Welder Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Welders in Montana earn an average of $51,280 per year ($24.66/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 1,340 welders.
Welder salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $3,328. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for welders in Montana.
Montana Welder Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Montana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Montana Welder Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $51,280.
Welder Salary by Experience — Montana
Welder Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Montana has seen 13.9% wage growth for welders — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's manufacturing and construction.
Welder Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $56,900 | $27.36 | +11.0% | 468 |
| Missoula | $54,350 | $26.13 | +6.0% | 375 |
| Great Falls | $52,800 | $25.38 | +3.0% | 241 |
| Bozeman | $49,250 | $23.68 | -4.0% | 120 |
| Butte | $46,650 | $22.43 | -9.0% | 80 |
| Helena | $44,600 | $21.44 | -13.0% | 53 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest welder salaries in Montana at $56,900/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Montana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Montana sits in the mid-range for welders.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Welder Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for welders in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for welders in Montana.
How to Earn More as a Welder in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a welder in Montana typically adds $42,000 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the AWS Certification (voluntary) can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays welders $56,900/yr — +11.0% above the Montana average. Simply relocating within Montana can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Welders who specialise in manufacturing and construction typically command premium rates in Montana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays welders $49,190/yr — -4.1% vs Montana.
Find Welder Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current welder job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Welder jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Welder jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Welder jobs — Billings, MT→