Montana ranks 45th of 48 states and D.C. for grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic pay, trailing top-paying Missouri ($58,920) by $20,830 — a 55% gap.
The 10th-to-90th percentile range runs from $31,180 to $53,760 — a $22,580 spread, 15% tighter than the national $26,570 range.
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic are less concentrated in Montana than the U.S. average — a location quotient of 0.71 means the occupation's share of local jobs is 1.41× below the national share.
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $31,180 | $14.99 |
| 25th percentile | $36,330 | $17.47 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $38,090 | $18.31 |
| 75th percentile | $45,190 | $21.73 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $53,760 | $25.85 |
| Mean (average) | $41,390 | $19.90 |
How Montana Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Montana |
|---|---|---|
| Montana (current) | $38,090 | n/a |
| Missouri | $58,920 | +55% |
| Oregon | $51,850 | +36% |
| Minnesota | $49,180 | +29% |
| Vermont | $49,160 | +29% |
| Massachusetts | $48,690 | +28% |
| South Carolina | $48,210 | +27% |
| Washington | $47,550 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $47,480 | +25% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Montana
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Coaches and Scouts | $38,140 | 1,070 |
| Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors | $38,020 | 1,240 |
| Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists | $38,230 | 600 |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmers | $37,950 | 60 |
| Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants | $37,910 | 580 |
| Security Guards | $38,300 | 1,440 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Montana?
The mean grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Montana is $41,390 per year. The median (middle) salary is $38,090 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic in Montana?
Entry-level grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastics (10th percentile) in Montana typically earn around $31,180 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $36,330 per year.
What is the highest Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary in Montana?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Montana make approximately $53,760 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $45,190 per year.
How does the Montana Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic salary compare to the national average?
The median grinding, lapping, polishing, and buffing machine tool setters, operators, and tenders, metal and plastic salary in Montana is $38,090, which is -16% below national average of $45,190.