Healthcare Montana (MT) Rank #28 of 50

Physician Assistant Salary in Montana

The median physician assistant salary in Montana is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,010.

Median Salary
$117,189
vs National
$-8,821
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Physician Assistant Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for physician assistant compensation. Physician Assistant salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $117,189 per year, physician assistants in Montana earn $8,821 less than the national median of $126,010.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: physician assistants at the 10th percentile earn $78,120, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $161,820 — a $83,700 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 $142,391.

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Montana and beyond.

Physician Assistant Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level physician assistant earns around $81,840, while experienced professionals earn up to $150,660 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,180
$-8,820 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$150,660
$-11,340 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $78,120
25th Percentile $98,580
Median (50th) $117,189
75th Percentile $140,430
90th Percentile $161,820

Physician Assistant Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for physician assistants 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 Physician Assistant in Montana

Education

Most physician assistant positions require a master's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Clinical AssessmentPharmacologySurgical AssistingPatient CommunicationEMR SystemsDiagnosis

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, physician assistant employment is projected to grow 28% over the next decade (much faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Physician Assistant Salary in Montana

How much does a Physician Assistant make in Montana? ▼
The median physician assistant salary in Montana is $117,189 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,010. Salaries range from $78,120 (10th percentile) to $161,820 (90th percentile).
How much does a Physician Assistant make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,189, a physician assistant in Montana earns approximately $56 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for physician assistants? ▼
Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for physician assistant pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level physician assistants earn $81,840, while senior professionals earn $150,660.
How does Montana compare to other states for physician assistant salary? ▼
The highest paying state for physician assistants is Hawaii at $224,298. Montana's median of $117,189 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($118,449) and Georgia ($117,189).
What is the entry-level physician assistant salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level physician assistant in Montana earns approximately $81,840 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $117,180. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $150,660.
What city in Montana pays physician assistants the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for physician assistants, with a median salary of $142,391. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.