Engineering Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median mechanical engineer salary in Great Falls, MT is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$84,753
vs State Avg
$-6,742
vs National
$-11,557
Cost of Living
88%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $84,753, which is $6,742 below the Montana state average of $91,495. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $84,753 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $96,310 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for mechanical engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for mechanical engineers in Great Falls spans from $55,792 at the 10th percentile to $128,656 at the 90th percentile — a $72,864 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $57,200, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $121,440. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $57,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$57,200
$-7,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$84,480
$-11,520 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,440
$-16,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $55,792
25th Percentile $69,344
Median (50th) $84,753
75th Percentile $105,248
90th Percentile $128,656

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Great Falls

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

SolidWorks/CADThermodynamicsFEAManufacturingMaterials SciencePE License

Job Outlook

Nationally, mechanical engineer employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Great Falls, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Great Falls, Montana is $84,753 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $55,792 (10th percentile) to $128,656 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $84,753, a mechanical engineer in Great Falls earns approximately $41 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Great Falls's median mechanical engineer salary of $84,753 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $91,495. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼
Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $84,753 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Great Falls? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Great Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include SolidWorks/CAD, Thermodynamics, FEA, Manufacturing. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.