Healthcare Montana (MT) Rank #28 of 50

Psychologist Salary in Montana

The median psychologist salary in Montana is $79,357 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $85,330.

Median Salary
$79,357
vs National
$-5,973
State Rank
#28 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Psychologist Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for psychologist compensation. Psychologist salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $79,357 per year, psychologists in Montana earn $5,973 less than the national median of $85,330.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: psychologists at the 10th percentile earn $44,640, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $144,150 — a $99,510 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 $96,423.

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for psychologists across the country.

Psychologist Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level psychologist earns around $48,360, while experienced professionals earn up to $134,850 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$48,360
$-3,640 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$81,840
$-6,160 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$134,850
$-10,150 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $44,640
25th Percentile $59,520
Median (50th) $79,357
75th Percentile $106,950
90th Percentile $144,150

Psychologist Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for psychologists 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 Psychologist in Montana

Education

Most psychologist positions require a doctoral degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

PsychotherapyPsychological AssessmentCBT/DBTResearch MethodsClinical DocumentationEthics

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, psychologist employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Psychologist Salary in Montana

How much does a Psychologist make in Montana? ▼
The median psychologist salary in Montana is $79,357 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $85,330. Salaries range from $44,640 (10th percentile) to $144,150 (90th percentile).
How much does a Psychologist make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,357, a psychologist in Montana earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for psychologists? ▼
Montana ranks #28 out of 50 states for psychologist pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level psychologists earn $48,360, while senior professionals earn $134,850.
How does Montana compare to other states for psychologist salary? ▼
The highest paying state for psychologists is Hawaii at $151,887. Montana's median of $79,357 ranks #28 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($80,210) and Georgia ($79,357).
What is the entry-level psychologist salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level psychologist in Montana earns approximately $48,360 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $81,840. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $134,850.
What city in Montana pays psychologists the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for psychologists, with a median salary of $96,423. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.