Construction & Real Estate Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Architect Salary in Montana

The median architect salary in Montana is $78,698 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $82,840.

Median Salary
$78,698
vs National
$-4,142
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Architect Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for architect compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for architect pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $78,698 per year, architects in Montana earn $4,142 less than the national median of $82,840.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: architects at the 10th percentile earn $47,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $140,600 — a $93,100 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 $95,266.

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for architects across the country.

Architect Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level architect earns around $49,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $133,000 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)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$133,000
$-7,000 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $47,500
25th Percentile $60,800
Median (50th) $78,698
75th Percentile $106,400
90th Percentile $140,600

Architect Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for architects 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 Architect in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

AutoCAD/RevitBuilding DesignBuilding Codes3D ModelingProject ManagementSustainability

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, architect employment is projected to grow 3% 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: Architect Salary in Montana

How much does a Architect make in Montana? ▼
The median architect salary in Montana is $78,698 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $82,840. Salaries range from $47,500 (10th percentile) to $140,600 (90th percentile).
How much does a Architect make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $78,698, a architect in Montana earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for architects? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for architect pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level architects earn $49,400, while senior professionals earn $133,000.
How does Montana compare to other states for architect salary? ▼
The highest paying state for architects is Hawaii at $140,828. Montana's median of $78,698 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($79,526) and Illinois ($78,698).
What is the entry-level architect salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level architect in Montana earns approximately $49,400 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,750. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $133,000.
What city in Montana pays architects the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for architects, with a median salary of $95,266. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.