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

Welder Salary in Montana

The median welder salary in Montana is $45,600 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $47,010.

Median Salary
$45,600
vs National
$-1,410
State Rank
#22 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Welder Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for welder compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for welder pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $45,600 per year, welders in Montana earn $1,410 less than the national median of $47,010.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: welders at the 10th percentile earn $32,204, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $68,676 — a $36,472 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 $55,002.

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for welders across the country.

Welder Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level welder earns around $31,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $65,960 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,040
$-960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$46,560
$-1,440 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$65,960
$-2,040 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $32,204
25th Percentile $37,636
Median (50th) $45,600
75th Percentile $56,454
90th Percentile $68,676

Welder Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for welders 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 Welder in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% 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: Welder Salary in Montana

How much does a Welder make in Montana? ▼
The median welder salary in Montana is $45,600 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $32,204 (10th percentile) to $68,676 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,600, a welder in Montana earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for welders? ▼
Montana ranks #22 out of 50 states for welder pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level welders earn $31,040, while senior professionals earn $65,960.
How does Montana compare to other states for welder salary? ▼
The highest paying state for welders is Hawaii at $83,678. Montana's median of $45,600 ranks #22 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Arizona ($45,600) and Minnesota ($45,600).
What is the entry-level welder salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level welder in Montana earns approximately $31,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $46,560. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $65,960.
What city in Montana pays welders the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for welders, with a median salary of $55,002. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.