Correctional Officer Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Montana pays correctional officers a median wage of $65,120 per year — that's $31.31/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 190 correctional officers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Correctional Officer salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $11,310. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps correctional officer demand steady.
Montana Correctional Officer Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Montana after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Montana Correctional Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $65,120.
Correctional Officer Salary by Experience — Montana
Correctional Officer Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataFive-year wage growth for correctional officers in Montana: 13.9% — a useful benchmark when negotiating pay or planning a career move. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's corrections and public safety.
Correctional Officer Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $72,300 | $34.76 | +11.0% | 66 |
| Missoula | $69,050 | $33.20 | +6.0% | 53 |
| Great Falls | $67,050 | $32.24 | +3.0% | 50 |
| Bozeman | $62,500 | $30.05 | -4.0% | 50 |
| Butte | $59,250 | $28.49 | -9.0% | 50 |
| Helena | $56,650 | $27.24 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest correctional officer salaries in Montana at $72,300/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Montana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Montana sits in the mid-range for correctional officers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Correctional Officer Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for correctional officers in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps correctional officer demand steady.
How to Earn More as a Correctional Officer in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a correctional officer in Montana typically adds $53,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Corrections can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays correctional officers $72,300/yr — +11.0% above the Montana average. Simply relocating within Montana can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Correctional Officers who specialise in corrections and public safety typically command premium rates in Montana. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Idaho pays correctional officers $69,720/yr — 7.1% vs Montana.
Find Correctional Officer Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current correctional officer job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Correctional Officer jobs — Billings, MT→