Teacher Salaries in Montana — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Teachers in Montana earn an average of $56,200 per year ($27.02/hr) according to the latest BLS data. The state currently employs around 4,510 teachers.
Teacher salaries in Montana are below the national average by approximately $7,294. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Montana's mix of natural resources, tourism, and tech keeps teacher demand steady.
Montana Teacher 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 Teacher Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Montana median of $56,200.
Teacher Salary by Experience — Montana
Teacher Salary Trend in Montana — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Montana has seen 13.9% wage growth for teachers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Montana's public and private education.
Teacher Salary by City — Montana
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | $62,400 | $30.00 | +11.0% | 1,578 |
| Missoula | $59,550 | $28.63 | +6.0% | 1,262 |
| Great Falls | $57,900 | $27.84 | +3.0% | 811 |
| Bozeman | $53,950 | $25.94 | -4.0% | 405 |
| Butte | $51,150 | $24.59 | -9.0% | 270 |
| Helena | $48,900 | $23.51 | -13.0% | 180 |
Tip: Billings offers the highest teacher salaries in Montana at $62,400/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 teachers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Montana has a state income tax rate of up to 6.75%.
Teacher Job Outlook in Montana
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for teachers 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 teacher demand steady.
How to Earn More as a Teacher in Montana
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a teacher in Montana typically adds $46,100 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Department of Education can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Billings pays teachers $62,400/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. Teachers who specialise in public and private 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 teachers $59,620/yr — 6.1% vs Montana.
Find Teacher Jobs in Montana
Live ListingsSearch current teacher job vacancies in Montana:
🔍 Teacher jobs in Montana — Indeed→ 🔍 Teacher jobs in Montana — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Teacher jobs — Billings, MT→