Sewing Machine Operator salary in Montana
Sewing Machine Operators in Montana earn a median of $36,740 a year ($17.66 an hour), based on BLS data for 190 workers.
Pay ranges from $24,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,370 for the top 10%. That is about the same as the national median of $36,670. Montana ranks 26th of 50 states for sewing machine operators pay. There are 0.36 sewing machine operators per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.54). The average (mean) salary is $36,970, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for sewing machine operators in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $24,290 | $11.68 |
| 25th percentile | $29,070 | $13.97 |
| Median | $36,740 | $17.66 |
| 75th percentile | $42,380 | $20.37 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $50,370 | $24.21 |
| Average (mean) | $36,970 | $17.77 |
Half of sewing machine operators earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $3,061.67 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,530.83 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,413.08 |
| Weekly | $706.54 |
| Hourly | $17.66 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Sewing Machine Operator salary in cities in Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $39,610 | 60 |
| Missoula, MT | $38,490 | 30 |
Highest-paying states for sewing machine operators
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Nevada | $45,750 |
| Alaska | $43,850 |
| Colorado | $43,840 |
| Maine | $43,520 |
| Washington | $43,360 |
| Massachusetts | $42,910 |
| New Hampshire | $41,740 |
| Vermont | $40,850 |
| Wisconsin | $40,370 |
| Arizona | $40,210 |
Related jobs in Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | $36,250 | $17.43 |
| Tailors, Dressmakers, and Custom Sewers | $34,710 | $16.69 |
| Upholsterer | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Pressers, Textile, Garment, and Related Materials | $35,270 | $16.96 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers | $68,760 | $33.06 |
| Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | $55,610 | $26.73 |
| Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators | $44,940 | $21.61 |
| Baker | $37,200 | $17.89 |
| Butchers and Meat Cutters | $41,600 | $20.00 |
| Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators | $58,040 | $27.90 |
| Machinist | $60,920 | $29.29 |
| Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers | $58,070 | $27.92 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | $98,310 | $47.26 |
| Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters | $47,920 | $23.04 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 51-6031. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a sewing machine operator make in Montana?
The median salary for sewing machine operators in Montana is $36,740 a year, or $17.66 an hour. Pay ranges from $24,290 for the lowest-paid 10% to $50,370 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid sewing machine operators make in Montana?
The top 10% of sewing machine operators in Montana earn at least $50,370 a year. The top 25% earn $42,380 or more.
What is the starting pay for sewing machine operators in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $24,290 a year, and a quarter of sewing machine operators earn $29,070 or less.
How many sewing machine operators work in Montana?
About 190 sewing machine operators are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.