Creative & Education Montana (MT) Rank #25 of 50

Social Worker Salary in Montana

The median social worker salary in Montana is $52,583 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,350.

Median Salary
$52,583
vs National
$-2,767
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Social Worker Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for social worker compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for social worker pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $52,583 per year, social workers in Montana earn $2,767 less than the national median of $55,350.

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

The salary spread in Montana is significant: social workers at the 10th percentile earn $34,580, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $83,410 — a $48,830 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 $63,652.

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for social workers across the country.

Social Worker Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level social worker earns around $36,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $77,900 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,100
$-1,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$53,200
$-2,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$77,900
$-4,100 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $34,580
25th Percentile $41,990
Median (50th) $52,583
75th Percentile $66,880
90th Percentile $83,410

Social Worker Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for social workers 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 Social Worker in Montana

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Montana

How much does a Social Worker make in Montana? ▼
The median social worker salary in Montana is $52,583 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $34,580 (10th percentile) to $83,410 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $52,583, a social worker in Montana earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for social workers? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for social worker pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level social workers earn $36,100, while senior professionals earn $77,900.
How does Montana compare to other states for social worker salary? ▼
The highest paying state for social workers is Hawaii at $94,095. Montana's median of $52,583 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($53,136) and Illinois ($52,583).
What is the entry-level social worker salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level social worker in Montana earns approximately $36,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $53,200. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $77,900.
What city in Montana pays social workers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for social workers, with a median salary of $63,652. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.