Agriculture & Environment Helena, MT Pop. 32,315

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Helena, Montana

The median agricultural scientist salary in Helena, MT is $69,710 per year, which is 6% below the national median and 1.1% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$69,710
vs State Avg
$-742
vs National
$-4,450
Cost of Living
94%

Agricultural Scientist Pay in Helena: What to Expect (2026)

Helena offers a median agricultural scientist salary of $69,710, which is $742 below the Montana state average of $70,452. Compared to the national median of $74,160, Helena pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Helena's cost of living is 94% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for agricultural scientists in Helena spans from $41,360 at the 10th percentile to $114,680 at the 90th percentile — a $73,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,120, while senior agricultural scientists with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $108,100. Helena is a smaller market (pop. 32,315), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Helena by Experience

In Helena, an entry-level agricultural scientist earns around $45,120, while experienced professionals earn up to $108,100 per year. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,120
$-2,880 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,440
$-4,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$108,100
$-6,900 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Helena, MT

Percentile Helena
10th Percentile $41,360
25th Percentile $52,640
Median (50th) $69,710
75th Percentile $92,120
90th Percentile $114,680

Agricultural Scientist Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$85,284
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$75,643
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$71,194
Pop. 117,116
Great Falls, MT
$65,261
Pop. 60,442

How to Become a Agricultural Scientist in Helena

Education

Most agricultural scientist positions require a bachelor's degree. Helena and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AgronomyResearch MethodsData AnalysisSoil ScienceGeneticsScientific Writing

Job Outlook

Nationally, agricultural scientist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Helena may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Agricultural Scientist Jobs in Helena

Browse open agricultural scientist positions in Helena, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Agricultural Scientist Salary in Helena

How much does a Agricultural Scientist make in Helena, MT? ▼
The median agricultural scientist salary in Helena, Montana is $69,710 per year, which is 6% below the national median of $74,160. Salaries range from $41,360 (10th percentile) to $114,680 (90th percentile).
How much does a Agricultural Scientist make per hour in Helena? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,710, a agricultural scientist in Helena earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Helena compare to the Montana state average for agricultural scientist pay? ▼
Helena's median agricultural scientist salary of $69,710 is 1.1% below the Montana state average of $70,452. The local cost of living index is 94% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT? ▼
Helena has a cost of living index of 94% compared to the national average. This means a agricultural scientist salary of $69,710 in Helena has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a agricultural scientist in Helena? ▼
Most agricultural scientist positions in Helena require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Agronomy, Research Methods, Data Analysis, Soil Science. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.