Average salary in Montana 

3 mins read by Kate Morgan Last updated October 4, 2024

This article will take you through the main things you need to know about the average salaries and highest paying counties in Montana

The vast expanse of Montana makes it challenging to determine an exact ‘good’ salary, but it is important to understand the financial landscape of the state. Montana is a beautiful state in the northwestern region of the United States and is known for its breathtaking landscapes and wide-open spaces. The cost of living in Montana is relatively lower compared to a state like California, making it an attractive destination for many who seek a peaceful lifestyle.

Montana's average salaries and highest paying counties provide a good idea of the earning potential in the state. But which cities and counties offer the highest average salaries?

Average salary in Montana by city

City living in Montana can also be more expensive than living in rural areas, but the average salaries can vary significantly by location. Montana's largest cities like Billings and Missoula offer higher salaries compared to smaller towns like Sidney and Libby. 

Average earnings by city—or any other geographical metric—is just one way of calculating wealth, and certainly shouldn’t be the only way you look at your own earning potential in a given place. It doesn’t take into account the type of jobs that people do to earn above or below this average bracket, and omits any consideration for the number of people living in a household. However, it’s certainly one way of establishing which place offers good earning opportunities. 

According to the US Census Bureau's latest American Community Survey, here are the average earnings for some of the largest cities in Montana:  

CityAverage earnings
Billings $59,515
Missoula $44,865
Great Falls $47,658
Bozeman $44,944
Butte-Silver Bow $46,151
Helena $52,080
Kalispell $41,729
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County $46,880
Havre $43,682
Miles City $42,958

Average salary in Montana by county

Reviewing average salaries in Montana by city is not necessarily an adequate metric for average salaries across the state, since it’s entirely urban focused. A good idea is to weigh these figures up against the average salary in Montana by county, as this will take areas outside the main cities into account and offer a broader idea of salary ranges.  

The same survey from the US Census Bureau gives further insight this way, with the average household income calculated for each county, the largest of which you can find below:  

County Average household income
Broadwater County $68,771
Gallatin County $68,019
Lewis and Clark County $67,733
Stillwater County $67,170
Jefferson County $65,697

Highest paying jobs in Montana

There’s another weighty factor that will influence how much you earn if you live in Montana: your job type. Average salaries for various sectors and job roles can vary massively across the state, so it’s absolutely something to consider when looking at salaries by location.  

Zippia has calculated a comprehensive list of annual salaries by job title. You can also find the top 10 highest-paying titles in Montana below.  

Occupation Average salary
Hospitalist Physician $243,933
Primary Care Pediatrician $235,305
Staff Psychiatrist $232,227
Physician-Pediatrician $225,119
Clinical Psychiatrist $209,445
Md Physician-Dermatologist $208,669
Pulmonary Physician $203,669
Senior Vice President, Engineering $202,171
Resident Physician in Radiology $199,092
Acute Care Physician $198,653

Frequently asked questions about salaries in Montana

What is the average salary in Montana by age? 

Similarly to California, age is also a factor that affects salaries in Montana, with more senior workers generally earning higher salaries. The median income for householders under 25 is $32,475; for those aged 25 to 44, it is $60,025; for those aged 45 to 64, it is $66,054; and for those 65 and older, it is $42,007. 

What is a 'good' salary in Montana? 

The median household income in Montana is $59,948. However, defining a "good" salary is subjective and depends on factors such as location, occupation, and lifestyle. For example, a salary of $80,000 may be considered "good" in some areas of Montana, but in more expensive cities like Bozeman or Missoula, it may not be sufficient. 

What is the average salary in Montana by hour? 

Based on an average of 1,801 hours worked per year, the average hourly salary in Montana is approximately $26.99. However, this can vary widely depending on the industry and occupation. 

Getting expert advice before you make significant financial decisions can really benefit you in the long term. Protect your financial future and speak to one of our financial advisors today.  

Content writer

Kate Morgan

Kate has written for leading publications and blue chip companies over the last 20 years.