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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 51 | Air Traffic Controllers | Transportation | $101K | $48.74/hr |
| 52 | Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $101K | N/A |
| 53 | Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $101K | N/A |
| 54 | Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | Healthcare | $101K | $48.56/hr |
| 55 | Financial Risk Specialists | Business & Finance | $101K | $48.52/hr |
| 56 | Data Scientists | Technology | $100K | $48.31/hr |
| 57 | Nuclear Medicine Technologists | Healthcare | $100K | $48.31/hr |
| 58 | Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $100K | N/A |
| 59 | Environmental Engineers | Engineering | $100K | $48.15/hr |
| 60 | Public Relations Managers | Management | $100K | $48.07/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