How much does a 12hr Machinist make in Montana? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a 12hr Machinist in Montana is $44,119 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.

However, a 12hr Machinist's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $50,937
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $40,755 to $47,688
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $37,693

Key Factors That Influence 12hr Machinist Salaries

A 12hr Machinist's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects 12hr Machinist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a 12hr Machinist's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $43,375
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $55,319
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $62,054
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $69,213
  • Expert (over 8 years): $61,985
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
12hr Machinist less than 1 year $43,375
Machinist II 1-2 years $55,319
Machinist III 2-4 years $62,054
Machinist IV 5-8 years $69,213
Machine Shop Production Supervisor I over 8 years $61,985

Top Paying Cities for 12hr Machinist

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Absarokee: $43,850
  • Acton: $44,912
  • Ashland: $43,817

12hr Machinist Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For 12hr Machinist roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, 12hr Machinist positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view 12hr Machinist as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a 12hr Machinist

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense $52,943 $25.0 20%

12hr Machinist Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a 12hr Machinist's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$40,755
Average $44,119/year
$47,688
$3,396
Average $3,677/month
$3,974
$784
Average $848/week
$917
$20
Average $21/hour
$23
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $47,688 $3,974 $917 $23
Average $44,119 $3,677 $848 $21
25th Percentile $40,755 $3,396 $784 $20

Find Your Next 12hr Machinist Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current 12hr Machinist job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • State of Montana | Kalispell, MT

    State of Montana | Kalispell, MT

    Mechanic / Machinist - Kalispell. The Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) is recruiting a Mechanic / Machinist in Kalispell. This position performs ... more

    4 Days Ago

  • Aerotek | Kalispell, MT

    Aerotek | Kalispell, MT

    Aerotek - - Responsibilities: Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and manual machining equipment to manufacture precision components. Read and interpret ... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Acoustical Sheetmetal Company | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

    Acoustical Sheetmetal Company | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

    Role Overview. As a. Tank Machinist. at Acoustical Sheetmetal Company (ASC), you'll play a critical role in building the pressure vessels and fuel tanks th... more

    22 Days Ago

  • Peerless Chain | WINONA, MN

    Peerless Chain | WINONA, MN

    Union Position - Must be able to work all three shiftsMust have manual Tool & Die experienceAll employees are required to:* Complete and pass a formal 6-mo... more

    2 Days Ago

  • Insight Manufacturing S | MURPHYS, CA

    Insight Manufacturing S | MURPHYS, CA

    We are seeking an experienced CNC Prototype Machinist to join our machine shop team. Under general supervision, develops, writes, and edits programs that d... more

    6 Days Ago

  • General Plastics Manufacturing Company | TACOMA, WA

    General Plastics Manufacturing Company | TACOMA, WA

    Description. Your future starts here. Earn over $100K per year in total compensation. We are a premier aerospace manufacturer in Tacoma, and we are seeking... more

    2 Days Ago

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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