Registered Nurse Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median registered nurse salary in Montana is $81,560 per year, equivalent to $39.21/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Montana employs approximately 10,540 registered nurses statewide.
Registered Nurse salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $8,616. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps registered nurse demand steady.
Montana Registered Nurse 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 Registered Nurse Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $81,560.
Registered Nurse Salary by Experience — Montana
Registered Nurse Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataregistered nurses pay in Montana has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the registered nurse workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's healthcare and hospitals.
Registered Nurse Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $90,550 | $43.53 | +11.0% | 3,688 |
| Missoula | $86,450 | $41.56 | +6.0% | 2,951 |
| Great Falls | $84,000 | $40.38 | +3.0% | 1,897 |
| Bozeman | $78,300 | $37.64 | -4.0% | 948 |
| Butte | $74,200 | $35.67 | -9.0% | 632 |
| Helena | $70,950 | $34.11 | -13.0% | 421 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest registered nurse salaries in Montana at $90,550/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 registered nurses.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Registered Nurse Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for registered nurses 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 registered nurse demand steady.
How to Earn More as a Registered Nurse in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a registered nurse in Montana typically adds $66,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Board of Nursing can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays registered nurses $90,550/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. Registered Nurses who specialise in healthcare and hospitals 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 registered nurses $86,100/yr — 5.6% vs Montana.
Find Registered Nurse Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current registered nurse job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Registered Nurse jobs — Billings, MT→