Salary guide, May 2025

Manufacturing pay in Helena, MT

Manufacturing Headhunters uses the published BLS OEWS figures below. They describe the mapped occupation and area, not an individual offer.

This is what we do all day: recruit manufacturing professionals.

BLS published a median for 203 of our 368 roles here. Ranking uses exact published annual medians only. Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.

CEO / President (Manufacturing)$173,880
Chief Operating Officer (COO)$173,880
Senior Director of Operations$173,880
VP of Sales (Industrial)$142,520
Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager$142,520
Director of Sales$142,520
National Sales Manager$142,520
Key Account Manager$142,520
National Account Manager$142,520
Business Development Manager$142,520
Territory Sales Manager$142,520
Channel / Distributor Sales Manager$142,520
Product Manager (Industrial)$142,520
Field Service Manager$142,520
Senior Applications Engineer$142,520
Lead Field Service Engineer$142,520
Traveling Field Service Engineer$142,520
CFO (Manufacturing)$133,360
Corporate Controller$133,360
Plant Controller$133,360
VP of Finance$133,360
Division Controller$133,360
Assistant Plant Controller$133,360
FP&A Manager (Operations)$133,360
Senior Plant Controller$133,360

Bars show the top 25 of 203 ranked. The table below lists all 203. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.

Roles in Helena, MT, ranked by exact annual median (May 2025)
Rank	Role	BLS occupation	25th	Median	75th	Employment	LQ
1	CEO / President (Manufacturing)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,490	$173,880	$332,070	90	1.49
2	Chief Operating Officer (COO)	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,490	$173,880	$332,070	90	1.49
3	Senior Director of Operations	Chief Executives (11-1011)	$133,490	$173,880	$332,070	90	1.49
4	VP of Sales (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
5	Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
6	Director of Sales	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
7	National Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
8	Key Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
9	National Account Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
10	Business Development Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
11	Territory Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
12	Channel / Distributor Sales Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
13	Product Manager (Industrial)	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
14	Field Service Manager	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
15	Senior Applications Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
16	Lead Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
17	Traveling Field Service Engineer	Sales Managers (11-2022)	$103,430	$142,520	$172,360	60	0.36
18	CFO (Manufacturing)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
19	Corporate Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
20	Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
21	VP of Finance	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
22	Division Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
23	Assistant Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
24	FP&A Manager (Operations)	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
25	Senior Plant Controller	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
26	Senior Cost Accountant	Financial Managers (11-3031)	$103,490	$133,360	$156,020	150	0.64
27	Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
28	Plant Director / Site Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
29	Assistant Plant Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
30	Operations Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
31	Manufacturing Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
32	Production Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
33	Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift)	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
34	Plant Startup / Launch Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
35	Sanitation Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
36	VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
37	Director of Quality	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
38	Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
39	QC Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
40	Supplier Quality Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
41	Quality Systems Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
42	FSQA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
43	FSQA Director	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
44	Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
45	QA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
46	Production Superintendent	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
47	Area Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
48	Value Stream Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
49	Department Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
50	Sanitation Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
51	Bilingual Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
52	Second Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
53	Third Shift Production Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
54	QC Lab Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
55	Validation / CQV Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
56	CAPA Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
57	Metrology / Calibration Manager	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
58	Lead Quality Engineer	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
59	Quality Supervisor	Industrial Production Managers (11-3051)	$111,560	$133,010	$143,670	30	0.45
60	Manufacturing Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
61	Process Engineering Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
62	Controls / Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
63	VP of Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
64	Director of R&D	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
65	Director of Manufacturing Engineering	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
66	NPI Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
67	Capital Projects Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
68	Lead Manufacturing Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
69	Senior Industrial Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
70	Senior Packaging Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
71	Director of Automation	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
72	Automation Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
73	Chief Technology Officer (CTO)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
74	R&D Manager	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
75	R&D Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
76	Engineering Manager (Product)	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
77	Senior Mechanical Design Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
78	Lead Product Development Engineer	Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041)	$119,610	$126,900	$175,030	90	1.35
79	Plant HR Manager	Human Resources Managers (11-3121)	$98,950	$111,780	$135,420	70	1.09
80	Regulatory Affairs Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
81	EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
82	EHS Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
83	Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
84	Environmental Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
85	Process Safety Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
86	S&OP Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
87	Trade Compliance Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
88	Service / Aftermarket Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
89	Environmental Engineer	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
90	Sustainability Manager / Director	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
91	Senior EHS Manager	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
92	EHS Coordinator	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
93	Director of Planning	Managers, All Other (11-9199)	$106,500	$106,500	$134,830	280	1.55
94	Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
95	Electrical Engineer (Plant)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
96	Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
97	Electrical Design Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
98	Senior Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
99	Lead Controls Technician	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
100	Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A)	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
101	Lead Controls Engineer	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
102	Controls Supervisor	Electrical Engineers (17-2071)	$85,920	$105,050	$130,560	50	0.93
103	Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$81,010	$102,970	$121,760	340	1.13
104	Program Manager	Project Management Specialists (13-1082)	$81,010	$102,970	$121,760	340	1.13
105	VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
106	VP of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
107	Regional VP of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
108	General Manager (Manufacturing)	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
109	Director of Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
110	EVP / SVP Operations	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
111	Division / Business Unit General Manager	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
112	Director of Manufacturing	General and Operations Managers (11-1021)	$72,870	$101,510	$134,010	940	0.94
113	PLC Programmer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$80,200	$99,370	$132,100	310	0.64
114	MES Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$80,200	$99,370	$132,100	310	0.64
115	SCADA / HMI Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$80,200	$99,370	$132,100	310	0.64
116	Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$80,200	$99,370	$132,100	310	0.64
117	Firmware / Embedded Engineer	Software Developers (15-1252)	$80,200	$99,370	$132,100	310	0.64
118	Safety Specialist / Coordinator	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$65,710	$82,740	$93,590	100	2.42
119	Industrial Hygienist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$65,710	$82,740	$93,590	100	2.42
120	Environmental Permitting Specialist	Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011)	$65,710	$82,740	$93,590	100	2.42
121	Field Service Engineer	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
122	Industrial Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
123	Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
124	Line Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
125	Maintenance Mechanic	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
126	Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
127	Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
128	Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
129	Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
130	Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
131	Maintenance Technician A	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
132	Maintenance Technician B	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
133	Maintenance Technician C	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
134	Traveling Millwright	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
135	Filler Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
136	Packaging Operator	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
137	End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell)	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
138	Lead Packaging Technician	Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041)	$61,260	$81,290	$85,160	60	0.46
139	Maintenance Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
140	Director of Maintenance	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
141	Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
142	Maintenance & Engineering Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
143	Asset Management / CMMS Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
144	Tool Room Manager	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
145	Lead Maintenance Technician	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
146	Senior Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
147	Lead Reliability Engineer	First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011)	$63,850	$80,280	$105,120	200	1.11
148	Automation Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
149	Robotics Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
150	Machine Vision Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
151	Product Development Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
152	Applications Engineer	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
153	Applications Engineering Manager	Engineers, All Other (17-2199)	$79,750	$79,750	$105,980	40	0.97
154	Industrial Electrician	Electricians (47-2111)	$61,540	$78,760	$81,150	240	1.11
155	Cost Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$63,940	$76,700	$90,320	580	1.39
156	Cost Accounting Manager	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$63,940	$76,700	$90,320	580	1.39
157	Senior Cost Analyst	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$63,940	$76,700	$90,320	580	1.39
158	Inventory Accountant	Accountants and Auditors (13-2011)	$63,940	$76,700	$90,320	580	1.39
159	Production Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
160	Line Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
161	Shift Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
162	Packaging Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
163	Production Team Lead	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
164	CNC Machining Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
165	Welding Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
166	Packaging Maintenance Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011)	$52,970	$65,730	$77,340	100	0.5
167	Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$63,740	$63,740	$78,650	370	3.1
168	Document Control Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$63,740	$63,740	$78,650	370	3.1
169	Regulatory Compliance Manager	Compliance Officers (13-1041)	$63,740	$63,740	$78,650	370	3.1
170	Buyer / Senior Buyer	Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020)	$54,950	$63,600	$81,020	120	0.87
171	Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician	Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021)	$49,890	$62,670	$75,280	100	0.86
172	Logistics Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$48,370	$62,320	$78,930	120	0.7
173	Shipping Supervisor	First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047)	$48,370	$62,320	$78,930	120	0.7
174	Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
175	Quality Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
176	CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
177	Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
178	Food Safety / QA Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
179	First Article Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
180	Receiving / Source Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
181	Metrology Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
182	Microbiology Lab Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
183	Environmental Monitoring Technician	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
184	Lead Quality Inspector	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
185	Senior CMM Programmer	Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061)	$48,900	$60,290	$81,740	50	0.3
186	Maintenance Planner / Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
187	Production Planner / Master Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
188	Inventory Control Specialist	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
189	Demand Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
190	Supply Planner	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
191	Production Scheduler	Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061)	$44,050	$56,160	$63,130	70	0.65
192	Bioprocess Technician	Biological Technicians (19-4021)	$50,430	$50,430	$50,430	60	2.77
193	Certified Forklift Operator	Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051)	$41,940	$46,450	$55,140	40	0.17
194	Flexographic Press Operator	Printing Press Operators (51-5112)	$33,660	$43,770	$51,680	30	0.81
195	Shipping & Receiving Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
196	Hazmat Shipping Specialist	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
197	Warehouse Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
198	Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding)	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
199	Production / Material Expediter	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
200	Kitting Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
201	Inventory Control Lead	Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071)	$36,520	$43,600	$55,620	110	0.48
202	Sanitation Technician	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$33,480	$36,990	$43,680	750	1.18
203	Sanitation Lead	Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011)	$33,480	$36,990	$43,680	750	1.18

What should you know about not published by BLS?

Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Packaging Engineer, Tooling Engineer, Welding Engineer, Plant Engineer, Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Yield Engineer (Semiconductor), Battery Cell Process Engineer, Mechanical Design Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, Customer Quality Engineer, Design Quality Engineer, Validation Engineer, Reliability Engineer, Reliability Manager, Facilities Manager, Continuous Improvement Manager, Continuous Improvement Engineer, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Director of Operational Excellence, VP of Supply Chain / Director of Supply Chain, Supply Chain Manager, Purchasing Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Supplier Development Engineer, Materials Manager, Logistics Manager, Warehouse Manager / Distribution Center Manager, Sales Engineer, CNC Machinist, CNC Setup Machinist, CNC Programmer, 5-Axis CNC Machinist, Swiss CNC Machinist, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Production Welder (MIG), TIG Welder, Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel), Robotic Welding Technician, Press Brake Operator, Die Setter (Stamping), Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Production Technician, Setup Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Process Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Food Process Operator, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Battery Cell Production Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, CIP Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, Lean Manager, Procurement Manager, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Process Engineer, Packaging Development Engineer, Mold / Die Design Engineer, Plant Engineering Manager, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Test Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Product Design Engineer, Product Engineer, Systems Engineer, CAD Designer / Drafter, Product Development Scientist, Senior Quality Engineer, Quality Engineering Manager, Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist, QC Microbiology Manager, Maintenance Engineer, Facilities Engineer, Utilities / Energy Manager, EHS Engineer, VP of Operational Excellence, Director of Continuous Improvement, Lean Specialist / Coordinator, Master Black Belt, Senior Continuous Improvement Engineer, Lead Continuous Improvement Engineer, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Director of Procurement, Commodity Manager, Category Manager (Direct Materials), Supplier Development Manager, Inventory Control Manager, Senior Production Planner, Senior Buyer, Director of Logistics, Transportation Manager, Warehouse Supervisor, Shipping & Receiving Manager, Material Flow / Logistics Engineer, Inside Sales Engineer, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, CNC Machine Operator, Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist, Manual Machinist, EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker), CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder, Lead Machinist, Machinist A, Machinist B, Machinist C, Senior CNC Machinist, Welder-Fabricator, Fitter / Layout Fitter, Sheet Metal Fabricator, Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator, Heat Treat Technician, Plating / Anodizing Technician, Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician, Foundry Molder / Melt Operator, Lead Welder, Skilled Machine Operator, Utility / Relief Operator, Production Trainer (OJT Trainer), Senior Production Technician, Lead Production Technician, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter), Control Room (DCS) Operator, Batch Maker / Compounder, Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender), Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator, Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating), Retort / Thermal Process Operator, Brewer / Cellar Operator, Senior Process Technician, Lead Process Technician.

State figures for Montana

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Helena, MT. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.

Reading this wage estimate

What does this data mean for your opening?

The CEO / President (Manufacturing) in Helena, MT, is tracked under the broader Chief Executives occupation. S. national median of $213,990. The median increased by $9,790 from the previous May 2024 median of $164,090. The local middle-band width is $198,580, which is more compressed than the national figure of $226,660. 49, showing a higher concentration than in many other markets.

The national industry median for Communications Equipment Manufacturing is $409,320, but this is a national figure and not representative of the broader local management occupation. BLS data excludes the performance bonuses and equity structures that typically define CEO compensation in the manufacturing sector. As a result, the reported median represents only the base pay level for this broad occupation. Hiring managers should observe the median increase as a positive indicator, but must remain aware of the broad-occupation nature of the source data. The current May 2025 release provides the most current records, and we strictly report the figures without adjusting for non-reported incentives. The middle-band width of $198,580 is a strong reflection of the varied scales of organizations captured by the Chief Executives SOC locally. We avoid any estimations beyond the supplied records. In recruitment, the provided median should be treated as a starting point for assessing the competitive floor for executive base salaries. The comparison to neighboring metros like Bozeman, where the Plant Manager median is $124,020, underscores the regional variation in executive and management-level leadership roles. We emphasize the limitations of this data, particularly its inclusion of non-manufacturing executives and its exclusion of total compensation components. This information is intended to support an informed, baseline-level assessment of the Helena market for professional roles. Every company is expected to use these figures alongside their internal compensation modeling.

Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?

Related recruiting or pay page · Related wage comparison 1 · Related wage comparison 2 · Related wage comparison 3 · Related wage comparison 4 · Related wage comparison 5 · Related wage comparison 6 · Related wage comparison 7 · Data methodology

What is the local median for the CEO / President role in Helena?

The local median is $173,880, based on the broader Chief Executives occupation.

What is the limitation of using the BLS data for the CEO role?

The data includes executives from all sectors and excludes performance-based pay components like equity and bonuses.