Skip to content
AffordMap
Food Service · Montana

How to Become a Waiters and Waitresses in Montana

Waiters and Waitresses in Montana earn a median salary of $22,630/year, which is 33% below the national average. Montana has a state income tax of ~1.7%. After taxes and rent, a waiters and waitresses takes home approximately $235/month. Most positions require No formal educational credential.

$23K
Median salary in Montana
-33%
vs. national average
1.7%
State income tax
7,630
Employed in Montana

What a waiters and waitresses can afford in Montana

Gross annual salary$22,630
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 1.7% state tax)$1,647/mo
Median 2BR rent (Montana)-$1,412/mo
Rent as % of take-home85.7% (above 30% guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$22,630/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$235/mo

Becoming a waiters and waitresses in Montana

1

Meet education requirements

Waiters and Waitresses 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 waiters and waitresses 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 waiters and waitressess. 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 7,630 waiters and waitresses. The highest concentrations are in Bozeman and Billings.

Waiters and Waitresses salary by metro area in Montana

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Bozeman$24K$11.34/hr1,400
Billings$22K$10.81/hr1,450
Great Falls$22K$10.78/hr440
Missoula$22K$10.55/hr1,000
Helena$22K$10.52/hr550

Waiters and Waitresses salary range in Montana

10th percentile (entry)
$21K
25th percentile
$22K
Median (50th)
$23K
75th percentile
$27K
90th percentile (senior)
$45K
View jobs for Waiters and Waitresses
Currently hiring in Montana
View →
More openings for Waiters and Waitresses
Currently hiring in Montana
View →
Find accredited trade programs
Apprenticeship and certification paths
View →
Full waiters and waitresses salary breakdown in Montana
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Montana
After federal + 1.7% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Montana cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Waiters and Waitresses careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a waiters and waitresses make in Montana?

The median waiters and waitresses salary in Montana is $22,630 per year ($10.88/hr). This is 33% below the national median of $33,760. Salaries range from $21,420 to $44,580.

What are the requirements to become a waiters and waitresses in Montana?

Waiters and Waitresses 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 waiters and waitresses afford to live in Montana?

At the median salary of $22,630, a waiters and waitresses in Montana would take home approximately $1,647/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 85.7% of take-home pay going to housing. This exceeds the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for waiters and waitresses in Montana?

The highest paying metro areas for waiters and waitresses in Montana are Bozeman ($23,590), Billings ($22,480), Great Falls ($22,420). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Montana have state income tax for waiters and waitresses?

Yes, Montana has a state income tax rate of approximately 1.7%. On a $22,630 salary, this means roughly $377/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.