School Counselor Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026The median school counselor salary in Montana is $59,480 per year, equivalent to $28.60/hr, based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS programme. Montana employs approximately 860 school counselors statewide.
School Counselor salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $5,240. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps school counselor demand steady.
Montana School Counselor 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 School Counselor Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $59,480.
School Counselor Salary by Experience — Montana
School Counselor Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year Dataschool counselors pay in Montana has risen approximately 13.9% since 2021, mirroring national trends across the school counselor workforce. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's K-12 education.
School Counselor Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $66,000 | $31.73 | +11.0% | 301 |
| Missoula | $63,050 | $30.31 | +6.0% | 240 |
| Great Falls | $61,250 | $29.45 | +3.0% | 154 |
| Bozeman | $57,100 | $27.45 | -4.0% | 77 |
| Butte | $54,150 | $26.03 | -9.0% | 51 |
| Helena | $51,750 | $24.88 | -13.0% | 50 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest school counselor salaries in Montana at $66,000/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 school counselors.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
School Counselor Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for school counselors 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 school counselor demand steady.
How to Earn More as a School Counselor in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a school counselor in Montana typically adds $48,800 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays school counselors $66,000/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. School Counselors who specialise in K-12 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 school counselors $60,340/yr — 1.4% vs Montana.
Find School Counselor Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current school counselor job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 School Counselor jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 School Counselor jobs — Billings, MT→