Creative & Education Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Instructional Designer Salary in Montana

The median instructional designer salary in Montana is $68,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $72,000.

Median Salary
$68,400
vs National
$-3,600
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Instructional Designer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for instructional designer compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for instructional designer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $68,400 per year, instructional designers in Montana earn $3,600 less than the national median of $72,000.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: instructional designers at the 10th percentile earn $41,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $112,100 — a $70,300 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 $82,800.

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for instructional designers across the country.

Instructional Designer Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level instructional designer earns around $43,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $106,400 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$43,700
$-2,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$70,300
$-3,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$106,400
$-5,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $41,800
25th Percentile $53,200
Median (50th) $68,400
75th Percentile $90,250
90th Percentile $112,100

Instructional Designer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for instructional designers 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 Instructional Designer in Montana

Education

Most instructional designer positions require a master's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Instructional DesignArticulate/CaptivateLMSADDIE ModelE-LearningAssessment Design

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, instructional designer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Instructional Designer Salary in Montana

How much does a Instructional Designer make in Montana? ▼
The median instructional designer salary in Montana is $68,400 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $72,000. Salaries range from $41,800 (10th percentile) to $112,100 (90th percentile).
How much does a Instructional Designer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $68,400, a instructional designer in Montana earns approximately $33 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for instructional designers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for instructional designer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level instructional designers earn $43,700, while senior professionals earn $106,400.
How does Montana compare to other states for instructional designer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for instructional designers is Hawaii at $122,400. Montana's median of $68,400 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($69,120) and Illinois ($68,400).
What is the entry-level instructional designer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level instructional designer in Montana earns approximately $43,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $70,300. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $106,400.
What city in Montana pays instructional designers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for instructional designers, with a median salary of $82,800. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.