How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Minnesota (2026)
Minnesota employs about 8,590 heavy equipment operators earning a median $79,130 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most heavy equipment operators train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Minnesota.
Key Facts
- Median wage (Minnesota): $79,130/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Employed in Minnesota: 8,590 workers (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Location quotient: 0.95x U.S. average (Source: BLS OEWS, 2025)
- Projected growth: 3.6% (2024-2034) (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024)
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Minnesota employs approximately 8,590 heavy equipment operators according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $79,130 1. Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 3.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 41,900 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a heavy equipment operator in Minnesota, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
Heavy Equipment Operator Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota
Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators Wages by Metro Area in Minnesota
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), operating engineers and other construction equipment operators wages in Minnesota vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | 4,270 | $83,340 | $84,200 | $60,100 | $104,250 |
| Fargo | 960 | $61,690 | $64,150 | $48,350 | $81,570 |
| Duluth | 770 | $75,040 | $73,300 | $47,790 | $95,140 |
| St. Cloud | 700 | $79,530 | $78,110 | $58,980 | $98,390 |
| Sioux Falls | 630 | $60,960 | $62,140 | $48,310 | $77,180 |
| Grand Forks | 370 | $61,520 | $66,150 | $49,000 | $95,570 |
| Rochester | 290 | $79,580 | $80,160 | $61,790 | $97,610 |
| Mankato | 150 | $78,560 | $75,250 | $51,010 | $91,730 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 120 | $71,430 | $72,830 | $48,660 | $100,140 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Minnesota): $79,130 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Minnesota
How to become a heavy equipment operator in Minnesota? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for heavy equipment operators in Minnesota.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do heavy equipment operators earn in Minnesota? The median annual wage for heavy equipment operators in Minnesota is $79,130 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $55,960 and experienced professionals can earn $101,930 or more 1.
How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in Minnesota
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Minnesota training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an accredited trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Minnesota that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor; confirm the exact total currently required with the licensing board.
- Meet state and employer requirements. Confirm any registration, certification, or employer requirements that apply to heavy equipment operators in Minnesota before you start working.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
Heavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Information in Minnesota
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Minnesota’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Apprenticeship Minnesota 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, Apprenticeship Unit
- Address: 443 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155-4303
- Phone: (651) 284-5090
- Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for heavy equipment operators in Minnesota? Minnesota currently employs approximately 8,590 heavy equipment operators 1. Nationally, heavy equipment operator employment is projected to grow 3.6% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Minnesota? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Minnesota. You can also contact the Apprenticeship Minnesota for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do heavy equipment operators earn in Minnesota compared to the national average? The median annual wage for heavy equipment operators in Minnesota is $79,130, which is $20,420 above the national median of $58,710 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Apprenticeship Minnesota: https://secure.doli.state.mn.us/apprenticeshipsponsor/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |