Everything we can verify about jobs, pay and living in Montana, from official statistics, with source and date on every table.
Click any dot to open that city: jobs, pay, rent, commute, county economy and climate. Dot size follows population; colours follow the state flag.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 08/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
The 30 largest places in Montana, each with its own guide. The map above shows them all; open the sortable tables with GDP, jobs and rent →
| # ⇅ | City ⇅ | Population ⇅ | Median household income ⇅ | Median rent ⇅ | Unemployment (ACS) ⇅ | Bachelor's+ ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Billings | 119,434 | $73,712 | $1,138 | 3.5% | 36.9% |
| 2 | Missoula | 76,514 | $70,392 | $1,189 | 3.8% | 53.0% |
| 3 | Great Falls | 60,329 | $63,373 | $900 | 3.7% | 27.8% |
| 4 | Bozeman | 56,114 | $85,747 | $1,717 | 3.0% | 65.1% |
| 5 | Butte-Silver Bow | 35,052 | $61,857 | $856 | 4.0% | 28.1% |
| 6 | Helena | 33,639 | $71,036 | $1,092 | 2.9% | 50.6% |
| 7 | Kalispell | 28,504 | $63,415 | $1,078 | 2.6% | 34.8% |
| 8 | Belgrade | 11,872 | $97,328 | $1,877 | 3.0% | 37.5% |
| 9 | Evergreen | 9,611 | $76,446 | $1,166 | 3.5% | 24.2% |
| 10 | Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | 9,597 | $57,527 | $696 | 3.4% | 24.1% |
| 11 | Havre | 9,258 | $50,329 | $844 | 3.0% | 27.3% |
| 12 | Helena Valley Southeast | 9,108 | $74,075 | $1,106 | 4.9% | 25.4% |
| 13 | Livingston | 8,780 | $65,861 | $1,046 | 1.9% | 38.6% |
| 14 | Whitefish | 8,749 | $73,811 | $1,354 | 2.4% | 56.8% |
| 15 | Miles City | 8,407 | $67,727 | $926 | 3.9% | 25.4% |
| 16 | Helena Valley West Central | 8,056 | $90,082 | $1,327 | 3.8% | 41.1% |
| 17 | Laurel | 7,215 | $68,474 | $974 | 2.4% | 20.8% |
| 18 | Lockwood | 7,181 | $75,700 | $1,138 | 4.4% | 15.4% |
| 19 | Sidney | 6,171 | $62,538 | $931 | 3.5% | 22.0% |
| 20 | Lewistown | 6,087 | $48,750 | $1,007 | 7.0% | 17.7% |
| 21 | Four Corners | 5,791 | $100,917 | $1,338 | 0.5% | 60.9% |
| 22 | Columbia Falls | 5,615 | $75,766 | $1,016 | 5.6% | 32.1% |
| 23 | Orchard Homes | 5,588 | $64,904 | $1,000 | 4.7% | 44.4% |
| 24 | Bigfork | 5,565 | $85,307 | $1,016 | 1.8% | 50.4% |
| 25 | Polson | 5,428 | $53,418 | $912 | 7.9% | 29.6% |
| 26 | Helena Valley Northwest | 5,183 | $100,605 | $1,603 | 4.5% | 35.7% |
| 27 | Hamilton | 5,101 | $49,204 | $947 | 2.0% | 30.8% |
| 28 | Glendive | 4,810 | $72,670 | $842 | 4.3% | 23.5% |
| 29 | Helena Valley Northeast | 4,659 | $140,517 | n/a | 1.4% | 45.5% |
| 30 | Lolo | 4,314 | $86,065 | $1,139 | 0.8% | 40.9% |
Montana is in the West region (Mountain division), with 1,116,875 residents, a median age of 40.4 and a median household income of $72,509. The unemployment rate was 3.1% in 2026M09, and the state's price level is 94.6 against 100 for the US as a whole.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ | Rank among 50 states + DC ⇅ | Direction ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $72,509 | 37 of 51 | higher is better |
| Unemployment rate | 3.1% | 8 of 51 | lower is better |
| Job openings rate | 4.0% | 26 of 51 | higher is better |
| Price level (RPP) | 94.6 | 22 of 51 | lower is better |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 35.2% | 23 of 51 | higher is better |
| Foreign-born share | 2.3% | 50 of 51 | higher is better |
See the 252 federal jobs open now →Country guide: United States250 largest cities30 cities: tables and mapRankings
Neighbouring states in the Mountain division: Arizona · Colorado · Idaho · Nevada · New Mexico · Utah · Wyoming.
Montana is in the West region (Mountain division) and has 1,116,875 residents (the 43rd largest of the 50 states and DC by population), with a median age of 40.4. Its economy produced about $83,742 million in the latest four quarters (BEA), 48th among states and DC, equal to $74,979 per resident.
The unemployment rate was 3.1% in 2026M09, which is 8th lowest of 51 (1st is the lowest). Employers had job openings equal to 4.0% of employment, 26th highest of 51, a measure of how hard it is to hire. The median wage across all occupations is $48,740 a year ($23.43 an hour), 4% below the national median ($48,740 against $50,980).
The occupations with the most jobs in Montana are Fast Food and Counter Workers (14,960 jobs, median $29,090); Retail Salespersons (13,490 jobs, median $36,270); Cashiers (12,170 jobs, median $34,190); General and Operations Managers (11,840 jobs, median $91,380); Registered Nurses (10,950 jobs, median $85,280). Among occupations with at least 2,000 jobs, the best paid are Software Developers (median $121,990); Construction Managers (median $104,480); Lawyers (median $103,720). Compared with the nation, the state is most specialised in construction and extraction (1.5 times the national share of workers) and building and grounds cleaning and maintenance (1.4 times the national share of workers).
Prices are below the national average in Montana: the regional price parity is 94.6 against 100 for the whole country (22nd lowest of 51). Median gross rent is $1,081 a month and the median household income $72,509, so a year of rent equals 17.9% of income; the median home value is $375,800. The state minimum wage is $10.85 (the higher of state and federal rates applies to most workers). State income tax on wages: Graduated, top rate 5.65%. It is not a right-to-work state, so union contracts can require fees from covered workers. It has no state paid family and medical leave programme in our source.
2.3% of residents were born abroad and 35.2% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Among workers, 71.1% drive alone, 0.6% use public transit and 12.5% work from home; 8.2% commute 45 minutes or more.
These links go to official sources and open in a new window. The first one is the government's or company's own site as listed in Wikidata (property "official website"); check it before relying on it.
| Industry ⇅ | GDP ($ million, annual rate) ⇅ | Share of state GDP ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate and rental and leasing | 12,073 | 14.4% |
| Government and government enterprises | 10,096 | 12.1% |
| Health care and social assistance | 8,156 | 9.7% |
| Retail trade | 5,948 | 7.1% |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 5,514 | 6.6% |
| Construction | 5,264 | 6.3% |
| Finance and insurance | 5,196 | 6.2% |
| Wholesale trade | 4,778 | 5.7% |
| Manufacturing | 4,147 | 5.0% |
| Accommodation and food services | 3,895 | 4.7% |
| Transportation and warehousing | 3,187 | 3.8% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting | 2,926 | 3.5% |
| Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction | 2,685 | 3.2% |
| Information | 2,433 | 2.9% |
| Administrative and support and waste management and remediation services | 2,162 | 2.6% |
| Other services (except government and government enterprises) | 1,864 | 2.2% |
| Utilities | 1,572 | 1.9% |
| Arts, entertainment, and recreation | 1,046 | 1.2% |
| Educational services | 447 | 0.5% |
| Management of companies and enterprises | 355 | 0.4% |
| Sector ⇅ | Jobs (payroll) ⇅ | Change in 12 months ⇅ | Month ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mining and logging | 5,700 | -1.7% | 2026M09 |
| Construction | 38,700 | +0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Manufacturing | 20,600 | -1.4% | 2026M09 |
| Trade, transportation and utilities | 101,800 | +0.5% | 2026M09 |
| Information | 5,400 | -5.3% | 2026M09 |
| Financial activities | 26,300 | -4.0% | 2026M09 |
| Professional and business services | 54,600 | +0.2% | 2026M09 |
| Education and health services | 88,800 | +2.8% | 2026M09 |
| Leisure and hospitality | 72,300 | -5.0% | 2026M09 |
| Other services | 19,500 | +0.0% | 2026M09 |
| Government | 91,900 | -1.2% | 2026M09 |
BEA values are seasonally adjusted annual rates averaged over the latest four quarters. BLS payroll counts are not seasonally adjusted. The state total of jobs is 525,600 (latest month).
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 59,680 | 116.6 | 1.02 | $45,870 | $34,490 | $64,490 | -3% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 53,110 | 103.8 | 1.18 | $30,580 | $22,400 | $46,590 | -13% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 39,220 | 76.7 | 0.87 | $45,780 | $30,880 | $72,790 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 45,970 | 89.9 | 1.04 | $38,380 | $28,330 | $76,310 | -0% |
| Management | 32,220 | 63.0 | 0.88 | $101,400 | $54,990 | $194,960 | -20% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 29,880 | 58.4 | 0.86 | $74,110 | $47,480 | $122,480 | -10% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 32,120 | 62.8 | 0.99 | $82,160 | $46,040 | $161,780 | -5% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 28,710 | 56.1 | 0.96 | $48,490 | $29,120 | $84,640 | -20% |
| Production | 17,650 | 34.5 | 0.63 | $48,210 | $34,430 | $82,400 | +3% |
| Healthcare Support | 21,520 | 42.1 | 0.83 | $39,260 | $30,580 | $49,800 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 31,890 | 62.3 | 1.51 | $60,960 | $42,610 | $86,690 | +2% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 23,800 | 46.5 | 1.19 | $59,070 | $37,740 | $94,580 | -1% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 9,460 | 18.5 | 0.55 | $80,240 | $51,230 | $154,580 | -27% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 20,620 | 40.3 | 1.38 | $38,220 | $28,660 | $56,200 | +1% |
| Protective Service | 9,500 | 18.6 | 0.76 | $57,570 | $35,580 | $87,350 | +15% |
| Personal Care and Service | 14,150 | 27.6 | 1.32 | $34,460 | $22,470 | $58,240 | -5% |
| Community and Social Service | 10,670 | 20.9 | 1.22 | $50,220 | $35,210 | $79,260 | -14% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 8,190 | 16.0 | 0.95 | $81,330 | $52,190 | $131,340 | -18% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 7,960 | 15.6 | 1.18 | $51,260 | $29,100 | $91,560 | -18% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 8,860 | 17.3 | 1.83 | $70,810 | $47,430 | $107,880 | -14% |
| Legal | 4,180 | 8.2 | 0.97 | $83,620 | $48,360 | $157,310 | -18% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 2,210 | 4.3 | 1.55 | $43,740 | $30,510 | $64,990 | +19% |
| Industry ⇅ | Share of employed residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Education and health care | 23.2% |
| Retail trade | 11.7% |
| Arts, entertainment, accommodation, food | 10.5% |
| Professional, scientific, management, administrative | 9.8% |
| Construction | 9.2% |
| Agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining | 6.1% |
| Public administration | 5.8% |
| Finance, insurance, real estate | 5.4% |
| Transportation, warehousing, utilities | 5.0% |
| Other services | 5.0% |
| Manufacturing | 4.7% |
| Wholesale trade | 2.0% |
| Information | 1.6% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Food and Counter Workers | 14,960 | 1.18 | $29,090 | $22,760 | $36,780 | -7% |
| Retail Salespersons | 13,490 | 1.05 | $36,270 | $28,620 | $48,680 | +2% |
| Cashiers | 12,170 | 1.20 | $34,190 | $23,900 | $41,590 | +4% |
| General and Operations Managers | 11,840 | 1.03 | $91,380 | $48,890 | $187,260 | -14% |
| Registered Nurses | 10,950 | 0.99 | $85,280 | $70,120 | $113,920 | -13% |
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | 10,400 | 0.73 | $36,630 | $29,370 | $44,740 | +2% |
| Office Clerks, General | 10,390 | 1.28 | $46,480 | $32,200 | $65,090 | +3% |
| Stockers and Order Fillers | 8,900 | 0.95 | $39,050 | $31,110 | $48,060 | +5% |
| Janitors and Cleaners, Except Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 8,320 | 1.14 | $37,110 | $28,620 | $48,450 | +1% |
| Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers | 7,830 | 1.15 | $58,870 | $46,040 | $74,120 | +0% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 7,580 | 1.63 | $38,060 | $29,380 | $47,670 | +2% |
| Waiters and Waitresses | 7,200 | 0.96 | $23,370 | $21,940 | $45,420 | -34% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 6,980 | 1.54 | $47,270 | $34,270 | $63,980 | -7% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 5,830 | 1.58 | $49,300 | $35,360 | $77,320 | +2% |
| Maintenance and Repair Workers, General | 5,420 | 1.08 | $46,870 | $34,790 | $72,300 | -5% |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 5,380 | 1.90 | $35,740 | $28,080 | $49,210 | +1% |
| Bartenders | 5,370 | 2.16 | $26,010 | $21,940 | $32,870 | -24% |
| Elementary School Teachers, Except Special Education | 4,960 | 1.09 | $57,530 | $38,160 | $78,450 | -10% |
| Customer Service Representatives | 4,910 | 0.57 | $45,290 | $35,100 | $62,250 | +1% |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 4,760 | 1.33 | $74,990 | $49,870 | $109,300 | -10% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 4,730 | 0.99 | $75,810 | $49,250 | $125,290 | -9% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Food Preparation and Serving Workers | 4,650 | 1.15 | $44,010 | $30,780 | $64,320 | -0% |
| Construction Laborers | 4,590 | 1.27 | $49,830 | $37,720 | $63,980 | +6% |
| Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, Except Legal, Medical, and Executive | 4,520 | 0.80 | $43,940 | $30,430 | $55,970 | -8% |
| Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistants | 4,410 | 1.39 | $43,740 | $35,990 | $51,690 | -5% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmacists | 1,190 | 1.12 | $142,080 | $98,660 | $165,260 | +1% |
| Nurse Practitioners | 1,260 | 1.18 | $137,210 | $105,110 | $166,940 | +4% |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | 1,180 | 0.53 | $132,860 | $92,820 | $215,800 | -24% |
| Financial Managers | 1,510 | 0.55 | $131,060 | $81,430 | $234,370 | -21% |
| Software Developers | 2,160 | 0.39 | $121,990 | $73,370 | $221,400 | -10% |
| Sales Managers | 1,200 | 0.57 | $117,390 | $81,030 | $205,760 | -21% |
| Managers, All Other | 1,600 | 0.78 | $110,470 | $63,080 | $174,190 | -22% |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | 1,870 | 0.95 | $105,840 | $65,300 | $193,410 | -15% |
| Construction Managers | 2,140 | 1.71 | $104,480 | $71,930 | $173,630 | -9% |
| Lawyers | 2,380 | 0.96 | $103,720 | $62,090 | $179,620 | -35% |
| Management Analysts | 1,590 | 0.54 | $97,470 | $37,300 | $145,660 | -4% |
| Civil Engineers | 1,870 | 1.55 | $93,070 | $62,230 | $129,020 | -8% |
| Physical Therapists | 1,180 | 1.35 | $91,450 | $78,490 | $115,540 | -11% |
| General and Operations Managers | 11,840 | 1.03 | $91,380 | $48,890 | $187,260 | -14% |
| Project Management Specialists | 2,940 | 0.84 | $87,890 | $58,680 | $143,170 | -14% |
| Registered Nurses | 10,950 | 0.99 | $85,280 | $70,120 | $113,920 | -13% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers | 2,690 | 1.32 | $81,440 | $51,880 | $125,310 | +2% |
| Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters | 1,860 | 1.22 | $79,960 | $48,250 | $100,860 | +25% |
| Cost Estimators | 1,230 | 1.67 | $77,320 | $50,120 | $106,740 | -2% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 4,350 | 1.63 | $76,910 | $56,960 | $103,140 | -4% |
| Electricians | 2,750 | 1.10 | $76,760 | $49,130 | $89,510 | +21% |
| Accountants and Auditors | 4,730 | 0.99 | $75,810 | $49,250 | $125,290 | -9% |
| Business Operations Specialists, All Other | 4,760 | 1.33 | $74,990 | $49,870 | $109,300 | -10% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 1,330 | 2.30 | $72,560 | $57,550 | $91,120 | +11% |
| Loan Officers | 1,180 | 1.31 | $71,570 | $48,130 | $123,130 | -7% |
| Occupation ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay (year) ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners | 1,050 | 35.57 | $22,030 | $21,940 | $23,620 | -37% |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | 1,760 | 17.64 | $52,420 | $41,660 | $80,540 | -4% |
| Information and Record Clerks, All Other | 1,380 | 3.11 | $47,840 | $38,670 | $60,470 | -3% |
| Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerks | 2,660 | 3.09 | $35,330 | $29,470 | $43,320 | +1% |
| Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators | 3,750 | 2.38 | $61,580 | $48,130 | $79,880 | +3% |
| Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines | 1,330 | 2.30 | $72,560 | $57,550 | $91,120 | +11% |
| Court, Municipal, and License Clerks | 1,340 | 2.26 | $45,680 | $37,030 | $60,090 | -6% |
| Highway Maintenance Workers | 1,140 | 2.24 | $60,960 | $50,650 | $65,610 | +21% |
| Bartenders | 5,370 | 2.16 | $26,010 | $21,940 | $32,870 | -24% |
| Parts Salespersons | 1,860 | 2.09 | $45,060 | $29,210 | $58,960 | +17% |
| Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners | 5,380 | 1.90 | $35,740 | $28,080 | $49,210 | +1% |
| Public Relations Specialists | 1,760 | 1.89 | $63,780 | $43,770 | $96,050 | -15% |
| Carpenters | 4,030 | 1.83 | $58,820 | $43,010 | $77,140 | -3% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers, All Other | 1,010 | 1.74 | $48,360 | $37,660 | $76,630 | -2% |
| Construction Managers | 2,140 | 1.71 | $104,480 | $71,930 | $173,630 | -9% |
| Cost Estimators | 1,230 | 1.67 | $77,320 | $50,120 | $106,740 | -2% |
| Cooks, Restaurant | 7,580 | 1.63 | $38,060 | $29,380 | $47,670 | +2% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Construction Trades and Extraction Workers | 4,350 | 1.63 | $76,910 | $56,960 | $103,140 | -4% |
| Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria | 2,290 | 1.58 | $37,150 | $30,500 | $50,600 | -1% |
| First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers | 5,830 | 1.58 | $49,300 | $35,360 | $77,320 | +2% |
| Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers | 1,030 | 1.58 | $36,250 | $30,160 | $44,980 | +4% |
| Driver/Sales Workers | 2,100 | 1.56 | $27,580 | $22,060 | $58,690 | -29% |
| Civil Engineers | 1,870 | 1.55 | $93,070 | $62,230 | $129,020 | -8% |
| Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks | 6,980 | 1.54 | $47,270 | $34,270 | $63,980 | -7% |
| Tellers | 1,660 | 1.53 | $38,080 | $35,830 | $45,040 | -12% |
Occupations with a page of their own link to it. Pay above $239,200 a year is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top-code). "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure.
There are 252 federal job postings open now in Montana (USAJOBS). This is the federal government only: most US jobs are in the private sector and are advertised on employers' own sites, so use the pay and demand tables on this page for the whole labour market.
| Agency ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Indian Health Service | 39 |
| Federal Aviation Administration | 37 |
| Forest Service | 29 |
| Veterans Health Administration | 22 |
| Department of the Air Force Headquarters | 13 |
| Western Area Power Administration | 11 |
| Transportation Security Administration | 9 |
| Bureau of Land Management | 9 |
| Bureau of Reclamation | 8 |
| Internal Revenue Service | 5 |
| Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys and the Office of the U.S. Attorneys | 5 |
| Air Force Global Strike Command | 5 |
| Defense Commissary Agency | 4 |
| Customs and Border Protection | 4 |
| Immigration and Customs Enforcement | 4 |
| Series ⇅ | Open postings ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Wildland Fire Management | 15 |
| Aviation Safety | 14 |
| Nurse | 13 |
| Compliance Inspection And Support | 8 |
| Forestry Technician | 8 |
| Miscellaneous Administration And Program | 7 |
| High Voltage Electrician | 7 |
| General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement, And Compliance Series | 6 |
| Electronics Engineering | 5 |
| Rangeland Management | 5 |
| Practical Nurse | 4 |
| Civil Engineering | 4 |
| Electrical Engineering | 4 |
| Information Technology Management | 4 |
| Attorney | 4 |
Median starting salary in postings that list a yearly range: $72,849 (192 postings).
The median wage in Montana is $48,740 a year ($23.43 an hour) against $50,980 nationally (-4%). The 10th percentile earns $29,390 and the 90th $100,610.
| Occupation field ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Per 1,000 jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support | 59,680 | 116.6 | 1.02 | $45,870 | $34,490 | $64,490 | -3% |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related | 53,110 | 103.8 | 1.18 | $30,580 | $22,400 | $46,590 | -13% |
| Transportation and Material Moving | 39,220 | 76.7 | 0.87 | $45,780 | $30,880 | $72,790 | +3% |
| Sales and Related | 45,970 | 89.9 | 1.04 | $38,380 | $28,330 | $76,310 | -0% |
| Management | 32,220 | 63.0 | 0.88 | $101,400 | $54,990 | $194,960 | -20% |
| Business and Financial Operations | 29,880 | 58.4 | 0.86 | $74,110 | $47,480 | $122,480 | -10% |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical | 32,120 | 62.8 | 0.99 | $82,160 | $46,040 | $161,780 | -5% |
| Educational Instruction and Library | 28,710 | 56.1 | 0.96 | $48,490 | $29,120 | $84,640 | -20% |
| Production | 17,650 | 34.5 | 0.63 | $48,210 | $34,430 | $82,400 | +3% |
| Healthcare Support | 21,520 | 42.1 | 0.83 | $39,260 | $30,580 | $49,800 | +2% |
| Construction and Extraction | 31,890 | 62.3 | 1.51 | $60,960 | $42,610 | $86,690 | +2% |
| Installation, Maintenance, and Repair | 23,800 | 46.5 | 1.19 | $59,070 | $37,740 | $94,580 | -1% |
| Computer and Mathematical | 9,460 | 18.5 | 0.55 | $80,240 | $51,230 | $154,580 | -27% |
| Building and Grounds Cleaning and Maintenance | 20,620 | 40.3 | 1.38 | $38,220 | $28,660 | $56,200 | +1% |
| Protective Service | 9,500 | 18.6 | 0.76 | $57,570 | $35,580 | $87,350 | +15% |
| Personal Care and Service | 14,150 | 27.6 | 1.32 | $34,460 | $22,470 | $58,240 | -5% |
| Community and Social Service | 10,670 | 20.9 | 1.22 | $50,220 | $35,210 | $79,260 | -14% |
| Architecture and Engineering | 8,190 | 16.0 | 0.95 | $81,330 | $52,190 | $131,340 | -18% |
| Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media | 7,960 | 15.6 | 1.18 | $51,260 | $29,100 | $91,560 | -18% |
| Life, Physical, and Social Science | 8,860 | 17.3 | 1.83 | $70,810 | $47,430 | $107,880 | -14% |
| Legal | 4,180 | 8.2 | 0.97 | $83,620 | $48,360 | $157,310 | -18% |
| Farming, Fishing, and Forestry | 2,210 | 4.3 | 1.55 | $43,740 | $30,510 | $64,990 | +19% |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set; graduated states show 0 until you enter your own estimate. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
| Rule ⇅ | In Montana ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Minimum wage (per hour) | $10.85 (federal minimum is $7.25; the higher applies for most workers) |
| State income tax on wages | Graduated, top rate 5.65% |
| Right-to-work state | No |
| State paid family and medical leave program | No program listed in our source |
| Employment | At-will in most states (either side can end the job with notice, with legal exceptions) |
Nationwide rules (overtime after 40 hours, family leave, discrimination, visas) are on the country guide. Many cities and counties set higher minimum wages or paid sick leave; check the local government. Confirm all figures with the official sources before acting.
| Indicator ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Price level, all items (US = 100) | 94.6 |
| Median gross rent per month | $1,081 |
| Median home value | $375,800 |
| Homeowners (share of households) | 69.2% |
| Poverty rate | 11.5% |
| Drive alone to work | 71.1% |
| Public transit to work | 0.6% |
| Work from home | 12.5% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 8.2% |
Regional price parities measure how much it costs to buy the same basket of goods and services: 100 is the national average.
2.3% of residents of Montana were born abroad (25,688 people).
| Country of birth ⇅ | Residents ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Canada | 3,996 |
| Mexico | 2,981 |
| Philippines | 2,333 |
| Germany | 1,901 |
| China, excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan | 1,136 |
| United Kingdom, excluding England and Scotland | 814 |
| Russia | 728 |
| Vietnam | 673 |
| Korea | 590 |
| England | 554 |
| Ukraine | 500 |
| South Africa | 461 |
| Netherlands | 398 |
| Japan | 394 |
| Brazil | 360 |
Work permits and visas are federal. See permits and first steps and, for your country, Working in the US from your country.
$10.85 (the federal minimum is $7.25; the higher rate applies for most workers). Source: US Department of Labor.
Graduated, top rate 5.65% (Tax Foundation, rates as of 01/01/2026).
3.1% in 2026M09 (BLS, seasonally adjusted).
$72,509 (Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024, 2024 dollars).
252 postings on USAJOBS today. Private-sector jobs are not included.