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Automotive Engineer Salary in Missoula, MT

How much does a automotive engineer make in Missoula? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Missoula's cost of living.

Median Salary
$110,197
per year in Missoula
Entry Level
$66,786
Starting salary
Senior Level
$151,382
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
114
14% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how automotive engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Missoula.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$66,786$110,197$151,382
Monthly$5,566$9,183$12,615
Biweekly$2,569$4,238$5,822
Weekly$1,284$2,119$2,911
Hourly$32$53$73

Missoula vs National Average

How Missoula's automotive engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Missoula Salary
$110,197
COL Index: 114
National Average
$112,400
COL Index: 100
Difference
-$2,203
Lower in Missoula

Cost of Living in Missoula

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,700
per month
Median Income
$56,234
per year
Population
74,962
residents
Rent % of Income
36.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 114 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Missoula have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Automotive Engineer

Overview

Design and develop vehicles and automotive systems.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Automotive or Mechanical Engineering

Key Skills

Vehicle DesignCADPowertrain SystemsPerformance Testing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Automotive Engineer Salary

See Automotive Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$111,270
+1%
Los Angeles, CA
$114,290
+4%
Chicago, IL
$100,390
-9%
Houston, TX
$126,870
+15%
Phoenix, AZ
$102,300
-7%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Automotive Engineer Salary in Missoula, MT — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a automotive engineer in Missoula, MT is $110,197 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 114. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Missoula's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level automotive engineer professionals in Missoula can expect to earn around $66,786 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level automotive engineers earning approximately $151,382 per year. This represents a 127% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Missoula's cost of living index of 114 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Missoula are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $112,400, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a automotive engineer's salary in Missoula typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,700 per month, housing represents about 18.5% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Automotive Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In Missoula, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.