Legal Missoula, MT Pop. 75,516

Lawyer Salary in Missoula, Montana

The median lawyer salary in Missoula, MT is $138,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 7.4% above the Montana state average.

City Median
$138,455
vs State Avg
+$9,502
vs National
+$2,715
Cost of Living
102%

Lawyer Pay in Missoula: What to Expect (2026)

Missoula offers a median lawyer salary of $138,455, which is $9,502 above the Montana state average of $128,953. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Missoula pays above average for this role.

Missoula's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for lawyers in Missoula spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $243,984 at the 90th percentile — a $177,684 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,400. Missoula is a smaller market (pop. 75,516), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Lawyer Salary in Missoula by Experience

In Missoula, an entry-level lawyer earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,760
+$2,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Missoula, MT

Percentile Missoula
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $86,700
Median (50th) $138,455
75th Percentile $189,720
90th Percentile $243,984

Lawyer Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Missoula

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Missoula and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Missoula may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Missoula

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Missoula

How much does a Lawyer make in Missoula, MT? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Missoula, Montana is $138,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $243,984 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Missoula? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,455, a lawyer in Missoula earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Missoula compare to the Montana state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Missoula's median lawyer salary of $138,455 is 7.4% above the Montana state average of $128,953. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Missoula, MT? ▼
Missoula has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $138,455 in Missoula has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Missoula? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Missoula require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.