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

Journalist Salary in Montana

The median journalist salary in Montana is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,960.

Median Salary
$53,162
vs National
$-2,798
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Journalist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level journalist earns around $33,250, while experienced professionals earn up to $95,000 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)
$95,000
$-5,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $30,400
25th Percentile $38,000
Median (50th) $53,162
75th Percentile $74,100
90th Percentile $104,500

Journalist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for journalists in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Billings, MT
$53,722
Pop. 117,116 · COL 96%
Missoula, MT
$57,079
Pop. 75,516 · COL 102%
Great Falls, MT
$49,245
Pop. 60,442 · COL 88%
Bozeman, MT
$64,354
Pop. 53,293 · COL 115%
Helena, MT
$52,602
Pop. 32,315 · COL 94%

How to Become a Journalist in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

WritingInvestigative ResearchInterviewingAP StyleCMS PlatformsSocial Media

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, journalist employment is projected to grow -3% over the next decade (decline). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Journalist Jobs in Montana

Browse open journalist positions in Montana:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Journalist Salary in Montana

How much does a Journalist make in Montana? ▼
The median journalist salary in Montana is $53,162 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,960. Salaries range from $30,400 (10th percentile) to $104,500 (90th percentile).
How much does a Journalist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $53,162, a journalist in Montana earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for journalists? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for journalist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level journalists earn $33,250, while senior professionals earn $95,000.
How does Montana compare to other states for journalist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for journalists is Hawaii at $95,132. Montana's median of $53,162 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($53,722) and Illinois ($53,162).
What is the entry-level journalist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level journalist 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 $95,000.
What city in Montana pays journalists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for journalists, with a median salary of $64,354. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.