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Paralegal Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview

BLS 2026

How much does a paralegal make in Montana? The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median salary of $54,230/yr ($26.07/hr), with around 1,060 people working in this field statewide.

Paralegal salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $3,921. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.

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

Montana Paralegal 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
$54,230
Federal Tax (est.)
calculating...
FICA + State Tax
calculating...
Estimated Take-Home
$42,985

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 Paralegal Check

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Enter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $54,230.

Your annual salary ($)

Paralegal Salary by Experience — Montana

Entry Level (0–2 years)$33,600/yr · $16.15/hr
Beginning career, developing core skills under supervision in Montana.
Mid-Level (3–6 years)$48,264/yr · $23.20/hr
Established professional working independently in Montana. Pursuing advanced certifications.
Experienced (7–12 years)$60,195/yr · $28.94/hr
Senior professional with specialised skills commanding above-average pay in Montana.
Senior / Expert (12+ years)$78,100+/yr · $37.55/hr
Top earner. Leadership, management or highly specialised role in Montana.
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Paralegal Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026

5-Year Data

Over the past five years, Montana has seen 13.9% wage growth for paralegals — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's law firms and legal services.

2021
$47,613
2022
$50,379
+5.8%
2023
$52,711
+4.6%
2024
$53,579
+1.6%
2026
$54,230
+1.2%

Paralegal Salary by City — Montana

BLS Metro Data
City / Metro AreaAnnual MedianHourlyvs StateJobs
Billings$60,200$28.94+11.0%371
Missoula$57,500$27.64+6.0%296
Great Falls$55,850$26.85+3.0%190
Bozeman$52,050$25.02-4.0%95
Butte$49,350$23.73-9.0%63
Helena$47,200$22.69-13.0%50

Tip: Billings offers the highest paralegal salaries in Montana at $60,200/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 paralegals.

Montana — 6.75% state income tax$54,230 gross~$42,985 take-home
Idaho — 5.8%$54,020 gross-0.4% vs MT
Wyoming — no state tax$49,980 gross-7.8% vs MT
North Dakota — 2.5%$59,910 gross+10.5% 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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Paralegal Job Outlook in Montana

BLS Projections
+10%Job growth 2026–33
1,060Currently employed
106+New jobs projected

Employment for paralegals 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 paralegals.

How to Earn More as a Paralegal in Montana

1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a paralegal in Montana typically adds $44,500 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Bar Association (certification) can accelerate this progression.

2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays paralegals $60,200/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. Paralegals who specialise in law firms and legal services 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 paralegals $54,020/yr — -0.4% vs Montana.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much do paralegals earn in Montana?
The average paralegal salary in Montana is $54,230 per year, or $26.07 per hour, based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (2026 update). Entry-level positions start around $33,600 while experienced professionals earn $78,100 or more.
Which Montana city has the highest paralegal salary?
Billings pays paralegals the most in Montana at an average of $60,200 per year — +11.0% above the state average.
Is paralegal pay in Montana above or below the US average?
Montana paralegal salaries are below the calculated national average by approximately $3,921. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
What's the after-tax salary for paralegals in Montana?
A paralegal earning the Montana average of $54,230 takes home approximately $42,985 per year after federal income tax, Social Security and Medicare. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Should you become a paralegal in Montana?
Yes. Paralegal 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 paralegals.
What's the licensing process for paralegals in Montana?
In Montana, paralegals are licensed through the State Bar Association (certification). Requirements vary by specialisation level — contact the State Bar Association (certification) 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.