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Average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary in West Montana nonmetropolitan area

In the West Montana nonmetropolitan area, professionals in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations earn an average annual salary of $49,350. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $41,160, indicating a localized premium for these essential roles. The unique demands and specialized nature of these industries within Montana's distinct landscape likely contribute to this elevated compensation.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $49,350 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 10.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $67,330.
  • Outlook: The job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Montana appears robust, supported by a local workforce of 550 individuals in these fields. The Location Quotient of 2.31 signifies a significant concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for skilled professionals in this sector within the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$49,350

The average Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Montana nonmetropolitan area earns+19.9%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$23.7

Weekly

$949

Monthly

$4,113

Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Salary Distribution in West Montana nonmetropolitan area

Career progression within Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations typically correlates with increased earning potential. Entry-level positions often start at lower percentiles of the salary range, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The observed salary distribution, though not detailed here, would reflect these percentile gaps, signifying clear pathways for career advancement and increased compensation.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$31,560$15.2
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$37,013$17.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$47,980$23.1
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$61,688$29.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$67,330$32.4

Detailed Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$49,350

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$49,350

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $49,350 in West 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 the higher nominal wage effectively balances out the cost of living, making it a stable financial proposition for residents.

Job Market Context

550

Total Jobs

6.615

Per 1K Jobs

2.31

Location Quotient

Major Hub

West Montana nonmetropolitan area has 2.3x 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 2.31, West Montana exhibits a job market for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations that is more than double the national concentration. This indicates a highly specialized and potentially competitive environment where these roles are significantly more prevalent and in demand than in other regions across the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations

Comparing salaries near West Montana nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations make in West Montana nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is $49,350. This typically ranges from $31,560 for entry-level positions to $67,330 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 19.9% higher than the national median of $41,160.

Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupationss?

Yes, West Montana offers a lucrative environment for these occupations.The average salary of $49,350 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of these jobs (LQ 2.31) points to strong regional demand.

Is West Montana nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in West Montana nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near West Montana nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($40,630) and Helena, MT.

How does the West Montana salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations in West Montana is $49,350, which is higher than the national average of $41,160.

What does the Location Quotient of 2.31 mean for this job market?

A Location Quotient of 2.31 indicates that Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations are more than twice as concentrated in West Montana compared to the national average, suggesting high regional importance and demand.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in West Montana?

The Cost of Living Index is 100, matching the national average. Therefore, the $49,350 salary in West Montana offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What is the total workforce size for these occupations in West Montana?

There are approximately 550 individuals employed in Farming, Fishing, and Forestry Occupations within the West 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 550 employees in the West Montana nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.615 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.