Trades & Labor Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Machinist Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median machinist salary in Missoula, MT is $50,825 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median and 7.2% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$50,825
vs State Avg
+$3,421
vs National
+$1,955
Cost of Living
102%

Machinist Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median machinist salary of $50,825, which is $3,421 above the Montana state average of $47,404. Compared to the national median of $48,870, 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 machinists in Missoula spans from $33,280 at the 10th percentile to $76,960 at the 90th percentile — a $43,680 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $35,360, while senior machinists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $74,880. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Machinist Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level machinist earns around $35,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $74,880 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$35,360
+$1,360 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,000
+$2,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$74,880
+$2,880 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $33,280
25th Percentile $40,560
Median (50th) $50,825
75th Percentile $63,440
90th Percentile $76,960

Machinist Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Machinist in Missoula

Education

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

Key Skills

CNC ProgrammingBlueprint ReadingPrecision MeasurementMetalworkingCAD/CAMQuality Control

Job Outlook

Nationally, machinist employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Machinist Jobs in Missoula

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Frequently Asked Questions: Machinist Salary in Missoula

How much does a Machinist make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median machinist salary in Missoula, Montana is $50,825 per year, which is 4.0% above the national median of $48,870. Salaries range from $33,280 (10th percentile) to $76,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Machinist make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $50,825, a machinist in Missoula earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for machinist pay? ▼
Missoula's median machinist salary of $50,825 is 7.2% above the Montana state average of $47,404. 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 machinist salary of $50,825 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a machinist in Missoula? ▼
Most machinist positions in Missoula require a high school diploma. Key skills include CNC Programming, Blueprint Reading, Precision Measurement, Metalworking. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.