TechnologyUpdated Q1 2026

Machine Learning Engineer Salary
in Missoula, MT

Build and deploy machine learning models and AI systems at production scale. Median salary in Missoula: $171K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$171K
per year
Take-home: $109K

Salary range in Missoula

Entry level (25th)$128,000
Median (50th)$171,000
Senior (75th)$219,000
Top earner (90th)$281,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Missoula, Montana. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Missoula

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

2% premium vs national median

Machine Learning Engineers in Missoula earn approximately 2% higher than the US national median for this role — a $3,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Missoula's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Strong 8.4% annual wage growth

This role's national salaries are growing at 8.4% year-over-year, well above the BLS all-occupations average of ~3.5%. If that pace holds, the Missoula median reaches $255,943 in five years.

70% remote-eligible

This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally according to job-posting analysis, which significantly expands the job market for Missoula-based Machine Learning Engineers. Many Missoula professionals in this role are paid on the locality scale of their employer's HQ rather than Missoula's local rate — verify which scale your offer references before negotiating.

Key facts for Missoula

Median salary
$171K
annual
Take-home pay
$109K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+8.4%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Missoula Machine Learning Engineer to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $226K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Missoula

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

HistoricalProjected
Machine Learning Engineer salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$121K$151K$182K$212K$242K201920212023202520272029
2026
$183K
projected
2027
$197K
projected
2028
$211K
projected
2029
$226K
projected
2030
$242K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$183,000+$12,000
2028 projected$197,000+$26,000
2029 projected$211,000+$40,000
2030 projected$226,000+$55,000

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

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Machine Learning Engineer Salary in Missoula, Montana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Machine Learning Engineer salary in Missoula, MT is $171,000 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 Machine Learning Engineer in Missoula

Entry-level Machine Learning Engineers in Missoula with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $128,000 and $171,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $171,000 to $219,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $219,000 to $281,000 or more.

Cost of living in Missoula for Machine Learning Engineers

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 Machine Learning Engineer

Master's or PhD in CS, Mathematics, or related. This role is 70% remote-eligible nationally, which can significantly expand the job market for Missoula-based professionals.

Machine Learning Engineer salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Missoula (current)$171K102
Billings$165K98
Great Falls$148K88