Electrician Hourly Pay in Missoula, MT: $38.91 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in Missoula, MT runs $38.91 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $80,930 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against Missoula's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.4, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $40.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $48,557 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In 2026, electricians in Missoula, Montana, will earn a median hourly rate of $38.91, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This lucrative hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled tradespeople in various sectors, including commercial, industrial, and residential settings. Electricians working part-time, such as three days a week, can expect to earn a solid income while balancing personal commitments. With a range from $24.17 at the entry-level to the top earners making $39.84, there’s ample opportunity for growth through experience and specialization. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data reveals that electricians in diverse roles, from utility line workers to self-employed contractors, benefit from competitive hourly earnings.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.17 | $193.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $30.52 | $244.19 |
| Median (P50) | $38.91 | $311.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.33 | $314.61 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.84 | $318.70 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Missoula
Based on $38.91/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.91/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Missoula, MT can expect to earn approximately $80,928 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,689. With a cost-of-living index of 96.44 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Missoula.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Missoula
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,556.31 | $6,744 | $80,928 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $933.79 | $4,046 | $48,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $622.52 | $2,698 | $32,371 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (Missoula) | $38.91 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Solar PV Installer (National Avg) | $24.85 |
Electricians in Missoula, MT earn a median of $80,930 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.41% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 0.60% above the Montana state average of $80,447.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.91/hr = $48,557/year (purchasing power: $50,347).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $80,928/year (purchasing power: $83,911).
CoL index: 96.445 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$38.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.91/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in Missoula (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $38.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.91/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.73/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in Missoula grew 30.3% from $29.24/hr (2019) to $38.10/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.73/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Missoula metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Electrician in Missoula
Exploring the potential for part-time electricians, those working 24 hours a week can expect to bring in around $48,000 annually, which is a respectable sum given the flexibility of their schedule. For those in per diem roles, particularly on out-of-town commercial or industrial projects, the earning potential rises significantly, as many travel electricians may receive daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150 in addition to a base hourly pay of $35 to $60. Storm work for utility linemen can double their pay, with some receiving per-diem compensation of $300 to $500 daily. In Missoula, hourly rates vary depending on the employer, with unionized contractors often offering 30-50% higher rates compared to non-union positions, reflecting the benefits associated with IBEW membership. Electricians specializing in industrial controls or solar PV installations can command top rates, further emphasizing the need for ongoing development and certification. Negotiating hourly pay can be nuanced; electricians should highlight their skill sets, safety credentials, and the local market demand to optimize their compensation.
More salary data for Missoula, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electricians in Missoula. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov