In the Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $47,350. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a strong regional demand for these specialized skills. The unique economic landscape and reliance on natural resource industries in this part of Montana likely contribute to this elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $47,350 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $65,260.
- Outlook: The local workforce for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Montana comprises 270 individuals, with a robust Location Quotient of 2.46. This significantly higher-than-average concentration suggests a strong and established presence of these roles within the region's economy, pointing towards a stable and potentially growing job market for these specialized occupations.
Salary Overview
The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area earns+15.0%above the national average.
$22.8
$911
$3,946
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this niche sector in Southwest Montana is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic trends and inflation. This upward trajectory is likely driven by increasing demand for essential resources and the specialized expertise required to manage them sustainably.
Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area
Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically sees a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While exact figures vary, the percentile gaps in earnings often reflect the accumulation of specialized knowledge, leadership responsibilities, and years of hands-on experience, signifying clear pathways for career advancement and higher earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,400 | $15.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $35,513 | $17.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,170 | $22.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $59,188 | $28.5 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $65,260 | $31.4 |
Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$47,350
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$47,350
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $47,350 in Southwest Montana aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of this salary is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average for this occupation, the cost of living does not inflate or deflate its real value significantly.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
7.042
Per 1K Jobs
2.46
Location Quotient
Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area has 2.5x the national concentration of Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 2.46, Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are more than twice as concentrated in Southwest Montana compared to the national average. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive market where employers actively seek individuals with specific skills relevant to the region's natural resource-based economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $40,630↓ 14% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $44,250↓ 7% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary | $47,370↑ 0% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area
Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is $47,350. This typically ranges from $31,400 for entry-level positions to $65,260 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is 15.0% higher than the national median of $41,160.
Is Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $47,350 is significantly higher than the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.46) suggests strong regional demand.
Is Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($40,630) and Helena, MT.
How does the local salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in Southwest Montana is $47,350, which is notably higher than the national average of $41,160.
What does the Location Quotient of 2.46 signify?
A Location Quotient of 2.46 means that these occupations are more than twice as concentrated in Southwest Montana compared to the national average, indicating a strong regional specialization.
How does the Cost of Living affect the salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local salary of $47,350 has purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning the higher nominal wage is balanced by average living expenses.
What is the total workforce size for these occupations locally?
There are approximately 270 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within the Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 7.042 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area