Equipment Operator
Aerotek – Fargo, ND
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How much does a Coal Equipment Operator make in North Dakota? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Coal Equipment Operator in North Dakota is $48,225 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Coal Equipment Operator's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Coal Equipment Operator Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,236 | $4,436 | $1,024 | $26 |
| Average | $48,225 | $4,019 | $927 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,211 | $3,684 | $850 | $21 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Equipment Operator | less than 1 year | $47,181 |
| Field Service Technician II | 1-2 years | $58,208 |
| Field Service Technician III | 2-4 years | $70,281 |
| Field Service Technician IV | 5-8 years | $79,574 |
| Field Service Technician V | over 8 years | $92,481 |
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:
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:
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $60,282 | $29.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $57,870 | $28.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $56,906 | $27.0 | 18% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $56,424 | $27.0 | 17% |
| Energy & Utilities | $54,977 | $26.0 | 14% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $53,236 | $4,436 | $1,024 | $26 |
| Average | $48,225 | $4,019 | $927 | $23 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,211 | $3,684 | $850 | $21 |
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.
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