Media & Communications Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Montana

The median broadcast journalist salary in Montana is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,000.

Median Salary
$49,400
vs National
$-2,600
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Broadcast Journalist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for broadcast journalist compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for broadcast journalist pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $49,400 per year, broadcast journalists in Montana earn $2,600 less than the national median of $52,000.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: broadcast journalists at the 10th percentile earn $28,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,000 — a $66,500 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 $59,800.

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Despite slower growth nationally, experienced broadcast journalists with in-demand specializations continue to command strong salaries.

Broadcast Journalist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level broadcast journalist earns around $31,350, while experienced professionals earn up to $90,250 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$31,350
$-1,650 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$51,300
$-2,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$90,250
$-4,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $28,500
25th Percentile $36,100
Median (50th) $49,400
75th Percentile $70,300
90th Percentile $95,000

Broadcast Journalist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for broadcast journalists 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 Broadcast Journalist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

On-Air PresentationInterviewingScript WritingVideo EditingResearchTeleprompter

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, broadcast journalist employment is projected to grow -4% over the next decade (decline). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Broadcast Journalist Salary in Montana

How much does a Broadcast Journalist make in Montana? ▼
The median broadcast journalist salary in Montana is $49,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $52,000. Salaries range from $28,500 (10th percentile) to $95,000 (90th percentile).
How much does a Broadcast Journalist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,400, a broadcast journalist in Montana earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for broadcast journalists? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for broadcast journalist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level broadcast journalists earn $31,350, while senior professionals earn $90,250.
How does Montana compare to other states for broadcast journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for broadcast journalists is Hawaii at $88,400. Montana's median of $49,400 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($49,920) and Illinois ($49,400).
What is the entry-level broadcast journalist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level broadcast journalist in Montana earns approximately $31,350 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $51,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,250.
What city in Montana pays broadcast journalists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for broadcast journalists, with a median salary of $59,800. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.