City Town Info

Missoula Employment

Employment and Industries in the Missoula, Montana Area

The tables here illustrate essential information about work and employment in the area. Information includes:

  • A table of the most numerous types of work found here, both for jobs generally requiring college degrees and jobs not requiring college degrees.
  • A table listing those careers significantly more common in Missoula than in other US cities; this is useful both for career planning and for understanding the nature of Missoula.
  • A list of the highest-paying jobs in Missoula.
  • A list of any large public companies in Missoula.

Most Popular Jobs in Missoula, Montana Metro Area (2006 data)

Where the Majority of Workers Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Registered nurses1,22050,800$39,820 - 61,19024%56%
2Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education53041,020$22,500 - 60,3306%96%
3Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products46041,390$19,400 - 66,6908%51%
4Accountants and auditors36049,800$32,580 - 77,84018%79%
5Elementary school teachers, except special education35030,870$16,360 - 52,20014%95%
6Social and human service assistants28021,370$15,550 - 30,55034%58%
7Physical therapists23051,230$29,490 - 68,97027%89%
8Coaches and scouts21019,580$11,530 - 37,32015%60%
9Lawyers19055,750$33,330 - 96,85011%99%
10Computer programmers16049,920$27,740 - 74,6000%73%
11Civil engineers15064,870$41,730 - 93,79018%87%
12Pharmacists15079,980$61,370 - 97,31022%97%
13Social and community service managers13035,680$25,420 - 54,64025%72%
14Child, family, and school social workers13026,140$15,540 - 38,78019%77%
15Middle school teachers, except special and vocational education12035,400$24,170 - 51,83011%95%
16Network and computer systems administrators11044,280$30,770 - 63,31027%50%
17Biological scientists, all other10058,270$29,660 - 90,2604%95%
18Computer systems analysts10054,660$38,530 - 74,26029%68%
19Advertising sales agents9035,440$19,680 - 57,00020%56%
20Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents9052,020$25,800 - 115,65025%67%
21Compliance officers, except agriculture, construction, health and safety, and transportation9038,460$26,750 - 57,7405%58%
22Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products9042,600$22,260 - 80,42012%51%
23Financial managers9057,800$17,040 - 93,21013%60%
24Commercial pilots8049,360$36,430 - 57,94013%74%
25Zoologists and wildlife biologists8041,310$26,070 - 70,3309%95%
26Clergy8034,240$16,570 - 61,41019%75%
27Graphic designers8031,720$19,380 - 43,07010%55%
28Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors8037,710$28,870 - 48,07034%73%
29Sales managers8053,210$25,810 - 83,20010%69%
30Public relations specialists8042,120$22,410 - 72,38018%81%
31Educational, vocational, and school counselors8037,220$19,690 - 68,60013%73%
32Medical and clinical laboratory technologists7044,180$33,770 - 57,15012%51%
33Employment, recruitment, and placement specialists7036,560$26,600 - 49,44018%56%
34Rehabilitation counselors7031,010$17,670 - 51,37023%73%
35Managers, all other7050,210$30,930 - 90,2807%55%
36Medical and public health social workers7035,440$26,670 - 46,24024%77%
37Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists7034,670$24,850 - 57,79016%99%
38Architects, except landscape and naval6045,510$30,640 - 72,38018%88%
39Training and development specialists6036,380$20,680 - 62,18018%56%
40Special education teachers, secondary school6040,210$27,480 - 57,9409%87%
41Mental health counselors6030,780$21,060 - 43,97030%73%
42Education administrators, elementary and secondary school6065,270$32,610 - 94,2408%78%
43Public relations managers6044,630$27,770 - 61,09017%75%
44Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists5040,090$26,650 - 60,77018%56%
45Foresters5045,940$29,950 - 62,6705%86%
46Occupational therapists5054,970$41,270 - 67,76023%90%
47Education administrators, preschool and child care center/program5023,520$11,960 - 48,09024%78%
48Floral designers5019,460$15,450 - 23,8200%55%
49Medical and clinical laboratory technicians5027,140$23,100 - 32,59015%51%
50Directors, religious activities and education5021,760$12,160 - 29,48020%64%
51Network systems and data communications analysts5046,660$32,360 - 68,02053%57%
52Market research analysts5059,800$42,240 - 91,07020%82%
53Meeting and convention planners4024,470$15,080 - 47,10020%67%
54Writers and authors40 $0 - 013%84%
55Database administrators4040,050$24,670 - 63,11029%72%
56Editors4045,870$29,670 - 84,1002%81%
57Advertising and promotions managers4039,440$21,820 - 57,2406%76%
58Dentists, general40107,650$52,940 - 09%100%
59Physician assistants4069,640$49,070 - 92,56027%67%
60Sales and related workers, all other4048,530$20,150 - 71,32014%62%
61Chief executives40139,390$49,420 - 02%65%
62Medical and health services managers4070,910$32,120 - 118,23016%57%
63Librarians3048,750$39,300 - 63,3304%85%
64Chemists3051,820$38,540 - 61,1109%93%
65Financial specialists, all other3023,670$11,660 - 42,67012%50%
66Computer specialists, all other3061,740$29,420 - 100,80015%68%
67Computer and information systems managers3079,660$50,560 - 130,64016%73%

Where the Majority of Workers Do Not Have College Degrees

RankTitleLocal JobsLocal Mean SalaryTypical Local SalaryNational Growth % 2006-2016National % With College Degree
1Retail salespersons2,96024,560$12,820 - 44,77012%25%
2General and operations managers1,42059,670$25,830 - 102,7502%48%
3Cashiers1,42017,170$12,020 - 23,380-2%10%
4Waiters and waitresses1,37014,930$11,540 - 21,63011%14%
5Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks1,11027,410$16,600 - 41,06013%16%
6Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive1,06025,450$16,940 - 35,5501%18%
7Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners99019,460$13,600 - 26,55015%4%
8Executive secretaries and administrative assistants95029,430$21,170 - 39,71015%18%
9Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer93037,910$25,040 - 53,44010%4%
10Office clerks, general88020,860$12,890 - 28,70013%19%
11Maids and housekeeping cleaners72015,220$11,550 - 21,10013%5%
12Cooks, restaurant65017,880$13,420 - 22,41012%5%
13Bartenders64016,910$12,310 - 22,24011%17%
14Stock clerks and order fillers64020,620$13,380 - 29,940-7%8%
15Customer service representatives60029,430$17,420 - 47,31025%22%
16Personal and home care aides59016,550$14,290 - 19,24051%10%
17Construction laborers56031,400$19,960 - 47,55011%5%
18Carpenters51034,990$20,130 - 46,04010%6%
19Landscaping and groundskeeping workers50019,530$13,310 - 29,24018%6%
20Receptionists and information clerks49021,260$14,470 - 28,06017%13%
21Laborers and freight, stock, and material movers, hand47020,430$13,510 - 28,2002%5%
22First-line supervisors/managers of retail sales workers46032,840$18,320 - 53,8904%25%
23Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses46031,800$24,960 - 39,60014%7%
24Child care workers41017,390$12,590 - 22,28018%15%
25Truck drivers, light or delivery services40024,560$13,700 - 49,4508%4%
26First-line supervisors/managers of office and administrative support workers38038,890$24,270 - 57,5406%29%
27Dishwashers37014,650$11,610 - 18,37010%3%
28Forest and conservation technicians36033,250$21,660 - 50,270-1%46%
29First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers33027,230$18,060 - 36,88011%14%
30Teacher assistants32017,630$12,960 - 23,67010%18%
31Maintenance and repair workers, general32028,110$16,820 - 43,28010%6%
32Tellers31020,320$16,530 - 24,21014%16%
33Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants31020,480$16,770 - 24,45018%7%
34Food preparation workers27016,780$12,170 - 22,55015%7%
35Shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks27023,590$15,540 - 34,4504%6%
36Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists27017,620$12,060 - 22,67012%6%
37Counter and rental clerks25020,280$14,270 - 26,84023%16%
38Computer support specialists23030,780$20,120 - 47,91013%43%
39First-line supervisors/managers of construction trades and extraction workers23043,060$27,610 - 60,4409%10%
40Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters23065,200$37,070 - 137,71011%4%
41Cooks, institution and cafeteria22018,670$13,060 - 25,03011%5%
42Billing and posting clerks and machine operators22025,080$17,350 - 32,3804%15%
43Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers22014,000$11,430 - 16,40012%6%
44Bus drivers, school22023,070$18,800 - 30,5909%4%
45Preschool teachers, except special education21021,970$16,410 - 30,45026%43%
46Team assemblers21025,160$17,190 - 39,8000%5%
47Bill and account collectors21029,200$20,800 - 39,31023%13%
48Automotive service technicians and mechanics19029,820$16,200 - 45,69014%4%
49Home health aides19017,220$13,570 - 21,89049%7%
50Industrial truck and tractor operators19030,150$18,680 - 41,090-1%2%
51Electricians17050,140$37,870 - 60,0307%7%
52Legal secretaries16025,950$17,430 - 35,21012%18%
53First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers16051,300$30,730 - 79,6007%13%
54First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers16049,180$19,940 - 87,960-4%15%
55Loan officers16043,080$24,400 - 74,83012%49%
56Cleaners of vehicles and equipment16019,860$11,990 - 34,03014%3%
57Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks15022,390$12,420 - 41,81017%14%
58Recreation workers15018,630$11,640 - 33,19013%47%
59Logging equipment operators15033,910$21,040 - 56,2500%2%
60Insurance claims and policy processing clerks14026,790$18,900 - 38,5800%22%
61Painters, construction and maintenance14028,470$20,140 - 35,94012%6%
62Radiologic technologists and technicians13048,410$30,610 - 65,35015%25%
63Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance13027,020$13,740 - 42,3402%11%
64Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists13036,860$24,960 - 49,65012%3%
65Cooks, short order13014,710$11,650 - 18,3005%5%
66Business operations specialists, all other13051,750$27,050 - 80,98021%49%
67Security guards13022,840$14,890 - 38,87017%13%
68Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors13028,420$12,530 - 51,60027%47%
69Surveying and mapping technicians13032,740$21,800 - 47,02019%7%
70Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood12035,290$26,220 - 54,1904%0%
71Parts salespersons12033,300$21,890 - 45,630-1%6%
72Data entry keyers12018,790$15,320 - 25,810-4%18%
73Automotive body and related repairers12033,790$21,090 - 53,79012%3%
74Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop12015,400$11,510 - 22,71010%17%
75Pharmacy technicians12026,980$20,780 - 35,46032%16%
76Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines11038,610$24,770 - 49,71012%3%
77Dental assistants11034,860$27,160 - 43,99029%9%
78Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators11038,530$29,450 - 52,9308%3%
79Architectural and civil drafters11033,770$25,470 - 47,3006%25%
80Gaming change persons and booth cashiers11018,850$15,550 - 23,6207%10%
81Postal service mail carriers11043,770$36,470 - 50,1001%11%
82Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers11035,130$21,220 - 54,5300%38%
83Dental hygienists10061,460$50,370 - 73,53030%33%
84Telecommunications line installers and repairers10041,630$29,780 - 64,3105%8%
85Taxi drivers and chauffeurs10014,240$11,590 - 20,68013%15%
86Packers and packagers, hand10014,890$11,590 - 22,620-11%3%
87Real estate sales agents100 $[?] - [?]11%45%
88Counter attendants, cafeteria, food concession, and coffee shop10015,170$11,840 - 19,21010%8%
89Bakers9022,770$15,750 - 34,72010%8%
90Wholesale and retail buyers, except farm products9038,320$23,940 - 60,9800%36%
91Postal service mail sorters, processors, and processing machine operators9040,730$32,310 - 49,260-7%12%
92Cement masons and concrete finishers9034,450$25,620 - 44,22011%2%
93Farmworkers, farm and ranch animals9024,010$13,670 - 39,9903%4%
94Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products9046,750$24,050 - 80,7800%42%
95Order clerks9021,640$15,830 - 28,790-23%16%
96Word processors and typists9024,450$16,990 - 30,200-11%19%
97Switchboard operators, including answering service9023,440$15,950 - 29,380-7%10%
98Loan interviewers and clerks9023,200$15,700 - 32,0900%24%
99Welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers9027,220$18,670 - 38,3105%2%
100First-line supervisors/managers of housekeeping and janitorial workers8034,160$18,560 - 66,15013%11%
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Jobs More Common Near Missoula Than Most Other Cities

* Average job popularity for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal JobsPop. vs. Avg.*
Forest and conservation technicians33,250360142.6
Logging equipment operators33,91015069.8
Gaming change persons and booth cashiers18,85011027.3
Biological scientists, all other58,27010017.7
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood35,29012013.1
Title examiners, abstractors, and searchers35,1301106.5
Surveying and mapping technicians32,7401305.7
Coaches and scouts19,5802104.5
Physical therapists51,2302304.1
Bartenders16,9106403.8
Social and community service managers35,6801303.6
Personal and home care aides16,5505903.2
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines38,6101102.9
Architectural and civil drafters33,7701102.7
Social and human service assistants21,3702802.7
Telecommunications line installers and repairers41,6301002.4
Maids and housekeeping cleaners15,2207202.3
General and operations managers59,6701,4202.3
Cooks, restaurant17,8806502.3
Cooks, short order14,7101302.3
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks22,3901502.2
Automotive body and related repairers33,7901202.2
Hairdressers, hairstylists, and cosmetologists17,6202702.1
Dishwashers14,6503702.1
Real estate sales agents 1002
Radiologic technologists and technicians48,4101302
Child care workers17,3904102
Dispatchers, except police, fire, and ambulance27,0201302
Cooks, institution and cafeteria18,6702201.9
Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses31,8004601.9
Retail salespersons24,5602,9601.9
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs14,2401001.8
Insurance claims and policy processing clerks26,7901401.8
Pharmacists79,9801501.7
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors28,4201301.7
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive25,4501,0601.7
Bus drivers, school23,0702201.7
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer37,9109301.7
Dental hygienists61,4601001.7
Executive secretaries and administrative assistants29,4309501.7
Civil engineers64,8701501.7
Recreation workers18,6301501.7
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks27,4101,1101.7
Secondary school teachers, except special and vocational education41,0205301.6
Waiters and waitresses14,9301,3701.6
Preschool teachers, except special education21,9702101.6
Legal secretaries25,9501601.6
Construction laborers31,4005601.5
Tellers20,3203101.5
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists36,8601301.5

Work Paying Relatively Well in the Missoula, Montana Metro Area (2006 data)

* Average Salary Index for metro areas = 1.0

TitleMean Local SalarySalary Index *Local Jobs
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters65,2001.49230
Sawing machine setters, operators, and tenders, wood35,2901.42120
Hotel, motel, and resort desk clerks22,3901.22150
Dental assistants34,8601.16110
Electricians50,1401.14170
Parts salespersons33,3001.13120
Logging equipment operators33,9101.09150
Construction laborers31,4001.09560
Truck drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer37,9101.08930
Industrial truck and tractor operators30,1501.06190
Retail salespersons24,5601.052,960
Customer service representatives29,4301.04600
Pharmacy technicians26,9801.03120
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment19,8601.02160
Radiologic technologists and technicians48,4101.01130
Bill and account collectors29,2001.01210
Fitness trainers and aerobics instructors28,4201.01130
Postal service mail carriers43,7701110
Bus and truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists36,8601130
Security guards22,8401130
Team assemblers25,1600.99210
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers49,1800.98160
Cashiers17,1700.981,420
Child care workers17,3900.98410
Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators38,5300.96110
Bartenders16,9100.96640
Forest and conservation technicians33,2500.96360
Civil engineers64,8700.96150
First-line supervisors/managers of food preparation and serving workers27,2300.96330
Carpenters34,9900.96510
First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers51,3000.95160
Hosts and hostesses, restaurant, lounge, and coffee shop15,4000.95120
Receptionists and information clerks21,2600.95490
Business operations specialists, all other51,7500.95130
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines38,6100.95110
Surveying and mapping technicians32,7400.94130
Stock clerks and order fillers20,6200.94640
Dishwashers14,6500.94370
Food preparation workers16,7800.94270
Truck drivers, light or delivery services24,5600.93400
Bus drivers, school23,0700.93220
Secretaries, except legal, medical, and executive25,4500.931,060
Counter and rental clerks20,2800.92250
Preschool teachers, except special education21,9700.92210
Nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants20,4800.92310
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners19,4600.92990
Gaming change persons and booth cashiers18,8500.91110
Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks27,4100.911,110
Tellers20,3200.91310
Waiters and waitresses14,9300.911,370

Highest Paying Jobs in Missoula, Montana Metro Area (2006 data)

TitleMean Local SalaryLocal Jobs
Chief executives139,39040
Dentists, general107,65040
Pharmacists79,980150
Computer and information systems managers79,66030
Medical and health services managers70,91040
Physician assistants69,64040
Education administrators, elementary and secondary school65,27060
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters65,200230
Civil engineers64,870150
Computer specialists, all other61,74030
Dental hygienists61,460100
Market research analysts59,80050
Electrical engineers59,780 
General and operations managers59,6701,420
Appraisers and assessors of real estate58,85050
Biological scientists, all other58,270100
Financial managers57,80090
Construction managers56,82070
Lawyers55,750190
Occupational therapists54,97050
Computer systems analysts54,660100
Computer software engineers, applications53,680 
Sales managers53,21080
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians52,28030
Securities, commodities, and financial services sales agents52,02090
Chemists51,82030
Business operations specialists, all other51,750130
First-line supervisors/managers of mechanics, installers, and repairers51,300160
Physical therapists51,230230
Registered nurses50,8001,220
Administrative services managers50,56040
Managers, all other50,21070
Electricians50,140170
Computer programmers49,920160
Accountants and auditors49,800360
Commercial pilots49,36080
Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers49,29070
First-line supervisors/managers of production and operating workers49,180160
Cost estimators48,89080
Lodging managers48,75030
Librarians48,75030
Sales and related workers, all other48,53040
Radiologic technologists and technicians48,410130
First-line supervisors/managers of non-retail sales workers48,20050
Insurance underwriters47,560 
Purchasing agents, except wholesale, retail, and farm products46,75090
Network systems and data communications analysts46,66050
Foresters45,94050
Sales representatives, services, all other45,880 
Editors45,87040

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