Coal Equipment Operator Salary in North Dakota

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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $57,797
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $44,211 to $53,236
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $40,556

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): $47,181
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $58,208
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $70,281
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $79,574
  • Expert (over 8 years): $92,481
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage 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

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:

  • Epping: $49,233
  • Fortuna: $48,887
  • Grenora: $48,821

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 $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%

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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$44,211
Average $48,225/year
$53,236
$3,684
Average $4,019/month
$4,436
$850
Average $927/week
$1,024
$21
Average $23/hour
$26
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

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.

  • Trotter Construction Inc | Grassy Butte, ND

    Trotter Construction Inc | Grassy Butte, ND

    Job Description. Job Description. Heavy Equipment Operator. hc54277 more

    9 Days Ago

  • FieldBridge, LLC | Williston, ND

    FieldBridge, LLC | Williston, ND

    Equipment Operator. The Equipment Operator is responsible for delivering safe, efficient, and reliable PSD to customers. The Equipment Operator identifies ... more

    10 Days Ago

  • EAGLE RIVER UTILITY SOLUTIONS | Grand Forks, ND

    EAGLE RIVER UTILITY SOLUTIONS | Grand Forks, ND

    Job Description. Job Description. Eagle River Utility Solutions, LLC is looking to hire equipment operators for the 2023 contruction season.  Must pass bac... more

    11 Days Ago

  • EAGLE RIVER UTILITY SOLUTIONS | Fargo, ND

    EAGLE RIVER UTILITY SOLUTIONS | Fargo, ND

    Job Description. Job Description. Eagle River Utility Solutions, LLC is looking to hire equipment operators for the 2023 contruction season.  Must pass bac... more

    11 Days Ago

  • North Dakota State Government | Williston, ND

    North Dakota State Government | Williston, ND

    Shape The Future Of Transportation With The North Dakota Department Of Transportation. Williston District, Williston South Section, Williston, ND Shape the... more

    12 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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