Montana salaries by occupation
The median worker in Montana earned $47,360 a year in 2024, about $22.77 an hour, 4.3% below the national median of $49,500. The state reports wages for 462 occupations.
Median pay $47,360 $22.77 per hour
Vs national median -4.3% U.S. $49,500
Workers 510,020 wage and salary
Occupations reported 462 with at least 100 employed
What Montana is unusually full of
Location quotient measures how concentrated an occupation is here against the country as a whole. A value of 3 means the state employs three times the national share of those workers. It describes a labour market far better than a list of the biggest employers, which in every state is dominated by retail and food service.
| Occupation | Concentration | Employed | Median pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | 18.85× | 1,940 | $54,310 |
| Locomotive Engineers | 9.13× | 970 | $81,160 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers | 9.1× | 770 | $33,530 |
| Directors, Religious Activities and Education | 7.32× | 520 | $38,790 |
| Fence Erectors | 7.01× | 520 | $49,710 |
| Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation | 6.03× | 500 | $37,960 |
| Farmworkers, Farm, Ranch, and Aquacultural Animals | 5.58× | 650 | $37,110 |
| Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | 4.95× | 570 | $97,840 |
| Lodging Managers | 4.23× | 580 | $66,730 |
| Clergy | 4.1× | 790 | $58,970 |
Metro areas in Montana
Pay varies more between cities than between states, and a statewide median averages over that. These are the 5 Montana metropolitan areas the survey covers.
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Workers | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $49,920 | $24.00 | 71,630 | #80 |
| Helena | $49,300 | $23.70 | 43,730 | #100 |
| Billings | $47,640 | $22.90 | 93,790 | #155 |
| Missoula | $46,660 | $22.44 | 66,580 | #195 |
| Great Falls | $44,770 | $21.53 | 36,770 | #272 |
Highest paying occupations
| Occupation | Median | Hourly | Employed | Rank of states |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chief Executives | $194,460 | $93.49 | 630 | #11 of 33 |
| Dentists, General | $159,480 | $76.67 | 480 | #34 of 46 |
| Pharmacists | $137,230 | $65.98 | 1,330 | #21 of 51 |
| Nurse Practitioners | $133,640 | $64.25 | 1,050 | #11 of 50 |
| Physician Assistants | $132,980 | $63.93 | 610 | #24 of 51 |
| Marketing Managers | $132,180 | $63.55 | 510 | #26 of 47 |
| Purchasing Managers | $129,000 | $62.02 | 210 | #28 of 46 |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $128,680 | $61.87 | 520 | #49 of 49 |
| Computer Programmers | $128,630 | $61.84 | 450 | #2 of 48 |
| Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | $126,670 | n/a | 240 | #5 of 45 |
| Financial Managers | $126,190 | $60.67 | 1,400 | #41 of 51 |
| Sales Managers | $125,170 | $60.18 | 750 | #34 of 50 |
Where most people work
| Occupation | Employed | Median | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 15,940 | $29,280 | $14.08 |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,500 | $35,000 | $16.83 |
| Cashiers | 12,500 | $30,620 | $14.72 |
| Office Clerks, General | 11,350 | $44,100 | $21.20 |
| General and Operations Managers | 11,090 | $85,240 | $40.98 |
| Registered Nurses | 10,540 | $81,560 | $39.21 |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 9,200 | $37,390 | $17.98 |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 8,880 | $38,500 | $18.51 |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 8,170 | $36,830 | $17.71 |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 8,010 | $33,150 | $15.94 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024 state estimates. Wage and salary workers only, excluding the self-employed.
Every occupation reported in Montana
Grouped by field. Each links to a comparison of that job across all states.
Office and administrative support 41
- Cargo and Freight Agents $60,660
- First-Line Supervisors of Office and Administrative Support Workers $60,560
- Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistants $60,050
- Eligibility Interviewers, Government Programs $59,780
- Postal Service Clerks $57,870
- Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operators $57,490
- Postal Service Mail Carriers $56,330
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks $50,270
- Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerks $49,920
- Human Resources Assistants, Except Payroll and Timekeeping $48,710
- Public Safety Telecommunicators $48,440
- Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerks $48,140
- Loan Interviewers and Clerks $47,840
- Brokerage Clerks $47,710
- Information and Record Clerks, All Other $46,510
- Order Clerks $46,490
- Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance $46,420
- Procurement Clerks $45,970
- Bill and Account Collectors $45,830
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks $45,600
- Billing and Posting Clerks $45,360
- Financial Clerks, All Other $44,680
- Court, Municipal, and License Clerks $44,460
- Office Clerks, General $44,100
- Customer Service Representatives $43,820
- Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $43,230
- Interviewers, Except Eligibility and Loan $43,120
- New Accounts Clerks $42,180
- Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive $41,720
- Weighers, Measurers, Checkers, and Samplers, Recordkeeping $41,260
- Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerks $41,150
- Office and Administrative Support Workers, All Other $40,920
- Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants $39,870
- Data Entry Keyers $39,750
- Tellers $37,640
- Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerks $37,610
- Mail Clerks and Mail Machine Operators, Except Postal Service $37,570
- Office Machine Operators, Except Computer $36,410
- File Clerks $36,160
- Receptionists and Information Clerks $35,360
- Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks $35,160
Production 37
- Power Plant Operators $102,610
- Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers $97,840
- Plant and System Operators, All Other $78,850
- Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators $67,130
- Chemical Plant and System Operators $65,190
- First-Line Supervisors of Production and Operating Workers $65,140
- Machinists $61,230
- Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operators $59,960
- Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weighers $57,520
- Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers $51,280
- Dental Laboratory Technicians $50,540
- Separating, Filtering, Clarifying, Precipitating, and Still Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $49,090
- Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood $48,950
- Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $48,290
- Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing $47,940
- Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $47,740
- Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operators $47,210
- Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenters $47,170
- Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $46,490
- Slaughterers and Meat Packers $46,180
- Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $45,910
- Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers $44,920
- Electrical, Electronic, and Electromechanical Assemblers, Except Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers $44,750
- Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $43,690
- Food Batchmakers $42,640
- Helpers--Production Workers $42,100
- Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tenders $41,200
- Miscellaneous Assemblers and Fabricators $40,980
- Butchers and Meat Cutters $40,770
- Production Workers, All Other $39,390
- Printing Press Operators $38,640
- Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic $38,090
- Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders $37,630
- Sewing Machine Operators $37,240
- Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers $36,640
- Bakers $35,720
- Furnace, Kiln, Oven, Drier, and Kettle Operators and Tenders $29,330
Education and library 34
- Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary $126,670
- Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary $107,170
- Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary $99,490
- Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary $97,620
- Chemistry Teachers, Postsecondary $85,920
- Nursing Instructors and Teachers, Postsecondary $84,550
- Business Teachers, Postsecondary $80,590
- Mathematical Science Teachers, Postsecondary $80,010
- Area, Ethnic, and Cultural Studies Teachers, Postsecondary $76,670
- Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary $75,710
- Education Teachers, Postsecondary $75,540
- Postsecondary Teachers, All Other $67,600
- Special Education Teachers, Middle School $63,990
- English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary $63,000
- Librarians and Media Collections Specialists $62,020
- Middle School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $61,460
- Special Education Teachers, Secondary School $61,410
- Special Education Teachers, Kindergarten and Elementary School $60,200
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School $59,970
- Career/Technical Education Teachers, Postsecondary $59,960
- Instructional Coordinators $59,230
- Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education $58,730
- Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education $56,200
- Adult Basic Education, Adult Secondary Education, and English as a Second Language Instructors $55,700
- Kindergarten Teachers, Except Special Education $50,340
- Teachers and Instructors, All Other $50,130
- Educational Instruction and Library Workers, All Other $49,580
- Self-Enrichment Teachers $41,940
- Tutors $40,660
- Library Technicians $36,140
- Preschool Teachers, Except Special Education $35,590
- Teaching Assistants, Except Postsecondary $33,720
- Teaching Assistants, Postsecondary $29,160
- Substitute Teachers, Short-Term $28,410
Healthcare practitioners 33
- Dentists, General $159,480
- Pharmacists $137,230
- Nurse Practitioners $133,640
- Physician Assistants $132,980
- Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other $124,550
- Optometrists $108,600
- Diagnostic Medical Sonographers $97,000
- Dental Hygienists $94,740
- Physical Therapists $92,910
- Occupational Therapists $84,440
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists $83,640
- Veterinarians $82,340
- Registered Nurses $81,560
- Health Information Technologists and Medical Registrars $81,490
- Respiratory Therapists $80,950
- Speech-Language Pathologists $80,330
- Chiropractors $76,490
- Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians $76,370
- Radiologic Technologists and Technicians $75,280
- Dietitians and Nutritionists $65,590
- Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians $65,290
- Surgical Assistants $64,810
- Surgical Technologists $60,610
- Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses $59,750
- Health Technologists and Technicians, All Other $53,450
- Medical Records Specialists $49,930
- Paramedics $49,360
- Ophthalmic Medical Technicians $47,110
- Pharmacy Technicians $46,980
- Opticians, Dispensing $44,600
- Veterinary Technologists and Technicians $39,690
- Psychiatric Technicians $37,850
- Emergency Medical Technicians $34,900
Construction and extraction 31
- Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters $77,930
- First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers $74,990
- Electricians $68,980
- Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators $67,050
- Brickmasons and Blockmasons $65,070
- Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining $64,740
- Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas $62,920
- Sheet Metal Workers $61,940
- Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas $61,850
- Highway Maintenance Workers $60,730
- Construction and Building Inspectors $60,500
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators $60,130
- Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators $58,980
- Roustabouts, Oil and Gas $58,690
- Carpenters $58,110
- Structural Iron and Steel Workers $56,140
- Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers $55,220
- Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters $53,360
- Hazardous Materials Removal Workers $52,280
- Tile and Stone Setters $50,440
- Insulation Workers, Floor, Ceiling, and Wall $49,770
- Fence Erectors $49,710
- Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners $49,410
- Construction Laborers $49,230
- Roofers $49,020
- Painters, Construction and Maintenance $48,920
- Miscellaneous Construction and Related Workers $46,080
- Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installers $46,030
- Helpers--Extraction Workers $46,030
- Helpers--Carpenters $41,600
- Carpet Installers $27,940
Management 28
- Chief Executives $194,460
- Marketing Managers $132,180
- Purchasing Managers $129,000
- Architectural and Engineering Managers $128,680
- Financial Managers $126,190
- Sales Managers $125,170
- Industrial Production Managers $119,990
- Natural Sciences Managers $117,140
- Administrative Services Managers $112,770
- Human Resources Managers $108,370
- Managers, All Other $105,840
- Medical and Health Services Managers $104,590
- Fundraising Managers $103,040
- Construction Managers $102,820
- Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Managers $102,480
- Education Administrators, Postsecondary $102,150
- Public Relations Managers $101,700
- Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary $97,380
- Facilities Managers $92,600
- Postmasters and Mail Superintendents $85,320
- General and Operations Managers $85,240
- Social and Community Service Managers $70,830
- Lodging Managers $66,730
- Education Administrators, All Other $65,210
- Food Service Managers $63,370
- Education and Childcare Administrators, Preschool and Daycare $52,300
- Legislators $50,710
- Property, Real Estate, and Community Association Managers $47,960
Installation, maintenance and repair 28
- Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers $107,540
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay $107,490
- Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers $77,210
- First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers $75,960
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment $75,180
- Medical Equipment Repairers $72,830
- Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines $71,440
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics $69,880
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians $62,990
- Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers $58,680
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers $58,600
- Farm Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians $58,220
- Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics $57,060
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists $57,060
- Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers $55,100
- Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers $51,110
- Automotive Body and Related Repairers $48,840
- Mechanical Door Repairers $48,450
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other $48,230
- Automotive Glass Installers and Repairers $47,430
- Outdoor Power Equipment and Other Small Engine Mechanics $46,740
- Coin, Vending, and Amusement Machine Servicers and Repairers $46,480
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General $45,710
- Home Appliance Repairers $45,330
- Motorcycle Mechanics $44,840
- Tire Repairers and Changers $40,000
- Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers $37,690
- Bicycle Repairers $33,780
Business and financial 27
- Personal Financial Advisors $96,670
- Financial and Investment Analysts $95,990
- Management Analysts $85,760
- Project Management Specialists $85,140
- Financial Examiners $82,880
- Logisticians $77,380
- Budget Analysts $74,960
- Accountants and Auditors $74,400
- Business Operations Specialists, All Other $72,690
- Financial Specialists, All Other $72,600
- Tax Preparers $71,370
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists $71,100
- Cost Estimators $68,360
- Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists $66,840
- Loan Officers $65,960
- Credit Analysts $65,690
- Labor Relations Specialists $64,360
- Compliance Officers $63,330
- Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators $63,240
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents $62,420
- Human Resources Specialists $61,860
- Property Appraisers and Assessors $60,990
- Buyers and Purchasing Agents $60,620
- Insurance Underwriters $60,350
- Training and Development Specialists $59,900
- Fundraisers $59,750
- Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners $47,750
Life, physical and social science 23
- Microbiologists $88,770
- Physical Scientists, All Other $85,160
- Biological Scientists, All Other $84,640
- Geoscientists, Except Hydrologists and Geographers $84,630
- Hydrologists $80,690
- Social Scientists and Related Workers, All Other $78,770
- Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health $78,510
- School Psychologists $76,350
- Urban and Regional Planners $75,950
- Conservation Scientists $74,900
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists $74,500
- Soil and Plant Scientists $74,330
- Anthropologists and Archeologists $72,550
- Epidemiologists $67,830
- Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists $67,120
- Foresters $64,200
- Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists $64,060
- Chemists $60,100
- Forest and Conservation Technicians $54,310
- Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other $50,510
- Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health $50,220
- Chemical Technicians $50,160
- Biological Technicians $47,090
Transport and material moving 23
- Commercial Pilots $103,110
- Locomotive Engineers $81,160
- Railroad Conductors and Yardmasters $75,990
- Wellhead Pumpers $61,780
- First-Line Supervisors of Transportation and Material Moving Workers, Except Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors $60,320
- Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers $59,060
- Material Moving Workers, All Other $56,430
- Refuse and Recyclable Material Collectors $51,230
- Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers $49,800
- Transportation Inspectors $49,010
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators $47,230
- Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity $46,760
- Light Truck Drivers $46,220
- Conveyor Operators and Tenders $46,090
- Bus Drivers, School $45,810
- Laborers and Freight, Stock, and Material Movers, Hand $40,810
- Stockers and Order Fillers $38,500
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants $37,910
- Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeurs $36,780
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment $35,810
- Packers and Packagers, Hand $34,040
- Motor Vehicle Operators, All Other $31,600
- Driver/Sales Workers $30,100
Architecture and engineering 19
- Industrial Engineers $103,210
- Materials Engineers $100,600
- Electronics Engineers, Except Computer $100,430
- Mining and Geological Engineers, Including Mining Safety Engineers $99,830
- Mechanical Engineers $99,250
- Electrical Engineers $99,230
- Environmental Engineers $96,320
- Engineers, All Other $87,130
- Petroleum Engineers $84,380
- Architects, Except Landscape and Naval $82,670
- Civil Engineers $80,390
- Surveyors $79,230
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians $75,910
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians $72,960
- Architectural and Civil Drafters $68,010
- Drafters, All Other $62,410
- Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other $60,600
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians $58,740
- Surveying and Mapping Technicians $49,310
Sales 17
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products $81,270
- First-Line Supervisors of Non-Retail Sales Workers $78,220
- Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agents $68,230
- Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel $60,570
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products $60,300
- Real Estate Brokers $59,310
- Insurance Sales Agents $57,360
- Real Estate Sales Agents $56,670
- Travel Agents $53,540
- Advertising Sales Agents $49,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers $47,970
- Parts Salespersons $42,620
- Counter and Rental Clerks $42,220
- Sales and Related Workers, All Other $39,520
- Retail Salespersons $35,000
- Cashiers $30,620
- Gambling Change Persons and Booth Cashiers $22,820
Community and social service 16
- Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors $59,480
- Clergy $58,970
- Healthcare Social Workers $58,760
- Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors $58,660
- Community Health Workers $54,950
- Health Education Specialists $52,030
- Child, Family, and School Social Workers $49,630
- Social Workers, All Other $49,600
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists $49,140
- Community and Social Service Specialists, All Other $47,100
- Rehabilitation Counselors $44,660
- Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers $43,880
- Directors, Religious Activities and Education $38,790
- Counselors, All Other $38,130
- Social and Human Service Assistants $36,910
- Religious Workers, All Other $35,740
Arts, design, entertainment and media 16
- Public Relations Specialists $58,630
- Graphic Designers $55,370
- Interior Designers $53,230
- Producers and Directors $49,100
- Music Directors and Composers $48,530
- Editors $45,470
- Audio and Video Technicians $43,500
- Film and Video Editors $42,550
- Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers $39,540
- Coaches and Scouts $38,140
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists $36,510
- Photographers $36,180
- Broadcast Announcers and Radio Disc Jockeys $35,360
- Camera Operators, Television, Video, and Film $35,080
- Umpires, Referees, and Other Sports Officials $31,050
- Floral Designers $30,160
Personal care and service 16
- Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers $49,140
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers $46,900
- Residential Advisors $43,870
- Skincare Specialists $39,620
- First-Line Supervisors of Entertainment and Recreation Workers, Except Gambling Services $38,510
- Hairdressers, Hairstylists, and Cosmetologists $38,230
- Exercise Trainers and Group Fitness Instructors $38,020
- Tour and Travel Guides $36,350
- Funeral Attendants $35,410
- First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers $33,530
- Recreation Workers $33,310
- Animal Caretakers $32,290
- Childcare Workers $31,440
- Entertainment Attendants and Related Workers, All Other $29,260
- Amusement and Recreation Attendants $27,860
- Gambling Service Workers, All Other $23,430
Food preparation and serving 15
- Chefs and Head Cooks $55,650
- First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers $42,050
- Cooks, All Other $41,220
- Cooks, Restaurant $36,830
- Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria $36,690
- Food Servers, Nonrestaurant $31,670
- Food Preparation Workers $31,420
- Fast Food and Counter Workers $29,280
- Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop $29,160
- Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helpers $28,590
- Dishwashers $28,270
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Workers, All Other $27,330
- Cooks, Fast Food $26,260
- Bartenders $22,840
- Waiters and Waitresses $22,630
Computing and mathematics 14
- Computer Programmers $128,630
- Data Scientists $106,860
- Computer Network Architects $101,240
- Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers $100,790
- Software Developers $100,190
- Computer Systems Analysts $89,060
- Web and Digital Interface Designers $87,660
- Database Administrators $80,960
- Computer Occupations, All Other $78,690
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators $77,840
- Operations Research Analysts $71,350
- Web Developers $65,490
- Computer Network Support Specialists $57,500
- Computer User Support Specialists $53,410
Protective service 14
- Detectives and Criminal Investigators $95,640
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers $84,310
- First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives $84,110
- Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers $69,910
- First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers $65,120
- First-Line Supervisors of Security Workers $64,300
- Firefighters $64,020
- Correctional Officers and Jailers $49,700
- Transportation Security Screeners $49,000
- Crossing Guards and Flaggers $42,300
- Protective Service Workers, All Other $39,560
- Security Guards $38,300
- School Bus Monitors $33,230
- Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Workers $29,890
Healthcare support 13
- Physical Therapist Assistants $62,540
- Massage Therapists $52,000
- Healthcare Support Workers, All Other $46,160
- Phlebotomists $46,040
- Dental Assistants $45,820
- Medical Assistants $45,440
- Medical Equipment Preparers $40,830
- Nursing Assistants $39,300
- Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers $37,060
- Psychiatric Aides $36,390
- Pharmacy Aides $35,440
- Physical Therapist Aides $34,870
- Home Health and Personal Care Aides $33,150
Building and grounds maintenance 9
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers $55,680
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners $49,860
- First-Line Supervisors of Housekeeping and Janitorial Workers $46,170
- Pest Control Workers $44,820
- Grounds Maintenance Workers, All Other $44,720
- Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers $39,530
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation $37,960
- Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $37,390
- Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners $34,020
Legal 4
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary in Montana?
The median across all occupations is $47,360 a year, or $22.77 an hour, covering 510,020 wage and salary workers. Median rather than mean, because a handful of very high earners pull an average upward and describe nobody.
Which jobs pay the most in Montana?
Chief Executives ($194,460), Dentists, General ($159,480), Pharmacists ($137,230) lead the table. Medical specialities dominate the top of almost every state list, which says more about how the occupation is classified than about local conditions.
What does Montana employ the most people in?
Fast Food and Counter Workers, with 15,940 employed at a median of $29,280. The largest occupations in any state are usually retail, food service, transport and administrative roles.
Does a higher salary here mean more money in practice?
Not necessarily. Wages and living costs move together. Montana electricity averages 14.67¢ per kilowatt-hour against a national 16.44¢ in Texas as one comparison, and housing costs vary far more than that. Read a salary figure alongside what it costs to live where it is earned.