Engineering job salary (Kalispell: home, luxury, income)

[bigtrees]

I just saw a job posted for a mechanical engineer in Kalispell. They want an experienced design engineer with Solid Works experience, and they only want to pay $16 - $18 an hour (!)

That's beyond unreal to me how low that it is and reminds me of how I forget what it was like to live there. Receiptionist/secretary positions pay that much here in Seattle without blinking, and engineering jobs are much higher.

I guess that why everyone told me growing up that people make money eslewhere then move to Montana, but I guess I just didn't believe them.

Ah well. They'll probably have 1000 applications for that job.

[Timberwolf232]

Welcome to MT. 10 Years ago you could live really good on $16-$18 bucks an hour.

Nowadays it's a different story, and nobody really cares about the locals, they just keep pouring in and trampling the place to death, just like they did to Colorado 20 years ago.

[Greybear]

I agree that seems low for a engineer. But keep in mind the cost of living in Montana is much lower than in Seattle.

[bigtrees]

Originally Posted by Greybear

I agree that seems low for a engineer. But keep in mind the cost of living in Montana is much lower than in Seattle.

Well, Montana cost of living used to be much lower than Seattle. Can't say that's true anymore. Vacant land is frequently similiar in price in the Flathead Valley (where the subject land is located) and the Puget Sound. Average cost of a home is a little cheaper in the Flathead Valley but not by much. Fuel, food, and taxes are all about the same. (No income tax in Washington). Luxury items are cheaper, but not 40% - 60% less.

[jimj]

Originally Posted by bigtrees

Well, Montana cost of living used to be much lower than Seattle. Can't say that's true anymore. Vacant land is frequently similiar in price in the Flathead Valley (where the subject land is located) and the Puget Sound. Average cost of a home is a little cheaper in the Flathead Valley but not by much. Fuel, food, and taxes are all about the same. (No income tax in Washington). Luxury items are cheaper, but not 40% - 60% less.

I don't even think that luxury items are cheaper anymore, I've done some looking for items lately and due to more competition many items were cheaper outside MT. Food costs more here since it has to be shipped in and with some items cost is way more since it's regulated by the state.

[Joe Doer]

Originally Posted by jimj

Food costs more here since it has to be shipped in and with some items cost is way more since it's regulated by the state.

I worked for a wholesale grocery distributor for 12 years. Every state has food shipped in. The grocery store chains have strategic distribution centers located around the country to minimize shipping costs. The wholesale cost does not vary much from state to state. The difference is at retail with variables such as local costs of building a store, wages, taxes, and competition. What items are regulated by the state?

[rickers]

Liquor and tobacco are regulated by the state.

[bigtrees]

Originally Posted by jimj

I don't even think that luxury items are cheaper anymore, I've done some looking for items lately and due to more competition many items were cheaper outside MT. Food costs more here since it has to be shipped in and with some items cost is way more since it's regulated by the state.

Beer is the main luxury item that is cheaper in Montana (at bars). I've heard a buck a beer is not unheard of there, and here in Seattle it's usually $4 - $5.50 a beer in bars.

[Joe Doer]

Originally Posted by rickers

Liquor and tobacco are regulated by the state.

I realize the state sets the retail for liquor in the state liquor stores.

Does the state really set retail prices for cigarettes and liquor from non state owned stores? That's a new one

[bigtrees]

Originally Posted by Joe Doer

I realize the state sets the retail for liquor in the state liquor stores.

Does the state really set retail prices for cigarettes and liquor from non state owned stores? That's a new one

The price isn't set but they are regulated fairly heavily. Primarily you have to have a state liquor (not beer and wine) license to sell hard alcohol. You don't see it in the grocery stores like you do other states (i.e., California and Arizona, among others)