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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 | Purchasing Managers | Management | $123K | $59.36/hr |
| 22 | Healthcare Diagnosing or Treating Practitioners, All Other | Healthcare | $123K | $59.1/hr |
| 23 | Software Developers | Technology | $122K | $58.65/hr |
| 24 | Industrial Production Managers | Management | $121K | $58.03/hr |
| 25 | Natural Sciences Managers | Management | $119K | $57.42/hr |
| 26 | Sales Managers | Management | $117K | $56.44/hr |
| 27 | Human Resources Managers | Management | $115K | $55.42/hr |
| 28 | Managers, All Other | Management | $110K | $53.11/hr |
| 29 | Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers | Repair & Maintenance | $110K | $53.04/hr |
| 30 | Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers | Management | $110K | $53/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