Salary guide, May 2025
Manufacturing pay in Missoula, 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 221 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 Top-coded, hourly-only and unpublished values are listed separately.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)$168,200
- Chief Operating Officer (COO)$168,200
- Senior Director of Operations$168,200
- Manufacturing Engineering Manager$136,970
- Process Engineering Manager$136,970
- Controls / Automation Manager$136,970
- VP of Engineering$136,970
- Director of R&D$136,970
- Director of Manufacturing Engineering$136,970
- NPI Manager$136,970
- Capital Projects Manager$136,970
- Lead Manufacturing Engineer$136,970
- Senior Industrial Engineer$136,970
- Senior Packaging Engineer$136,970
- Director of Automation$136,970
- Automation Manager$136,970
- Chief Technology Officer (CTO)$136,970
- R&D Manager$136,970
- R&D Engineer$136,970
- Engineering Manager (Product)$136,970
- Senior Mechanical Design Engineer$136,970
- Lead Product Development Engineer$136,970
- CFO (Manufacturing)$128,740
- Corporate Controller$128,740
- Plant Controller$128,740
Bars show the top 25 of 221 ranked. The table below lists all 221. Literal BLS medians, May 2025.
| Rank | Role | BLS occupation | 25th | Median | 75th | Employment | LQ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEO / President (Manufacturing) | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $119,990 | $168,200 | $315,920 | 60 | 0.74 |
| 2 | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $119,990 | $168,200 | $315,920 | 60 | 0.74 |
| 3 | Senior Director of Operations | Chief Executives (11-1011) | $119,990 | $168,200 | $315,920 | 60 | 0.74 |
| 4 | Manufacturing Engineering Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 5 | Process Engineering Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 6 | Controls / Automation Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 7 | VP of Engineering | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 8 | Director of R&D | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 9 | Director of Manufacturing Engineering | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 10 | NPI Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 11 | Capital Projects Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 12 | Lead Manufacturing Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 13 | Senior Industrial Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 14 | Senior Packaging Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 15 | Director of Automation | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 16 | Automation Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 17 | Chief Technology Officer (CTO) | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 18 | R&D Manager | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 19 | R&D Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 20 | Engineering Manager (Product) | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 21 | Senior Mechanical Design Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 22 | Lead Product Development Engineer | Architectural and Engineering Managers (11-9041) | $123,910 | $136,970 | $173,990 | 70 | 0.73 |
| 23 | CFO (Manufacturing) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 24 | Corporate Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 25 | Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 26 | VP of Finance | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 27 | Division Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 28 | Assistant Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 29 | FP&A Manager (Operations) | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 30 | Senior Plant Controller | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 31 | Senior Cost Accountant | Financial Managers (11-3031) | $94,410 | $128,740 | $164,880 | 180 | 0.51 |
| 32 | Plant HR Manager | Human Resources Managers (11-3121) | $96,080 | $123,660 | $154,040 | 60 | 0.68 |
| 33 | VP of Sales (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 34 | Regional Sales Manager / Technical Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 35 | Director of Sales | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 36 | National Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 37 | Key Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 38 | National Account Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 39 | Business Development Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 40 | Territory Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 41 | Channel / Distributor Sales Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 42 | Product Manager (Industrial) | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 43 | Field Service Manager | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 44 | Senior Applications Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 45 | Lead Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 46 | Traveling Field Service Engineer | Sales Managers (11-2022) | $98,990 | $121,680 | $142,220 | 170 | 0.64 |
| 47 | Regulatory Affairs Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 48 | EHS Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 49 | EHS Director | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 50 | Safety Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 51 | Environmental Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 52 | Process Safety Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 53 | S&OP Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 54 | Trade Compliance Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 55 | Service / Aftermarket Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 56 | Environmental Engineer | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 57 | Sustainability Manager / Director | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 58 | Senior EHS Manager | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 59 | EHS Coordinator | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 60 | Director of Planning | Managers, All Other (11-9199) | $82,730 | $111,860 | $138,340 | 120 | 0.46 |
| 61 | Packaging Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 62 | Tooling Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 63 | Welding Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 64 | Plant Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 65 | Mechanical Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 66 | Packaging Development Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 67 | Plant Engineering Manager | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 68 | Mechanical Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 69 | Product Design Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 70 | Product Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 71 | Systems Engineer | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 72 | CAD Designer / Drafter | Mechanical Engineers (17-2141) | $75,700 | $89,730 | $119,830 | 80 | 0.62 |
| 73 | Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 74 | Electrical Engineer (Plant) | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 75 | Instrumentation & Controls (I&C) Engineer | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 76 | Electrical Design Engineer | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 77 | Senior Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 78 | Lead Controls Technician | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 79 | Panel Design Engineer (UL 508A) | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 80 | Lead Controls Engineer | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 81 | Controls Supervisor | Electrical Engineers (17-2071) | $73,840 | $88,770 | $104,990 | 70 | 0.84 |
| 82 | Project Engineer / Capital Projects Manager | Project Management Specialists (13-1082) | $63,910 | $84,250 | $128,960 | 360 | 0.77 |
| 83 | Program Manager | Project Management Specialists (13-1082) | $63,910 | $84,250 | $128,960 | 360 | 0.77 |
| 84 | Facilities Manager | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $59,630 | $82,240 | $100,300 | 30 | 0.49 |
| 85 | Facilities Engineer | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $59,630 | $82,240 | $100,300 | 30 | 0.49 |
| 86 | Utilities / Energy Manager | Facilities Managers (11-3013) | $59,630 | $82,240 | $100,300 | 30 | 0.49 |
| 87 | VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 88 | VP of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 89 | Regional VP of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 90 | General Manager (Manufacturing) | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 91 | Director of Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 92 | EVP / SVP Operations | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 93 | Division / Business Unit General Manager | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 94 | Director of Manufacturing | General and Operations Managers (11-1021) | $61,720 | $81,120 | $118,410 | 1,690 | 1.12 |
| 95 | Industrial Electrician | Electricians (47-2111) | $62,180 | $79,250 | $80,100 | 280 | 0.86 |
| 96 | Maintenance Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 97 | Director of Maintenance | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 98 | Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 99 | Maintenance & Engineering Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 100 | Asset Management / CMMS Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 101 | Tool Room Manager | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 102 | Lead Maintenance Technician | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 103 | Senior Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 104 | Lead Reliability Engineer | First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers (49-1011) | $60,020 | $76,010 | $95,480 | 230 | 0.86 |
| 105 | Cost Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $58,850 | $72,920 | $88,730 | 600 | 0.95 |
| 106 | Cost Accounting Manager | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $58,850 | $72,920 | $88,730 | 600 | 0.95 |
| 107 | Senior Cost Analyst | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $58,850 | $72,920 | $88,730 | 600 | 0.95 |
| 108 | Inventory Accountant | Accountants and Auditors (13-2011) | $58,850 | $72,920 | $88,730 | 600 | 0.95 |
| 109 | Safety Specialist / Coordinator | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,820 | $69,300 | $93,580 | 90 | 1.42 |
| 110 | Industrial Hygienist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,820 | $69,300 | $93,580 | 90 | 1.42 |
| 111 | Environmental Permitting Specialist | Occupational Health and Safety Specialists (19-5011) | $62,820 | $69,300 | $93,580 | 90 | 1.42 |
| 112 | QC Microbiology Manager | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists (19-1042) | $63,820 | $66,190 | $95,570 | 80 | 1.07 |
| 113 | Quality Auditor / Lead Auditor | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $52,470 | $61,910 | $82,220 | 180 | 1.01 |
| 114 | Document Control Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $52,470 | $61,910 | $82,220 | 180 | 1.01 |
| 115 | Regulatory Compliance Manager | Compliance Officers (13-1041) | $52,470 | $61,910 | $82,220 | 180 | 1.01 |
| 116 | Production Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 117 | Line Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 118 | Shift Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 119 | Packaging Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 120 | Production Team Lead | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 121 | CNC Machining Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 122 | Welding Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 123 | Packaging Maintenance Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers (51-1011) | $48,690 | $61,460 | $76,810 | 190 | 0.67 |
| 124 | Logistics Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $50,030 | $60,370 | $74,070 | 240 | 0.9 |
| 125 | Shipping Supervisor | First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors (53-1047) | $50,030 | $60,370 | $74,070 | 240 | 0.9 |
| 126 | Industrial Refrigeration (Ammonia) Technician | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (49-9021) | $48,260 | $60,240 | $73,060 | 180 | 1.04 |
| 127 | CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 128 | 5-Axis CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 129 | Swiss CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 130 | CNC Machine Operator | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 131 | Horizontal Boring Mill (HBM) Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 132 | Manual Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 133 | EDM Machinist (Wire and Sinker) | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 134 | CNC Grinder / Precision Grinder | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 135 | Lead Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 136 | Machinist A | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 137 | Machinist B | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 138 | Machinist C | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 139 | Senior CNC Machinist | Machinists (51-4041) | $48,190 | $60,060 | $64,790 | 50 | 0.41 |
| 140 | Field Service Engineer | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 141 | Industrial Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 142 | Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 143 | Line Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 144 | Maintenance Mechanic | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 145 | Multi-Craft Maintenance Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 146 | Hydraulic / Fluid Power Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 147 | Boiler Operator / Stationary Engineer (Plant Utilities) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 148 | Predictive Maintenance (PdM) Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 149 | Forklift / Material Handling Equipment Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 150 | Maintenance Technician A | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 151 | Maintenance Technician B | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 152 | Maintenance Technician C | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 153 | Traveling Millwright | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 154 | Filler Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 155 | Packaging Operator | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 156 | End-of-Line Operator (palletizer and robot cell) | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 157 | Lead Packaging Technician | Industrial Machinery Mechanics (49-9041) | $47,360 | $58,040 | $61,080 | 60 | 0.32 |
| 158 | Buyer / Senior Buyer | Buyers and Purchasing Agents (13-1020) | $48,880 | $57,540 | $73,500 | 150 | 0.71 |
| 159 | CNC Setup Machinist | Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators (51-9161) | $46,810 | $54,010 | $60,060 | 30 | 0.45 |
| 160 | Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 161 | Quality Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 162 | CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 163 | Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 164 | Food Safety / QA Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 165 | First Article Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 166 | Receiving / Source Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 167 | Metrology Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 168 | Microbiology Lab Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 169 | Environmental Monitoring Technician | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 170 | Lead Quality Inspector | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 171 | Senior CMM Programmer | Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers (51-9061) | $46,440 | $53,560 | $59,990 | 90 | 0.33 |
| 172 | Bioprocess Technician | Biological Technicians (19-4021) | $49,460 | $53,330 | $63,710 | 80 | 2.7 |
| 173 | Maintenance Planner / Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 174 | Production Planner / Master Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 175 | Inventory Control Specialist | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 176 | Demand Planner | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 177 | Supply Planner | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 178 | Production Scheduler | Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks (43-5061) | $45,720 | $49,890 | $58,950 | 120 | 0.72 |
| 179 | Certified Forklift Operator | Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators (53-7051) | $43,780 | $48,090 | $54,170 | 80 | 0.23 |
| 180 | Production Welder (MIG) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 181 | TIG Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 182 | Code Welder (ASME / Pressure Vessel) | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 183 | Welder-Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 184 | Fitter / Layout Fitter | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 185 | Sheet Metal Fabricator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 186 | Laser / Plasma / Waterjet Cutting Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 187 | Heat Treat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 188 | Plating / Anodizing Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 189 | Industrial Painter / Powder Coat Technician | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 190 | Foundry Molder / Melt Operator | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 191 | Lead Welder | Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers (51-4121) | $46,900 | $47,720 | $56,790 | 160 | 0.89 |
| 192 | Flexographic Press Operator | Printing Press Operators (51-5112) | $36,960 | $43,160 | $47,590 | 40 | 0.57 |
| 193 | Shipping & Receiving Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 194 | Hazmat Shipping Specialist | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 195 | Warehouse Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 196 | Skilled Material Handler (ERP / MRP transactions, line feeding) | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 197 | Production / Material Expediter | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 198 | Kitting Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 199 | Inventory Control Lead | Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks (43-5071) | $37,570 | $42,070 | $48,200 | 250 | 0.71 |
| 200 | Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 201 | Setup Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 202 | Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 203 | Battery Cell Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 204 | CIP Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 205 | Skilled Machine Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 206 | Utility / Relief Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 207 | Production Trainer (OJT Trainer) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 208 | Senior Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 209 | Lead Production Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 210 | Converting Operator (slitter, laminator, bag machine, die cutter) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 211 | Batch Maker / Compounder | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 212 | Paper Machine Operator (Machine Tender) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 213 | Industrial Wastewater Treatment Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 214 | Solid Dose Operator (granulation, compression, encapsulation, coating) | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 215 | Retort / Thermal Process Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 216 | Brewer / Cellar Operator | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 217 | Senior Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 218 | Lead Process Technician | Production Workers, All Other (51-9199) | $35,830 | $39,940 | $48,160 | 30 | 0.29 |
| 219 | Sanitation Technician | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $34,750 | $37,730 | $43,580 | 1,170 | 1.22 |
| 220 | Sanitation Lead | Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners (37-2011) | $34,750 | $37,730 | $43,580 | 1,170 | 1.22 |
| 221 | Food Process Operator | Food Processing Workers, All Other (51-3099) | $33,870 | $37,450 | $42,730 | 30 | 1.2 |
What should you know about not published by BLS?
Plant Manager, Plant Director / Site Director, Assistant Plant Manager, Operations Manager, Manufacturing Manager, Production Manager, Shift Manager (2nd / 3rd shift), Plant Startup / Launch Manager, Sanitation Manager, Manufacturing Engineer, Process Engineer, Industrial Engineer, Materials Engineer, Metallurgist / Metallurgical Engineer, Injection Molding Process Engineer, Extrusion Process Engineer, MS&T Engineer, Yield Engineer (Semiconductor), Battery Cell Process Engineer, Automation Engineer, PLC Programmer, Robotics Engineer, Machine Vision Engineer, MES Engineer, Product Development Engineer, Food Scientist, Formulation Chemist, VP of Quality / Chief Quality Officer, Director of Quality, Quality Manager, QC Manager, Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Engineer, Supplier Quality Manager, Customer Quality Engineer, Design Quality Engineer, Quality Systems Manager, Validation Engineer, FSQA Manager, FSQA Director, Food Safety Coordinator / SQF Practitioner, Reliability Engineer, Reliability 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, Applications Engineer, CNC Programmer, Tool and Die Maker, Mold Maker, Robotic Welding Technician, Press Brake Operator, Die Setter (Stamping), Electromechanical / Mechatronics Technician, Millwright, PLC / Controls Technician, Robotics Technician, Instrumentation & Electrical (I&E) Technician, Skilled Mechanical Assembler, Electronics Assembler / Solderer, Wire Harness & Cable Assembler, SMT Technician, Control Panel Builder, Aircraft Structures Assembler, Composite Technician, Injection Molding Technician, Extrusion Technician, Chemical Operator, GMP Manufacturing Technician, Semiconductor Fab Technician, Semiconductor Equipment Technician, Calibration Technician, NDT Technician, QC Lab Technician, Overhead Crane Operator & Rigger, QA Manager, Lean Manager, Procurement Manager, Production Superintendent, Area Manager, Value Stream Manager, Department Manager, Sanitation Supervisor, Bilingual Production Supervisor, Second Shift Production Supervisor, Third Shift Production Supervisor, Senior Manufacturing Engineer, Senior Process Engineer, Mold / Die Design Engineer, Polymer / Plastics Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Tech Transfer Engineer, Test Engineer, SCADA / HMI Engineer, Manufacturing Systems / OT Engineer, Firmware / Embedded Engineer, Product Development Scientist, QC Lab Manager, Senior Quality Engineer, Quality Engineering Manager, Quality Systems Engineer / Specialist, Validation / CQV Manager, CAPA Manager, Metrology / Calibration Manager, Lead Quality Engineer, Quality Supervisor, Maintenance Engineer, 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, Applications Engineering Manager, Proposal / Quotation Engineer, Electronics Test Technician, Machine Builder (equipment OEM assembly fitter), Cleanroom Assembler (Medical Device), Senior Electronics Test Technician, Lead Mechanical Assembler, Control Room (DCS) Operator, Aseptic Fill Operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Area: Missoula, MT. Official area tables. Released 2026-05-15. LQ is employment concentration, not a wage index.
What does this data mean for your opening?
The Missoula, MT metro hub demonstrates a varied compensation structure for professional and facility-based manufacturing roles. Manufacturing Headhunters notes that the CEO / President (Manufacturing) position has a median of $168,200, which is below the national median of $213,990. The middle band width for this role is $195,930, indicating a wide range of executive compensation outcomes.
For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause.
The Manufacturing Engineering Manager shows a median of $136,970, which is lower than the national median of $171,270. For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The CFO (Manufacturing) role reports a median of $128,740, compared to the national median of $166,570. For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, percentiles describe the wage distribution of the mapped occupation. They do not assign pay to plant size, seniority, credentials or job complexity. Assess duties and candidate requirements separately; these rows do not measure a premium for them. These discrepancies demonstrate the difference between regional professional compensation and broader national averages.
For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. The sanitation technician role reports a median of $37,730, slightly higher than the national median of $36,840. The middle band width is $8,830. The food process operator reports a median of $37,450, lower than the national median of $39,680. The food processing role shows a middle band width of $8,860. Manufacturing Headhunters emphasizes that these BLS statistics should be used as a reference point and not as a limit for total compensation packages. When recruiting in Missoula, it is essential to consider the total value of benefits and local lifestyle factors that can differentiate an employer's offer. All wage figures provided come from the May 2025 BLS OEWS dataset and represent gross occupational earnings.
Which pay questions should you settle before hiring?
For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This often signals a tighter labor market for engineering talent in the region.
Why does the Manufacturing Engineering Manager have a large positive median change?
For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, releases are separate survey estimates. They are not the same workers' raises and do not establish a pay trend or its cause. This often signals a tighter labor market for engineering talent in the region.
How should the wide CEO band width influence recruiting strategy?
For manufacturing occupations in Missoula, MT, OEWS measures straight-time gross wages, not pure base salary or total compensation. Commissions and production bonuses are included; overtime, shift differentials, nonproduction bonuses and benefits are excluded. Recruiters should prepare for high salary variance during the screening process.
Are the national industry wage rows relevant for the Missoula labor market?
The national industry figures are for broad sectoral reference only. They do not accurately represent local pay conditions in Missoula and should be carefully excluded from local salary benchmarking exercises.
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