Heavy Equipment Operator Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore heavy equipment operator salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Heavy Equipment Operator in North Dakota
Operators commonly train through technical colleges, IUOE apprenticeship, highway contractors, oilfield employers, agricultural companies, and registered apprenticeship.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Heavy Equipment Operator Salary in North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota median wage for heavy equipment operator workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $58,710, the median wage in North Dakota is approximately $4,650 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Heavy Equipment Operators in North Dakota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONHeavy Equipment Operator Training Requirements in North Dakota
Heavy equipment operators in North Dakota generally qualify through apprenticeship, technical education, or supervised construction and energy employment.
- Train on excavators, bulldozers, loaders, graders, backhoes, scrapers, compactors, and haul equipment.
- Learn inspections, maintenance, grade control, excavation safety, utility awareness, and oilfield or highway procedures.
- Complete OSHA, MSHA, hydrogen-sulfide, or site-specific safety training when applicable.
- Obtain a Commercial Driver’s License or crane certification when required.
- Obtain the appropriate state contractor license before independently contracting for covered projects.
Heavy Equipment Operator Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton | View Program |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck | View Program |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake | View Program |
| Williston State College | Williston | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESHeavy Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota
Construction Apprenticeship Training
Organization: ABC Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter
Heavy Equipment Operator Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota does not issue a general equipment-operator license. Operators need a CDL for qualifying vehicles. Contractors may need a state contractor license based on project value, while oilfield, crane, pipeline, and mine work may require additional qualifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSHeavy Equipment Operator Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 7% employment growth and about 300 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the heavy equipment operator salary in North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for heavy equipment operators in North Dakota is approximately $63,360 per year, or $30.46 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require heavy equipment operator licensing?
Licensing requirements for heavy equipment operator workers in North Dakota vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a heavy equipment operator in North Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Varies by Path, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are heavy equipment operators in demand in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects heavy equipment operator employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 300 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- North Dakota Wages for Heavy Equipment Operator (SOC 47-2073) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator Wages
- North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Heavy Equipment Operator Employment Trends
- North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing — Licensing authority. North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing