CNC Machinist Jobs in Missoula, MT

Missoula, Montana$54,600 USD/yearFull-time
Updated: March 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

CNC Machinist Salary in Missoula

Entry Level
$35,360
Median
$54,600
Senior Level
$77,740

CNC Machinist salaries in Missoula are in line with national averages, offering competitive compensation for the region.

Purchasing power in Missoula is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

CNC ProgrammingMachine OperationBlueprint ReadingQuality InspectionSetup

CNC Machinist Job Market in Missoula

Missoula, MT is a specialized market with unique career opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Missoula offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Education leads the local economy, there's growing demand for CNC Machinist roles across various sectors. The market for CNC Machinist positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring CNC Machinists in Missoula

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring CNC Machinists in Missoula include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for CNC Machinists in Missoula

Living in Missoula as a CNC Machinist means navigating a cost of living that's slightly above the national average. Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median CNC Machinist salary, rent would consume about 40% of gross income - above the recommended 30% threshold. Consider roommates or suburban options. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

104
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Growing
Tech Hub
Tier 4
Market Size

Commuting as a CNC Machinist in Missoula

Missoula Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for CNC Machinists in Missoula: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among CNC Machinist professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in Montana

Montana has moderate state income taxes. When evaluating offers, consider total compensation including benefits, not just base salary. Local cost of living typically has more impact on your finances than state tax differences.

Career Outlook for CNC Machinists

The job outlook for CNC Machinists in Missoula is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Missoula offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average CNC Machinist salary in Missoula, MT?

The average CNC Machinist salary in Missoula, MT is $54,600 per year. Entry-level CNC Machinists typically start around $35,360, while experienced professionals can earn $77,740 or more. The national average for CNC Machinist roles is $52,500.

How many CNC Machinist jobs are available in Missoula?

Missoula has a growing job market with steady opportunities for CNC Machinist professionals. Major employers hiring CNC Machinists include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Education and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Missoula a good city for CNC Machinists?

Missoula is an solid choice for CNC Machinists. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. The cost of living is reasonable compared to major coastal cities. The city's education industry creates strong demand for manufacturing professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for CNC Machinists in Missoula?

Top skills for CNC Machinists in Missoula include CNC Programming, Machine Operation, Blueprint Reading, Quality Inspection, Setup. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for CNC Machinists in Missoula?

Missoula's cost of living is near the national average (104% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Missoula is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for CNC Machinists in Missoula?

Missoula Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

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