Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $44.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a mechanical engineer working in Missoula, MT runs $44.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,350 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 17-2141). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $46.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,411 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Missoula, Montana, mechanical engineers earn a median hourly rate of $44.40, which is notably lower than the national median of $51.51. This difference reflects a regional cost of living that is slightly below the national average, allowing flexibility in working arrangements. The hourly range for mechanical engineers in Missoula varies significantly, from about $31.00 for entry-level positions to approximately $62.91 for those at the top of their field. This wage structure creates opportunities for part-time employees, such as those working three days a week, and per-diem workers frequently employed in technologically intensive settings, including offices that utilize CAD software for aerospace, automotive, and HVAC systems. With 80 mechanical engineers currently employed in Missoula, the job market offers various prospects for both individuals seeking a stable hourly position and those interested in contract or temporary roles.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31.00 | $248.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37.45 | $299.62 |
| Median (P50) | $44.40 | $355.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59.29 | $474.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62.91 | $503.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $44.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.40/hr, a mechanical engineer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $92,351 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,280. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,775.99 | $7,696 | $92,351 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,065.59 | $4,618 | $55,411 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $710.40 | $3,078 | $36,941 |
Compare ME, PE Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineer (Missoula) | $44.40 |
| Civil Engineer (National Avg) | $47.06 |
| Electrical Engineer (National Avg) | $54.18 |
| Industrial Engineer (National Avg) | $47.50 |
| Aerospace Engineer (National Avg) | $63.06 |
Mechanical Engineers in Missoula, MT earn a median of $92,350 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.81% lower than the national median of $107,150 and 10.40% below the Montana state average of $103,069.
Mechanical Engineer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.40/hr = $55,411/year (purchasing power: $57,453).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,351/year (purchasing power: $95,755).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$30.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+50.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Mechanical Engineers in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.92% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for mechanical engineers in Missoula grew 41.7% from $30.45/hr (2019) to $43.14/hr (2025). At a 2.92% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $45.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem mechanical engineers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.92% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Mechanical Engineer in Missoula
When analyzing the earning potential for part-time mechanical engineers, working 24 hours a week translates to roughly $55,000 annually, providing a solid income compared to full-time wages. For those considering per-diem or contract positions, rates can soar as high as $90 to $220 per hour, particularly in specialized fields like aerospace engineering or HVAC system design. Companies such as Tesla and Blue Origin are known to offer substantial pay scales, enticing engineers away from traditional employers with appealing contract rates. Some engineers opt for lower hourly pay paired with benefits to ensure healthcare coverage and retirement plans. In negotiating rates, it's crucial to emphasize your unique skills and experience, especially when engaging with local firms or agencies in Missoula. Each company brings different compensation packages, so understanding the market is key in achieving competitive per diem mechanical engineer pay in Missoula while aligning personal career goals with financial needs.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.92% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for mechanical engineers in Missoula. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.92%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for mechanical engineers (SOC 17-2141).
Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov