Business & Finance Montana (MT) Rank #26 of 50

Accountant Salary in Montana

The median accountant salary in Montana is $75,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $79,880.

Median Salary
$75,886
vs National
$-3,994
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Accountant Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for accountant compensation. Accountant salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $75,886 per year, accountants in Montana earn $3,994 less than the national median of $79,880.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning accountant salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: accountants at the 10th percentile earn $47,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $126,160 — a $78,280 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $91,862.

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for accountants across the country.

Accountant Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level accountant earns around $49,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $114,000 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$49,400
$-2,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$114,000
$-6,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $47,880
25th Percentile $59,565
Median (50th) $75,886
75th Percentile $97,280
90th Percentile $126,160

Accountant Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for accountants in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Accountant in Montana

Education

Most accountant positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

GAAPTax PreparationFinancial AnalysisQuickBooksExcelAuditing

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, accountant employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Accountant Salary in Montana

How much does a Accountant make in Montana? ▼
The median accountant salary in Montana is $75,886 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $79,880. Salaries range from $47,880 (10th percentile) to $126,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Accountant make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $75,886, a accountant in Montana earns approximately $36 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for accountants? ▼
Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for accountant pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level accountants earn $49,400, while senior professionals earn $114,000.
How does Montana compare to other states for accountant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for accountants is Hawaii at $135,796. Montana's median of $75,886 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($77,484) and Georgia ($75,886).
What is the entry-level accountant salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level accountant in Montana earns approximately $49,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $76,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $114,000.
What city in Montana pays accountants the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for accountants, with a median salary of $91,862. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.