Agriculture & Environment Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Montana

The median agricultural scientist salary in Montana is $70,452 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $74,160.

Median Salary
$70,452
vs National
$-3,708
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Agricultural Scientist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for agricultural scientist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $70,452 per year, agricultural scientists in Montana earn $3,708 less than the national median of $74,160.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: agricultural scientists at the 10th percentile earn $41,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $115,900 — a $74,100 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 $85,284.

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for agricultural scientists across the country.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $45,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $109,250 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,600
$-2,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,200
$-3,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$109,250
$-5,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $41,800
25th Percentile $53,200
Median (50th) $70,452
75th Percentile $93,100
90th Percentile $115,900

Agricultural Scientist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for agricultural scientists 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 Agricultural Scientist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Montana

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Montana? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Montana is $70,452 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $41,800 (10th percentile) to $115,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,452, a agricultural scientist in Montana earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for agricultural scientists? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for agricultural scientist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level agricultural scientists earn $45,600, while senior professionals earn $109,250.
How does Montana compare to other states for agricultural scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for agricultural scientists is Hawaii at $126,072. Montana's median of $70,452 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($71,194) and Illinois ($70,452).
What is the entry-level agricultural scientist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level agricultural scientist in Montana earns approximately $45,600 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $72,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $109,250.
What city in Montana pays agricultural scientists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for agricultural scientists, with a median salary of $85,284. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.