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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | Civil Engineers | Engineering | $93K | $44.75/hr |
| 82 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Public Safety | $92K | $44.43/hr |
| 83 | Biological Scientists, All Other | Science | $92K | $44.02/hr |
| 84 | Physical Therapists | Healthcare | $91K | $43.97/hr |
| 85 | General and Operations Managers | Management | $91K | $43.93/hr |
| 86 | Computer Systems Analysts | Technology | $91K | $43.9/hr |
| 87 | Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers | Construction & Trades | $90K | $43.45/hr |
| 88 | Locomotive Engineers | Transportation | $90K | $43.38/hr |
| 89 | Computer Programmers | Technology | $90K | $43.23/hr |
| 90 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Public Safety | $89K | $42.97/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