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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 61 | Veterinarians | Healthcare | $99K | $47.78/hr |
| 62 | Financial and Investment Analysts | Business & Finance | $99K | $47.69/hr |
| 63 | Training and Development Managers | Management | $99K | $47.57/hr |
| 64 | Dental Hygienists | Healthcare | $98K | $47.33/hr |
| 65 | Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers | Production & Manufacturing | $98K | $47.26/hr |
| 66 | Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $98K | N/A |
| 67 | Environmental Science Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $98K | N/A |
| 68 | Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors | Engineering | $98K | $46.96/hr |
| 69 | Engineers, All Other | Engineering | $97K | $46.86/hr |
| 70 | Management Analysts | Business & Finance | $97K | $46.86/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