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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 | Architectural and Engineering Managers | Management | $146K | $70.21/hr |
| 12 | Pharmacists | Healthcare | $142K | $68.31/hr |
| 13 | Physician Assistants | Healthcare | $141K | $68.02/hr |
| 14 | Nurse Practitioners | Healthcare | $137K | $65.97/hr |
| 15 | Computer and Information Systems Managers | Management | $133K | $63.87/hr |
| 16 | Advertising and Promotions Managers | Management | $132K | $63.35/hr |
| 17 | Financial Managers | Management | $131K | $63.01/hr |
| 18 | Administrative Services Managers | Management | $130K | $62.34/hr |
| 19 | Chemical Engineers | Engineering | $127K | $61.29/hr |
| 20 | Psychologists, All Other | Science | $127K | $61.04/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