Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Montana

How to Become a Cooks, Restaurant in Montana

Cooks, Restaurants in Montana earn a median salary of $36,830/year, which is 0% above the national average. Montana has a state income tax of ~2.9%. After taxes and rent, a cooks, restaurant takes home approximately $1,135/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$37K
Median salary in Montana
N/A
vs. national average
2.9%
State income tax
8,170
Employed in Montana

What a cooks, restaurant can afford in Montana

Gross annual salary$36,830
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 2.9% state tax)$2,547/mo
Median 2BR rent (Montana)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home55.4% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$36,830/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$1,135/mo

Becoming a cooks, restaurant in Montana

1

Meet education requirements

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Montana typically require No formal educational credential. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Montana. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many cooks, restaurant positions in Montana require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Montana licensure or certification

Montana may require specific licensing or professional certification for cooks, restaurants. Requirements vary by state — contact the Montana Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Montana

Montana employs 8,170 cooks, restaurants. The highest concentrations are in Bozeman and Missoula.

Cooks, Restaurant salary by metro area in Montana

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Bozeman$39K$18.7/hr1,490
Missoula$37K$17.83/hr1,050
Billings$37K$17.55/hr1,470
Helena$36K$17.37/hr620
Great Falls$36K$17.1/hr550

Cooks, Restaurant salary range in Montana

10th percentile (entry)
$27K
25th percentile
$31K
Median (50th)
$37K
75th percentile
$45K
90th percentile (senior)
$51K
View jobs for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Montana
View →
More openings for Cooks, Restaurant
Currently hiring in Montana
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full cooks, restaurant salary breakdown in Montana
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Montana
After federal + 2.9% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Montana cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Cooks, Restaurant careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a cooks, restaurant make in Montana?

The median cooks, restaurant salary in Montana is $36,830 per year ($17.71/hr). This is 0% above the national median of $36,830. Salaries range from $26,540 to $50,780.

What are the requirements to become a cooks, restaurant in Montana?

Cooks, Restaurant positions in Montana typically require No formal educational credential. Montana may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Montana licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a cooks, restaurant afford to live in Montana?

At the median salary of $36,830, a cooks, restaurant in Montana would take home approximately $2,547/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 55.4% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for cooks, restaurants in Montana?

The highest paying metro areas for cooks, restaurants in Montana are Bozeman ($38,890), Missoula ($37,080), Billings ($36,510). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Montana have state income tax for cooks, restaurants?

Yes, Montana has a state income tax rate of approximately 2.9%. On a $36,830 salary, this means roughly $1,066/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.