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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 41 | Computer Network Architects | Technology | $104K | $50.14/hr |
| 42 | Optometrists | Healthcare | $104K | $50.14/hr |
| 43 | Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $104K | N/A |
| 44 | Petroleum Engineers | Engineering | $104K | $50.03/hr |
| 45 | Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | Technology | $104K | $49.97/hr |
| 46 | Physicists | Science | $104K | $49.9/hr |
| 47 | Lawyers | Legal | $104K | $49.87/hr |
| 48 | Commercial Pilots | Transportation | $104K | N/A |
| 49 | Education Administrators, Postsecondary | Management | $103K | $49.51/hr |
| 50 | Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | Science | $102K | $49.02/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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Side-by-side salary and cost of living comparison
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Calculate take-home pay in Montana
After federal and state taxes
Can you afford a 2-bedroom in Montana?
Salary thresholds by HUD rent data
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Montana?
Monthly budget breakdown with HUD and BLS data