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Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Duluth, MN

How much does a heavy equipment operator make in Duluth? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Duluth's cost of living.

Median Salary
$54,281
per year in Duluth
Entry Level
$29,949
Starting salary
Senior Level
$76,743
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
104
4% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how heavy equipment operator salaries break down across different pay periods in Duluth.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$29,949$54,281$76,743
Monthly$2,496$4,523$6,395
Biweekly$1,152$2,088$2,952
Weekly$576$1,044$1,476
Hourly$14$26$37

Duluth vs National Average

How Duluth's heavy equipment operator salaries compare to national figures.

Duluth Salary
$54,281
COL Index: 104
National Average
$51,170
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$3,111
Higher in Duluth

Cost of Living in Duluth

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,400
per month
Median Income
$54,234
per year
Population
87,923
residents
Rent % of Income
31.0%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 104 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Duluth have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Heavy Equipment Operator

Overview

Operate heavy machinery on construction sites and in manufacturing.

Education

High school diploma; equipment certification required

Key Skills

Equipment OperationSafetySite AwarenessMaintenance

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +13% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Heavy Equipment Operator Salary

See Heavy Equipment Operator salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$98,610
+82%
Los Angeles, CA
$93,220
+72%
Chicago, IL
$101,200
+86%
Houston, TX
$50,510
-7%
Phoenix, AZ
$62,210
+15%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in Duluth, MN — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a heavy equipment operator in Duluth, MN is $54,281 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 104. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Duluth's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level heavy equipment operator professionals in Duluth can expect to earn around $29,949 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level heavy equipment operators earning approximately $76,743 per year. This represents a 156% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Duluth's cost of living index of 104 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Duluth are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $51,170, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a heavy equipment operator's salary in Duluth typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,400 per month, housing represents about 31.0% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Heavy Equipment Operators are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 13% over the next decade. In Duluth, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.