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Librarian Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

Librarians in Montana earn an average of $62,020 per year ($29.82/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 610 librarians.

Librarian salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $1,969. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

Montana's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for librarians.

Montana Librarian Take-Home Pay Calculator

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Enter 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%.

Your annual gross salary ($)
Gross Annual
$62,020
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$47,618

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 Librarian Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $62,020.

Your annual salary ($)

Librarian Salary by Experience — Montana

Entry Level (0–2 years)$38,500/yr · $18.51/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Montana.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$55,197/yr · $26.54/hr
Established professional working independently in Montana. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$68,842/yr · $33.10/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Montana.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$89,300+/yr · $42.93/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Montana.
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Librarian Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

librarians pay in Montana has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the librarian workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's public libraries and education.

2021
$54,453
2022
$57,616
+5.8%
2023
$60,283
+4.6%
2024
$61,275
+1.6%
2026
$62,020
+1.2%

Librarian Salary by City — Montana

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Billings$68,850$33.10+11.0%213
Missoula$65,750$31.61+6.0%170
Great Falls$63,900$30.72+3.0%109
Bozeman$59,550$28.63-4.0%54
Butte$56,450$27.14-9.0%50
Helena$53,950$25.94-13.0%50

Tip: Billings offers the highest librarian salaries in Montana at $68,850/yr — +11.0% above the state average.

Montana vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power

Cost of Living Adjusted

Gross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Montana sits in the mid-range for librarians.

Montana — 6.75% state income tax$62,020 gross~$47,618 take-home
Idaho — 5.8%$46,570 gross-24.9% vs MT
Wyoming — no state tax$48,290 gross-22.1% vs MT
North Dakota — 2.5%$61,540 gross-0.8% vs MT

Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

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Librarian Job Outlook in Montana

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
610Currently employed
100+New jobs projected

Employment for librarians in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Montana's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for librarians.

How to Earn More as a Librarian in Montana

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a librarian in Montana typically adds $50,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Library Certification Board can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays librarians $68,850/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. Librarians who specialise in public libraries and education 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 librarians $46,570/yr — -24.9% vs Montana.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the average librarian salary in Montana?
The average librarian salary in Montana is $62,020 per year, or $29.82 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $38,500 while experienced professionals earn $89,300 or more.
Where do librarians earn the most in Montana?
Billings pays librarians the most in Montana at an average of $68,850 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
How does Montana stack up nationally for librarian pay?
Montana librarian salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $1,969. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
How much do librarians actually take home after taxes in Montana?
A librarian earning the Montana average of $62,020 takes home approximately $47,618 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Are librarian jobs worth pursuing in Montana?
Yes. Librarian is a strong career choice in Montana with steady demand projected over the next decade. Montana's growing economy and diverse industries create good opportunities for librarians.
How do you become a licensed librarian in Montana?
In Montana, librarians are licensed through the State Library Certification Board. Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Library Certification Board for current examination and experience requirements.
DATA SOURCE All salary data from Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024 survey. Employment projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Full methodology →

Important disclaimer: Salary and wage data on WageByState is provided for informational purposes only. Figures are sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme and represent median values across large populations — your individual earnings will vary. Take-home pay calculations are estimates and do not constitute tax advice. WageByState accepts no liability for decisions made based on information on this site. Not affiliated with the Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency.