Automotive & Maintenance Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median diesel mechanic salary in Missoula, MT is $56,508 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$56,508
vs State Avg
+$3,878
vs National
+$1,108
Cost of Living
102%

Diesel Mechanic Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median diesel mechanic salary of $56,508, which is $3,878 above the Montana state average of $52,630. Compared to the national median of $55,400, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for diesel mechanics in Missoula spans from $35,700 at the 10th percentile to $83,640 at the 90th percentile — a $47,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $37,740, while senior diesel mechanics with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $79,560. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level diesel mechanic earns around $37,740, while experienced professionals earn up to $79,560 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$37,740
+$740 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,120
+$1,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$79,560
+$1,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $35,700
25th Percentile $43,860
Median (50th) $56,508
75th Percentile $70,380
90th Percentile $83,640

Diesel Mechanic Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$63,710
Pop. 53,293
Billings, MT
$53,184
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$52,076
Pop. 32,315
Great Falls, MT
$48,752
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Diesel Mechanic in Missoula

Education

Most diesel mechanic positions require a high school diploma. Missoula and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Diesel EnginesHydraulic SystemsElectrical DiagnosticsPreventive MaintenanceCDL KnowledgeWelding

Job Outlook

Nationally, diesel mechanic employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Diesel Mechanic Jobs in Missoula

Browse open diesel mechanic positions in Missoula, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Diesel Mechanic Salary in Missoula

How much does a Diesel Mechanic make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median diesel mechanic salary in Missoula, Montana is $56,508 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $55,400. Salaries range from $35,700 (10th percentile) to $83,640 (90th percentile).
How much does a Diesel Mechanic make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,508, a diesel mechanic in Missoula earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for diesel mechanic pay? ▼
Missoula's median diesel mechanic salary of $56,508 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $52,630. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a diesel mechanic salary of $56,508 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a diesel mechanic in Missoula? ▼
Most diesel mechanic positions in Missoula require a high school diploma. Key skills include Diesel Engines, Hydraulic Systems, Electrical Diagnostics, Preventive Maintenance. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.