US
Billings, MT
Montana salary market
$77.1K
Avg / Year
+63% vs U.S.
vs National
170
Employment
$6.4K
Monthly Avg
Updated for 2026

Quality Inspector Salary in Billings, MT (2026)

The Quality Inspector salary in Billings, MT for 2026 is presented as a modeled salary benchmark built from the latest official BLS wage baseline, then extended with wage trend history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available. This guide compares the Billings, MT market with the U.S. baseline and breaks projected pay down by experience, skills, industry, and nearby markets. Official BLS and O*NET title: "Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers".

Official BLS baseline: 2024Billings, MT city pageModeled salary guide10 min read
City Average
$77.1K
per year
Entry Level
$45.9K
starting range
Senior Level
$116K
upper local band
Remote / Hybrid
$78.7K
modeled local premium
Monthly
$6.4K
avg before tax
Hourly Rate
$33
median equivalent
Salary figures projected to 2026  from May 2024BLS OEWS baseline  ·  Projections use wage history, employment outlook, and tech-market signals where available
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Quality Inspector Salary Overview in Billings, MT

Careerclev's modeled 2026 benchmark places Quality Inspector pay in Billings, MT at about $77,127.0 per year. On the latest official BLS baseline for this market, the lower local range starts near $40,430.0, while the strongest-paid professionals can reach about $120,370.

Salary estimates are based on data from the Billings, Mt metropolitan area.

If you’re comparing Quality Inspector salaries in Billings, MT, the real story isn’t just the headline number. Local employer mix, seniority, specialization, and whether the role is remote, hybrid, or onsite can push compensation well above or below the local median.

Billings, MT vs. U.S. National Average

Billings, MT pays +63% vs u.s. for Quality Inspector roles. The difference is driven by local employer demand, industry mix, cost pressures, and how concentrated this role is in the underlying metro labor market.

United States National Average
$47.5K
all U.S. markets combined
+63%
Billings, MT Premium
Billings, MT City Average
$77.1K
Quality Inspector
MarketProjected Salaryvs Billings, MTMarket Maturity
Billings, MT (this guide)$77,127.0BaselineLocal market
United States$47,460.0-38% vs U.S.National baseline
Helena, MT$59,000.0-24% vs U.S.Comparable city
Bozeman, MT$58,650.0-24% vs U.S.Comparable city
Great Falls, MT$55,860.0-28% vs U.S.Comparable city
Why Billings, MT pay differsThe strongest city salary premiums usually appear where employers compete for specialized talent, where the role is concentrated, and where local costs make compensation harder to hold down.

Quality Inspector Salary by Experience Level in Billings, MT

Experience changes the local salary picture quickly because employers usually pay for independence, specialization, and broader scope, not just years on paper. In Billings, MT, this breakdown shows how aQuality Inspector can move from early-career pay into stronger bands as the role becomes more self-directed.

Entry-Level
0-2 years
$59.8K
$37/hr median equivalent
$45.9K - $77.1K
Mid-Level
3-5 years
$77.1K
$37/hr median equivalent
$59.8K - $116K
Senior
6-10 years
$116K
$37/hr median equivalent
$77.1K - $137K
Lead / Principal
10+ years
$137K
$37/hr median equivalent
$116K - $167K
LevelExperienceProjected SalaryProjected RangeMarket Signal
Entry-Level Quality Inspector0-2 years$59,751.0$45,857.0 - $77,127.0+26% vs U.S.
Mid-Level Quality Inspector3-5 years$77,127.0$59,751.0 - $115,804+63% vs U.S.
Senior Quality Inspector6-10 years$115,804$77,127.0 - $136,526+144% vs U.S.
Lead / Principal Quality Inspector10+ years$136,526$115,804 - $166,561+188% vs U.S.
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Best Salary Areas Near Billings, MT

Nearby metro areas help show how Quality Inspector pay changes around Billings, MT. Each market reflects its own employer mix, local demand, and industry concentration, making these comparisons useful for candidates weighing their location options.

#1
Billings, MT
$77.1K
avg / year
Salary estimates are based on data from the Billings, Mt metropolitan area.
This guide
#2
Helena, MT
$59.0K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Quality Inspector salaries around Billings, MT.
-24% vs U.S.
#3
Bozeman, MT
$58.7K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Quality Inspector salaries around Billings, MT.
-24% vs U.S.
#4
Great Falls, MT
$55.9K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Quality Inspector salaries around Billings, MT.
-28% vs U.S.
#5
Missoula, MT
$48.2K
avg / year
Nearby labor market benchmark for comparing Quality Inspector salaries around Billings, MT.
-38% vs U.S.

Quality Inspector Salary by Industry in Billings, MT

Industry premiums in Billings, MT usually come from employers that place the Quality Inspector role close to revenue, infrastructure, compliance, product delivery, or other high-value work. National industry data gives the best available benchmark until local industry slices are available.

IndustryModeled SalaryReference RangeSignal
Utilities$81,760.0$46,590.0 - $113,270Stronger salary
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$61,100.0$44,430.0 - $87,580.0Stronger salary
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service$60,990.0$44,430.0 - $87,360.0Stronger salary
Construction$58,930.0$39,390.0 - $93,600.0Competitive
Educational Services$57,450.0$32,790.0 - $79,370.0Competitive
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction$54,520.0$38,710.0 - $86,940.0Competitive
Finance and Insurance$52,000.0$35,450.0 - $95,560.0Competitive
Information$51,620.0$34,210.0 - $82,820.0Competitive

Entry-Level Quality Inspector Salary in Billings, MT

Entry-level Quality Inspector jobs in Billings, MT are modeled around the lower local wage percentiles. Candidates who can show practical projects, job-ready tools, and strong fundamentals usually have a better path into the middle of the local salary range.

For a broader starting-pay benchmark beyond this city market, see the entry-level Quality Inspector salary guide.

Entry estimateA reasonable entry-level salary benchmark for Quality Inspector roles in Billings, MT is about $59,751.0.
Preparation pathJob Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Typical education: Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not. Training signal: Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.

Remote vs Onsite Quality Inspector Pay in Billings, MT

Remote work can widen the employer pool for Quality Inspector candidates in Billings, MT. Onsite and hybrid roles may still pay more when employers need local availability, local clients, regulated work, or team coverage.

Local Onsite Role
$77,127.0
avg local employer
Hybrid Role
$78,669.5
modeled local premium
+2% local avg
Work TypeEstimated SalaryExperienceBest FitFlexibility
Remote$75,584.5Market dependentNational hiring poolsHigh
Hybrid$78,669.5Metro dependentBillings, MT employersMedium
Onsite$77,127.0Location dependentLocal teams and operationsLower

Cost of Living vs Salary in Billings, MT

A salary in Billings, MT should be read alongside housing, commuting, tax, and everyday costs. The same annual pay can feel very different at entry, mid-level, and senior levels.

Monthly Expense
Entry
Mid
Senior
Housing / rent
$1.0K
$1.4K
$1.8K
Transport / commute
$225.0
$257.1
$289.2
Food and groceries
$482.0
$514.2
$578.5
Utilities and internet
$225.0
$257.1
$289.2
Estimated remainder
$2.2K
$3.3K
$4.1K
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Top Employers Hiring Quality Inspectors in Billings, MT

Employer mix is one of the biggest city-level salary drivers. The industries below highlight where Quality Inspector pay tends to be strongest in Billings, MT, based on the sectors that create the most hiring demand for this role.

1
Utilities employers
$81.8K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
2
Government, Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$61.1K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
3
Government Excluding Schools, Hospitals, and Postal Service employers
$61.0K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
4
Construction employers
$58.9K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
5
Educational Services employers
$57.5K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.
6
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction employers
$54.5K
Industry benchmark for Quality Inspector roles where local employer demand can lift salaries.

Billings, MT Compared With Other U.S. Cities

This comparison is useful when one city salary number is not enough on its own. It shows whetherBillings, MT is genuinely a stronger-paying market for Quality Inspector work or whether the local benchmark sits closer to the broader national middle.

Billings, MT
This guide
$77.1K
Baseline
Helena, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$59.0K
-24% vs U.S.
Bozeman, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$58.7K
-24% vs U.S.
Great Falls, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$55.9K
-28% vs U.S.
Missoula, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$48.2K
-38% vs U.S.
Great Falls, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$50.8K
-34% vs U.S.
Missoula, MT
Nearby U.S. market
$47.0K
-39% vs U.S.

Career Growth Opportunities in Billings, MT

Local career growth is strongest when it is read through both the city salary ladder and the broader national demand outlook. The city salary benchmark shows what this market currently pays, while the career path and BLS demand data show how that benchmark can expand with scope and responsibility.

1
Intern / Trainee
$27.5K - $37.0K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
2
Junior
$34.2K - $45.1K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
3
Mid Level
$42.7K - $53.2K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
4
Senior
$51.3K - $66.4K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
5
Lead
$60.7K - $76.9K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
6
Principal / Architect
$71.2K - $97.3K
Progression at this step usually reflects broader ownership, stronger specialization, and higher-value outcomes.
BLS Demand SignalEmployment is projected to change by 0.0% from 2024 to 2034.
Little or no changeAnnual openings: 69.9 thousand.
Metric2026 Outlook
Projected employment598k → 598.1k
Typical educationUsually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
Related experienceSome occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
Local market anchor170 jobs with a median of $77,127.0

Factors Affecting Quality Inspector Salary in Billings, MT

Local pay rarely moves for one reason alone. In city markets, the biggest differences usually come from employer concentration, industry mix, seniority, and whether the role is tied to business-critical work that is harder to staff.

Years of Experience
Salary usually rises as the role moves from entry-level execution to independent ownership, mentoring, and broader decision-making.
Location and Cost of Living
Local salary ranges vary by labor market, employer density, and household-income context.
Industry
Industry pay can vary when employers in higher-margin or harder-to-staff sectors compete for the same occupation.
Specialized Skills
O*NET marks high-demand role-specific skills as relevant skills for this role, making them useful anchors for specialization and salary-growth content.

How to Increase Your Quality Inspector Salary in Billings, MT

In city markets, salary growth often comes from better positioning as much as from patience. These moves are most useful when you already understand the local benchmark and want a clearer path beyond it.

1
Benchmark against stronger markets
Compare national, metro, and industry salary facts before negotiating so your target range is grounded in current wage data.
1-3 months timeline
2
Build a visible specialization
Prioritize skills such as high-demand role-specific skills; O*NET relevance scores make these good first candidates for portfolio and resume positioning.
3-9 months timeline
3
Target higher-paying industries
Use industry salary facts to identify sectors that already pay above the occupation baseline.
2-6 months timeline
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Quality Inspector Salary in Billings, MT: FAQs

These questions usually come up after readers compare the city benchmark, the statewide picture, and the local experience ladder. They help clarify how to read the market and what matters most when you compare this city with other options.

These FAQs focus on how readers searching for "Quality Inspector" usually compare local pay, employer mix, and market differences in this city.

What is the average Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers salary?
The latest national baseline for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers is about $47,500 per year, based on the current BLS-derived salary facts in CareerClev.
What is the entry-level Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers salary?
Entry-level estimates for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers are modeled around the lower BLS percentile range, currently about $34,600 per year nationally.
How much can senior Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers professionals earn?
Senior Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers estimates are modeled from upper percentile wage bands and currently sit around $60,000 per year nationally.
Does location affect Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers salary?
Yes. CareerClev stores salary facts by national, state, and metro locations, so location-specific pages should use the closest available geography instead of a single national number.
Which skills matter for Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, & Weighers salary growth?
CareerClev uses O*NET skill importance and level scores to identify role-relevant skills. These are useful for recommendations, but should not be presented as measured salary premiums unless enriched compensation data exists.
Data
Data Sources & MethodologyUpdated using 2024 BLS OEWS salary facts, O*NET occupation-skill data, Census location context where available, ILOSTAT country benchmarks where mapped, BLS Employment Projections where imported, and Stack Overflow Developer Survey enrichment for mapped tech roles.
Salary figures use BLS OEWS wage facts for 2024. City pages use the BLS metropolitan area as the salary dataset, display the largest city as the public page name, and model experience bands from local wage percentiles.
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