Police Officer Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Police Officers in Montana earn an average of $69,910 per year ($33.61/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 2,020 police officers.
Police Officer salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $3,331. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for police officers in Montana.
Montana Police 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 Police Officer Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $69,910.
Police Officer Salary by Experience — Montana
Police Officer Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Montana has seen 13.9% wage growth for police officers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's law enforcement and public safety.
Police Officer Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $77,600 | $37.31 | +11.0% | 707 |
| Missoula | $74,100 | $35.62 | +6.0% | 565 |
| Great Falls | $72,000 | $34.62 | +3.0% | 363 |
| Bozeman | $67,100 | $32.26 | -4.0% | 181 |
| Butte | $63,600 | $30.58 | -9.0% | 121 |
| Helena | $60,800 | $29.23 | -13.0% | 80 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest police officer salaries in Montana at $77,600/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 police 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%.
Police Officer Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for police officers in Montana is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Montana job market. Strong population growth and an expanding economy support healthy demand for police officers in Montana.
How to Earn More as a Police Officer in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a police officer in Montana typically adds $57,400 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Law Enforcement Training Commission can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays police officers $77,600/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. Police Officers who specialise in law enforcement 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 police officers $66,150/yr — -5.4% vs Montana.
Find Police Officer Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current police officer job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Police Officer jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Police Officer jobs — Billings, MT→