Technology Montana (MT) Rank #31 of 50

Data Scientist Salary in Montana

The median data scientist salary in Montana is $98,298 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $108,020.

Median Salary
$98,298
vs National
$-9,722
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Data Scientist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for data scientist compensation. Data Scientist salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $98,298 per year, data scientists in Montana earn $9,722 less than the national median of $108,020.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: data scientists at the 10th percentile earn $55,874, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $162,162 — a $106,288 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 $119,902.

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Montana and beyond.

Data Scientist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level data scientist earns around $65,520, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,150 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,520
$-6,480 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$101,920
$-10,080 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,150
$-14,850 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $55,874
25th Percentile $76,622
Median (50th) $98,298
75th Percentile $128,310
90th Percentile $162,162

Data Scientist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for data 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 Data Scientist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

PythonRSQLMachine LearningStatisticsData Visualization

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, data scientist employment is projected to grow 35% over the next decade (much faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist Salary in Montana

How much does a Data Scientist make in Montana? ▼
The median data scientist salary in Montana is $98,298 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $108,020. Salaries range from $55,874 (10th percentile) to $162,162 (90th percentile).
How much does a Data Scientist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $98,298, a data scientist in Montana earns approximately $47 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for data scientists? ▼
Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for data scientist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level data scientists earn $65,520, while senior professionals earn $150,150.
How does Montana compare to other states for data scientist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for data scientists is Hawaii at $178,233. Montana's median of $98,298 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($100,459) and Wisconsin ($99,378).
What is the entry-level data scientist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level data scientist in Montana earns approximately $65,520 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $101,920. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $150,150.
What city in Montana pays data scientists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for data scientists, with a median salary of $119,902. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.