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

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Montana

The median teacher (k-12) salary in Montana is $58,606 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $61,690.

Median Salary
$58,606
vs National
$-3,084
State Rank
#25 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

Teacher (K-12) Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) compensation. Montana falls in the middle of the pack for teacher (k-12) pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $58,606 per year, teacher (k-12)s in Montana earn $3,084 less than the national median of $61,690.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning teacher (k-12) salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: teacher (k-12)s at the 10th percentile earn $39,330, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $95,950 — a $56,620 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 $70,944.

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for teacher (k-12)s across the country.

Teacher (K-12) Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level teacher (k-12) earns around $39,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $87,400 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$39,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$58,900
$-3,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$87,400
$-4,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $39,330
25th Percentile $46,360
Median (50th) $58,606
75th Percentile $75,240
90th Percentile $95,950

Teacher (K-12) Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for teacher (k-12)s 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 Teacher (K-12) in Montana

Education

Most teacher (k-12) positions require a bachelor's degree. Montana has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Lesson PlanningClassroom ManagementAssessmentDifferentiated InstructionCommunicationEducational Technology

Job Outlook in Montana

Nationally, teacher (k-12) employment is projected to grow 1% over the next decade (slower than average). Montana's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Teacher (K-12) Salary in Montana

How much does a Teacher (K-12) make in Montana? ▼
The median teacher (k-12) salary in Montana is $58,606 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $61,690. Salaries range from $39,330 (10th percentile) to $95,950 (90th percentile).
How much does a Teacher (K-12) make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,606, a teacher (k-12) in Montana earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for teacher (k-12)s? ▼
Montana ranks #25 out of 50 states for teacher (k-12) pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level teacher (k-12)s earn $39,900, while senior professionals earn $87,400.
How does Montana compare to other states for teacher (k-12) salary? ▼
The highest paying state for teacher (k-12)s is Hawaii at $104,873. Montana's median of $58,606 ranks #25 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Pennsylvania ($59,222) and Illinois ($58,606).
What is the entry-level teacher (k-12) salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level teacher (k-12) in Montana earns approximately $39,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $58,900. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $87,400.
What city in Montana pays teacher (k-12)s the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for teacher (k-12)s, with a median salary of $70,944. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.