Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Helena, MT
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT, earn an average annual salary of $56,410. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, indicating a localized pay structure influenced by regional economic factors and demand within Montana. While the nominal salary may seem lower, it's crucial to consider the context of the local economy and cost of living.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,410 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $69,710.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Helena, MT, presents a moderately concentrated job market. The Location Quotient of 0.55 suggests that this profession is less prevalent in Helena compared to the national average, implying a potentially stable but not exceptionally high demand. The rate of 7.423 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the employment landscape for these drivers within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT earns-3.4%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,085
$4,701
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Helena, MT is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increased shipping demands, rising operational costs, and a persistent need for skilled drivers likely contribute to upward pressure on wages across the industry.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records and specialized endorsements can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings signify clear career progression pathways, rewarding accumulated expertise and reliability.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,090 | $18.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,308 | $20.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,640 | $27.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,513 | $33.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $69,710 | $33.5 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,410
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,410
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,410 in Helena, MT, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a truck driver's salary in Helena is comparable to the national average. Consequently, the nominal salary effectively translates to a standard of living that is neither significantly enhanced nor diminished by the local cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
7.423
Per 1K Jobs
0.55
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 0.55x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
Helena, MT, exhibits a Location Quotient of 0.55 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, indicating that this profession is less concentrated locally than the national average. This suggests that while there is a presence of these roles, the market is not saturated, and opportunities may be more specialized or tied to specific regional logistics networks rather than broad industry prevalence.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $55,850↓ 1% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $54,880↓ 3% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,340↑ 3% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,350↑ 3% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $62,630↑ 11% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Driverss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT is $56,410. This typically ranges from $39,090 for entry-level positions to $69,710 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 3.4% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,410 is below the national average, and the concentration of jobs (LQ 0.55) is lower than the national benchmark.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($55,850) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Helena, MT truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT, is $56,410, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT for truck drivers?
Helena, MT, has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the local salary is on par with the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the truck driver job market in Helena, MT?
The job market for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT, is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.55.
What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Helena, MT?
There are approximately 320 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in Helena, MT.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 7.423 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Helena, MT