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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | Personal Financial Advisors | Business & Finance | $97K | $46.85/hr |
| 72 | Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay | Repair & Maintenance | $97K | $46.82/hr |
| 73 | Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | Engineering | $97K | $46.77/hr |
| 74 | Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment | Repair & Maintenance | $97K | $46.42/hr |
| 75 | Facilities Managers | Management | $96K | $46.2/hr |
| 76 | Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary | Management | $96K | N/A |
| 77 | Physical Scientists, All Other | Science | $95K | $45.44/hr |
| 78 | Mechanical Engineers | Engineering | $94K | $45.28/hr |
| 79 | Agricultural Sciences Teachers, Postsecondary | Education | $93K | N/A |
| 80 | Electronics Engineers, Except Computer | Engineering | $93K | $44.89/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