

Alzada, MT $45,742

Angela, MT $45,660

Alberton, MT $45,728

Arlee, MT $45,745

Bonner, MT $45,730

Charlo, MT $45,758

Clinton, MT $45,760

Condon, MT $45,678

Conner, MT $45,769

Corvallis, MT $45,829

Darby, MT $45,681

De Borgia, MT $45,586

Dixon, MT $45,717

Drummond, MT $45,742

Florence, MT $45,818

Frenchtown, MT $45,800

Grantsdale, MT $45,805

Hall, MT $45,733

Hamilton, MT $45,806

Pinesdale, MT $45,911

Haugan, MT $45,575

Helmville, MT $45,644

Heron, MT $45,592

Hot Springs, MT $45,675

Huson, MT $45,739

Lolo, MT $45,791

Lonepine, MT $45,692

Milltown, MT $45,907

Noxon, MT $45,574

Ovando, MT $45,639

Pablo, MT $45,921

Paradise, MT $45,744

Philipsburg, MT $45,733

Plains, MT $45,707

Polson, MT $45,779

Ravalli, MT $45,750

Ronan, MT $45,785

Saint Ignatius, MT $45,773

Saint Regis, MT $45,676

Saltese, MT $45,557

Seeley Lake, MT $45,755

Stevensville, MT $45,828

Sula, MT $45,665

Superior, MT $45,709

Thompson Falls, MT $45,644

Trout Creek, MT $45,602

Victor, MT $45,799

Kalispell, MT $45,818

Big Arm, MT $45,758

Bigfork, MT $45,756

Columbia Falls, MT $45,814

Coram, MT $45,755

Dayton, MT $45,764

Elmo, MT $45,711

Essex, MT $45,681

Eureka, MT $45,769

Fortine, MT $45,724

Hungry Horse, MT $45,867

Kila, MT $45,719

Lake Mc Donald, MT $45,760

Lakeside, MT $45,794

Libby, MT $45,700

Marion, MT $45,693

Martin City, MT $45,793

Olney, MT $45,687

Polebridge, MT $45,607

Proctor, MT $45,697

Rexford, MT $45,732

Rollins, MT $45,725

Somers, MT $45,788

Stryker, MT $45,678

Trego, MT $45,712

Troy, MT $45,574

West Glacier, MT $45,621

Whitefish, MT $45,791

Bloomfield, MT $45,738

Boyes, MT $45,753

Broadus, MT $45,766

Brusett, MT $45,693

Capitol, MT $45,657

Cohagen, MT $45,676

Colstrip, MT $45,862

Ekalaka, MT $45,755

Fallon, MT $45,804

Forsyth, MT $45,743

Glendive, MT $45,895

Hammond, MT $45,724

Hathaway, MT $45,774

Ismay, MT $45,738

Jordan, MT $45,703

Kinsey, MT $45,757

Lindsay, MT $45,700

Mildred, MT $45,803

Olive, MT $45,709

Plevna, MT $45,843

Powderville, MT $45,664

Rosebud, MT $45,687

Terry, MT $45,717

Volborg, MT $45,688

Wibaux, MT $45,877

Willard, MT $45,858

Great Falls, MT $43,807

Malmstrom A F B, MT $43,807

Augusta, MT $45,686

Babb, MT $45,702

Belt, MT $44,345

Black Eagle, MT $43,807

Brady, MT $45,252

Browning, MT $45,764

Buffalo, MT $45,729

Bynum, MT $45,723

Carter, MT $44,568

Cascade, MT $45,184

Choteau, MT $45,724

Coffee Creek, MT $45,727

Conrad, MT $45,765

Cut Bank, MT $45,734

Denton, MT $45,716

Dupuyer, MT $45,681

Dutton, MT $44,734

East Glacier Park, MT $45,661

Ethridge, MT $45,675

Fairfield, MT $45,363

Floweree, MT $43,899

Forest Grove, MT $45,710

Fort Benton, MT $45,395

Fort Shaw, MT $44,407

Galata, MT $45,688

Geraldine, MT $45,707

Geyser, MT $45,378

Heart Butte, MT $45,763

Highwood, MT $44,408

Hilger, MT $45,728

Hobson, MT $45,734

Judith Gap, MT $45,725

Kevin, MT $45,717

Ledger, MT $45,697

Lewistown, MT $45,808

Loma, MT $45,707

Lothair, MT $45,703

Moccasin, MT $45,737

Monarch, MT $45,231

Moore, MT $45,762

Neihart, MT $45,568

Oilmont, MT $45,694

Pendroy, MT $45,681

Power, MT $44,235

Raynesford, MT $45,178

Roy, MT $45,686

Sand Coulee, MT $43,807

Shelby, MT $45,766

Simms, MT $44,752

Stanford, MT $45,732

Stockett, MT $44,258

Sunburst, MT $45,734

Sun River, MT $44,177

Sweet Grass, MT $45,706

Biddle, MT $45,782

Ulm, MT $43,828

Valier, MT $45,727

Vaughn, MT $43,988

Winifred, MT $45,711

Havre, MT $45,797

Big Sandy, MT $45,720

Box Elder, MT $45,811

Chester, MT $45,727

Chinook, MT $45,735

Dodson, MT $45,718

Gildford, MT $45,710

Harlem, MT $45,773

Hays, MT $45,792

Hingham, MT $45,711

Hogeland, MT $45,703

Inverness, MT $45,699

Joplin, MT $45,711

Kremlin, MT $45,709

Lloyd, MT $45,642

Loring, MT $45,685

Malta, MT $45,742

Rudyard, MT $45,721

Turner, MT $45,713

Whitewater, MT $45,693

Whitlash, MT $45,662

Zortman, MT $45,747

Zurich, MT $45,684

Helena, MT $43,680

Basin, MT $44,635

Boulder, MT $45,123

Canyon Creek, MT $44,167

Clancy, MT $43,754

East Helena, MT $43,651

Fort Harrison, MT $43,651

Jefferson City, MT $44,068

Lincoln, MT $45,722

Marysville, MT $44,114

Radersburg, MT $45,195

Ringling, MT $45,670

Toston, MT $45,369

Townsend, MT $44,697

White Sulphur Springs, MT $45,537

Winston, MT $44,159

Wolf Creek, MT $45,090

Butte, MT $45,720

Alder, MT $45,704

Anaconda, MT $45,821

Avon, MT $44,602

Belgrade, MT $45,876

Bozeman, MT $45,905

Big Sky, MT $45,871

Cameron, MT $45,674

Cardwell, MT $45,773

Deer Lodge, MT $45,442

Dell, MT $45,549

Dillon, MT $45,739

Divide, MT $45,727

Elliston, MT $44,231

Ennis, MT $45,801

Gallatin Gateway, MT $45,774

Garrison, MT $45,217

Glen, MT $45,725

Gold Creek, MT $45,519

Harrison, MT $45,786

Jackson, MT $45,608

Lima, MT $45,582

Mc Allister, MT $45,792

Manhattan, MT $45,862

Melrose, MT $45,730

Norris, MT $45,730

Polaris, MT $45,674

Pony, MT $45,795

Ramsay, MT $45,819

Sheridan, MT $45,811

Silver Star, MT $45,810

Three Forks, MT $45,826

Twin Bridges, MT $45,772

Virginia City, MT $45,788

Warm Springs, MT $45,815

West Yellowstone, MT $45,763

Whitehall, MT $45,820

Willow Creek, MT $45,806

Wisdom, MT $45,619

Wise River, MT $45,699

Missoula, MT $45,976

Coal Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Coal Equipment Operator roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 41% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Coal Equipment Operator positions in Transportation or Construction typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Coal Equipment Operator as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Coal Equipment Operator

Industry Sector	Average Annual Salary	Average Hourly Rate	Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking	$57,615	$28.0	25%
Financial Services	$55,310	$27.0	20%
Aerospace & Defense	$54,388	$26.0	18%
Pharmaceuticals	$53,927	$26.0	17%
Energy & Utilities	$52,545	$25.0	14%

Coal Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Coal 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.

$42,255

Average $46,092/year

$50,880

$3,521

Average $3,841/month

$4,240

$813

Average $886/week

$978

$20

Average $22/hour

$24

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$50,880	$4,240	$978	$24
Average	$46,092	$3,841	$886	$22
25th Percentile	$42,255	$3,521	$813	$20

Find Your Next Coal Equipment Operator Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Coal Equipment Operator job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

CRH | Anaconda, MT

Equipment Operator

CRH | Anaconda, MT

CRH - - Responsibilities: Operate equipment safely and efficiently. Perform pre- and post-shift inspections. Excavate holes and move materials. Load materi... more

7 Days Ago
CRH | Butte, MT

Equipment Operator

CRH | Butte, MT

Equipment Operator. Montana Materials & Construction, a CRH Company, is a leading supplier of aggregates, asphalt, and ready-mixed concrete in Anaconda, Bu... more

8 Days Ago
MasTec | Rapelje, MT

Equipment Operator

MasTec | Rapelje, MT

MasTec - - Responsibilities: Operate heavy equipment (loaders, graders, excavators, dozers, etc.). Perform equipment maintenance and daily logs. Clear land... more

6 Days Ago
Lewis and Clark County Montana | Helena, MT

EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Lewis and Clark County Montana | Helena, MT

Job Title. Job Description. Location 316 North Park Avenue, Helena, MT, 59623, United States Base Pay $25.22 - $26.71 / Hour Employee Type Regular-FT Requi... more

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Knife River | Missoula, MT

Crusher Equipment Operator Groundman

Knife River | Missoula, MT

Crusher Equipment Operator/Ground Person. At Knife River, we take care of our team because we know it's our people who make us successful. We are one of th... more

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Knife River | Kalispell, MT

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR

Knife River | Kalispell, MT

Job Posting. Knife River is a PEOPLE-first company. Our team members are the key to our success, and we are committed to giving them the tools. Training an... more

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Coal Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

Check out Coal Equipment Operator Job Openings in Montana

Key Factors That Influence Coal Equipment Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Coal Equipment Operator Salaries?

How Do Coal Equipment Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Coal Equipment Operator

Coal Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Coal Equipment Operator

Coal Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Find Your Next Coal Equipment Operator Job

For Employees

For Employers

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Are you an HR manager or compensation specialist?

Coal Equipment Operator Salary in Montana

Check out Coal Equipment Operator Job Openings in Montana

Key Factors That Influence Coal Equipment Operator Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Coal Equipment Operator Salaries?

How Do Coal Equipment Operator Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Coal Equipment Operator

Coal Equipment Operator Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

The top paying industries for a Coal Equipment Operator

Coal Equipment Operator Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Salaries of jobs related to Coal Equipment Operator

Find Your Next Coal Equipment Operator Job

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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