Engineering Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Helena, Montana

The median mechanical engineer salary in Helena, MT is $90,531 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$90,531
vs State Avg
$-964
vs National
$-5,779
Cost of Living
94%

Mechanical Engineer Pay in Helena: What to Expect (2026)

Helena offers a median mechanical engineer salary of $90,531, which is $964 below the Montana state average of $91,495. Compared to the national median of $96,310, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% 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 mechanical engineers in Helena spans from $59,596 at the 10th percentile to $137,428 at the 90th percentile — a $77,832 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $61,100, while senior mechanical engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $129,720. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level mechanical engineer earns around $61,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $129,720 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$61,100
$-3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$90,240
$-5,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$129,720
$-8,280 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $59,596
25th Percentile $74,072
Median (50th) $90,531
75th Percentile $112,424
90th Percentile $137,428

Mechanical Engineer Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$110,756
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$98,236
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$92,458
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$84,753
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Mechanical Engineer in Helena

Education

Most mechanical engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Helena 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 Helena may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Mechanical Engineer Jobs in Helena

Browse open mechanical engineer positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Mechanical Engineer Salary in Helena

How much does a Mechanical Engineer make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median mechanical engineer salary in Helena, Montana is $90,531 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $96,310. Salaries range from $59,596 (10th percentile) to $137,428 (90th percentile).
How much does a Mechanical Engineer make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $90,531, a mechanical engineer in Helena earns approximately $44 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for mechanical engineer pay? ▼
Helena's median mechanical engineer salary of $90,531 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $91,495. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a mechanical engineer salary of $90,531 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a mechanical engineer in Helena? ▼
Most mechanical engineer positions in Helena 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.