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

Photographer Salary in Montana

The median photographer salary in Montana is $38,190 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $40,200.

Median Salary
$38,190
vs National
$-2,010
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Photographer Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level photographer earns around $24,700, while experienced professionals earn up to $71,250 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$24,700
$-1,300 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$71,250
$-3,750 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $22,800
25th Percentile $28,500
Median (50th) $38,190
75th Percentile $55,100
90th Percentile $77,900

Photographer Salary by City in Montana

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

Billings, MT
$38,592
Pop. 117,116 · COL 96%
Missoula, MT
$41,004
Pop. 75,516 · COL 102%
Great Falls, MT
$35,376
Pop. 60,442 · COL 88%
Bozeman, MT
$46,230
Pop. 53,293 · COL 115%
Helena, MT
$37,788
Pop. 32,315 · COL 94%

How to Become a Photographer in Montana

Education

Most photographer positions require a high school diploma. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PhotographyLightroom/PhotoshopLightingCompositionPhoto EditingClient Management

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, photographer employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

Find Photographer Jobs in Montana

Browse open photographer positions in Montana:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Photographer Salary in Montana

How much does a Photographer make in Montana? ▼
The median photographer salary in Montana is $38,190 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $40,200. Salaries range from $22,800 (10th percentile) to $77,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a Photographer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $38,190, a photographer in Montana earns approximately $18 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for photographers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for photographer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level photographers earn $24,700, while senior professionals earn $71,250.
How does Montana compare to other states for photographer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for photographers is Hawaii at $68,340. Montana's median of $38,190 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($38,592) and Illinois ($38,190).
What is the entry-level photographer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level photographer in Montana earns approximately $24,700 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $39,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $71,250.
What city in Montana pays photographers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for photographers, with a median salary of $46,230. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.