Business & Finance Montana (MT) Rank #26 of 50

Paralegal Salary in Montana

The median paralegal salary in Montana is $56,240 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $59,200.

Median Salary
$56,240
vs National
$-2,960
State Rank
#26 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Paralegal Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for paralegal compensation. Paralegal salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $56,240 per year, paralegals in Montana earn $2,960 less than the national median of $59,200.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: paralegals at the 10th percentile earn $36,480, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $87,780 — a $51,300 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 $68,080.

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

Paralegal Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level paralegal earns around $38,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $80,750 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$38,000
$-2,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$57,000
$-3,000 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$80,750
$-4,250 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $36,480
25th Percentile $44,460
Median (50th) $56,240
75th Percentile $71,250
90th Percentile $87,780

Paralegal Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for paralegals 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 Paralegal in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, paralegal 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: Paralegal Salary in Montana

How much does a Paralegal make in Montana? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Montana is $56,240 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $36,480 (10th percentile) to $87,780 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $56,240, a paralegal in Montana earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for paralegals? ▼
Montana ranks #26 out of 50 states for paralegal pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level paralegals earn $38,000, while senior professionals earn $80,750.
How does Montana compare to other states for paralegal salary? ▼
The highest paying state for paralegals is Hawaii at $100,640. Montana's median of $56,240 ranks #26 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Utah ($57,424) and Georgia ($56,240).
What is the entry-level paralegal salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level paralegal in Montana earns approximately $38,000 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $57,000. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $80,750.
What city in Montana pays paralegals the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for paralegals, with a median salary of $68,080. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.