Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $48,860. This figure is notably below the national average of $54,910, reflecting regional economic factors and a potentially lower demand for specialized automotive services compared to more densely populated areas. The specific economic landscape of this nonmetropolitan region plays a significant role in shaping compensation levels for these essential roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,860 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 9.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,470.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 440 Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics, and a Location Quotient of 1.63, the job market in East-Central Montana indicates a concentration of these professionals that is 63% higher than the national average. This suggests a robust local demand and a specialized labor pool, implying a stable, albeit niche, job market for skilled technicians in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area earns-11.0%below the national average.
$23.5
$940
$4,072
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing vehicle complexity, the need for specialized diagnostic tools, and a general rise in the cost of living likely contribute to upward pressure on wages, even in less urbanized settings.
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary Distribution in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
The salary progression for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and specialized skills can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings between junior and senior technicians highlight the value placed on expertise, diagnostic acumen, and years of hands-on experience within the automotive service industry.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,770 | $15.3 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,645 | $17.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $47,270 | $22.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,075 | $29.4 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,470 | $35.3 |
Detailed Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,860
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,860
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,860 in East-Central Montana aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary might appear lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national standard. Therefore, relocating to this area for this profession offers a cost-of-living advantage that effectively neutralizes the lower nominal wage.
Job Market Context
440
Total Jobs
7.28
Per 1K Jobs
1.63
Location Quotient
East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area has 1.6x the national concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.63 for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in East-Central Montana signifies a significant concentration of these roles relative to the national average. This indicates a higher prevalence and potentially greater demand for these skills within the local economy compared to other industries. It suggests that while the overall workforce size is modest, the proportion of mechanics is notably elevated, pointing to a specialized and potentially competitive local job market.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $54,770↑ 12% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $56,650↑ 16% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics Salary | $61,060↑ 25% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanicss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics make in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is $48,860. This typically ranges from $31,770 for entry-level positions to $73,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 11.0% lower than the national median of $54,910.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
No, but cost-effective.The average salary of $48,860 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power equivalent.
Is East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
The Cost of Living Index in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($54,770) and Helena, MT.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 440 suggests a stable, established community of technicians, which can indicate consistent demand but also potential competition for highly specialized roles.
What does a Location Quotient of 1.63 mean for mechanics?
A Location Quotient above 1.0, especially 1.63, means this area has a higher concentration of Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics than the national average, suggesting a strong local industry presence.
How does the cost of living impact the $48,860 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $48,860 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, meaning your money goes as far locally as it does nationally.
Are there many job openings for auto mechanics in this region?
The data indicates 7.28 jobs per 1,000 workers, suggesting a moderate but consistent level of opportunity for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics in East-Central Montana.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 440 employees in the East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.28 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area