AgricultureUpdated Q1 2026

Food Scientist Salary
in Missoula, MT

Research and develop food products, improve processing methods, and ensure safety standards. Median salary in Missoula: $77K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$77K
per year
Take-home: $49K

Salary range in Missoula

Entry level (25th)$56,000
Median (50th)$77,000
Senior (75th)$104,000
Top earner (90th)$141,000

Source: BLS OES 2026, H-1B DOL Disclosures Q1 2026. Figures represent annual base salary in Missoula, Montana.

Key facts for Missoula

Median salary
$77K
annual
Take-home pay
$49K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.75%
annual
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+5.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Missoula Food Scientist to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $77K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Missoula

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
Food Scientist salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$64K$70K$76K$81K$87K201920212023202520272029
2026
$79K
projected
2027
$81K
projected
2028
$83K
projected
2029
$85K
projected
2030
$87K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$77,000+$0
2028 projected$77,000+$0
2029 projected$77,000+$0
2030 projected$77,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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Food Scientist Salary in Missoula, Montana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Food Scientist salary in Missoula, MT is $77,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Missoula–MT metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for Food Scientist in Missoula

Entry-level Food Scientists in Missoula with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $56,000 and $77,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $77,000 to $104,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $104,000 to $141,000 or more.

Cost of living in Missoula for Food Scientists

Missoula has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Missoula are close to the national average. Montana has a 6.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for Food Scientist

Bachelor's in Food Science or Chemistry; advanced degree preferred. 25% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Food Scientist salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Missoula (current)$77K102
Billings$74K98
Great Falls$66K88