Trades & Labor Montana (MT) Rank #22 of 50

Machinist Salary in Montana

The median machinist salary in Montana is $47,404 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $48,870.

Median Salary
$47,404
vs National
$-1,466
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Machinist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for machinist compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for machinist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $47,404 per year, machinists in Montana earn $1,466 less than the national median of $48,870.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning machinist salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: machinists at the 10th percentile earn $31,040, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $71,780 — a $40,740 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $57,178.

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for machinists across the country.

Machinist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level machinist earns around $32,980, while experienced professionals earn up to $69,840 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$32,980
$-1,020 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$48,500
$-1,500 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$69,840
$-2,160 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $31,040
25th Percentile $37,830
Median (50th) $47,404
75th Percentile $59,170
90th Percentile $71,780

Machinist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for machinists in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Machinist in Montana

Education

Most machinist positions require a high school diploma. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Montana

How much does a Machinist make in Montana? ▼
The median machinist salary in Montana is $47,404 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $31,040 (10th percentile) to $71,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $47,404, a machinist in Montana earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for machinists? ▼
Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for machinist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level machinists earn $32,980, while senior professionals earn $69,840.
How does Montana compare to other states for machinist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for machinists is Hawaii at $86,989. Montana's median of $47,404 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($47,404) and Minnesota ($47,404).
What is the entry-level machinist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level machinist in Montana earns approximately $32,980 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $48,500. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $69,840.
What city in Montana pays machinists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for machinists, with a median salary of $57,178. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.