Top Paying Jobs in Montana
Montana has 100 tracked occupation categories totaling 67,850 jobs. The highest-paying occupations include Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric ($560,820), Physicians, All Other ($438,850), Radiologists ($360,330). The cost of living index is 97 (national average = 100). Median 2-bedroom rent is $1,129/month.
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State-level averages. Salaries, rent, and cost of living vary significantly between metros. For more accurate data, select a metro area from the list below or browse all metros.
$124K
Avg. median salary
97
Cost of living index
$1,129
Median 2BR rent
1,139,509
Population
Highest paying careers in Montana
| Rank | Occupation | Category | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 91 | Economists | Science | $89K | $42.95/hr |
| 92 | Occupational Therapists | Healthcare | $89K | $42.79/hr |
| 93 | Postmasters and Mail Superintendents | Management | $89K | $42.75/hr |
| 94 | Project Management Specialists | Business & Finance | $88K | $42.25/hr |
| 95 | Microbiologists | Science | $88K | $42.19/hr |
| 96 | Electrical Engineers | Engineering | $87K | $42/hr |
| 97 | Audiologists | Healthcare | $87K | $41.82/hr |
| 98 | Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | Healthcare | $87K | $41.8/hr |
| 99 | Registered Nurses | Healthcare | $85K | $41/hr |
| 100 | Funeral Home Managers | Management | $85K | $40.82/hr |
Affordability snapshot: Montana
These are statewide averages. Costs vary widely between metros, click into a specific city for precise numbers.
Cost of living vs. national average-3.0% less expensive
2-bedroom apartment (FMR)$1,129/mo
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Metro areas in Montana
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After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Montana?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
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Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data