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

Interpreter Salary in Montana

The median interpreter salary in Montana is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,090.

Median Salary
$54,236
vs National
$-2,854
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Interpreter Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for interpreter compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for interpreter pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $54,236 per year, interpreters in Montana earn $2,854 less than the national median of $57,090.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: interpreters at the 10th percentile earn $30,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,950 — a $65,550 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 $65,654.

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for interpreters across the country.

Interpreter Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level interpreter earns around $33,250, 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)
$33,250
$-1,750 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,100
$-2,900 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 $30,400
25th Percentile $39,900
Median (50th) $54,236
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $95,950

Interpreter Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for interpreters 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 Interpreter in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Bilingual FluencyConsecutive InterpretingSimultaneous InterpretingCultural CompetencyMemoryProfessionalism

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, interpreter employment is projected to grow 4% 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: Interpreter Salary in Montana

How much does a Interpreter make in Montana? ▼
The median interpreter salary in Montana is $54,236 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $57,090. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $95,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Interpreter make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,236, a interpreter in Montana earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for interpreters? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for interpreter pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level interpreters earn $33,250, while senior professionals earn $90,250.
How does Montana compare to other states for interpreter salary? ▼
The highest paying state for interpreters is Hawaii at $97,053. Montana's median of $54,236 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($54,806) and Illinois ($54,236).
What is the entry-level interpreter salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level interpreter in Montana earns approximately $33,250 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $55,100. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $90,250.
What city in Montana pays interpreters the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for interpreters, with a median salary of $65,654. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.