EnergyUpdated Q1 2026

Power Plant Operator Salary
in Missoula, MT

Control and monitor the systems that generate electricity at a power plant. Median salary in Missoula: $99K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$99K
per year
Take-home: $63K

Salary range in Missoula

Entry level (25th)$73,000
Median (50th)$99,000
Senior (75th)$122,000
Top earner (90th)$141,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Missoula, Montana. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial Β· How we calculate this β†’

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What the numbers say for Missoula

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

2% premium vs national median

Power Plant Operators in Missoula earn approximately 2% higher than the US national median for this role β€” a $2,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Missoula's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Rent eats 28% of take-home

Average 1-bedroom rent in Missoula ($1,450/mo) consumes approximately 28% of an after-tax median Power Plant Operator salary. Financial planners typically recommend keeping housing under 30% of take-home β€” a salary at the 75th percentile ($122K) brings that ratio into a more comfortable range here.

Primarily on-site role

Only 0% of Power Plant Operator positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Missoula salary above represents what local employers actually pay β€” not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Missoula

Median salary
$99K
annual
Take-home pay
$63K
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
+0.5%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Missoula Power Plant Operator to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $99K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast β€” Missoula

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

HistoricalProjected
Power Plant Operator salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED β†’$83K$90K$98K$105K$112K201920212023202520272029
2026
$101K
projected
2027
$104K
projected
2028
$107K
projected
2029
$109K
projected
2030
$112K
projected

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

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$99,000+$0
2028 projected$99,000+$0
2029 projected$99,000+$0
2030 projected$99,000+$0

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

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Power Plant Operator Salary in Missoula, Montana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median Power Plant Operator salary in Missoula, MT is $99,000 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 Power Plant Operator in Missoula

Entry-level Power Plant Operators in Missoula with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $73,000 and $99,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $99,000 to $122,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $122,000 to $141,000 or more.

Cost of living in Missoula for Power Plant Operators

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 Power Plant Operator

High school + certification. 0% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

Power Plant Operator salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Missoula (current)$99K102
Billings$95K98
Great Falls$85K88