Want to Make More in Montana? These Jobs Pay the Most

Montana is full of hard-working people. When it comes to getting paid for that work, Montana doesn’t rank very high.  

According to the World Population Review, Montana has one of the lowest average incomes in the country. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Montana’s average income in 2024 was $58,160.  The highest average income is found in Washington, D.C., with an average of over $109,000.  

How Montana’s Pay Stacks Up Against Neighbors

Montana’s average income is lower than almost all of our neighbors, with the highest being North Dakota at $61,810. The only state that has a lower average than Montana, is South Dakota at $55,480.

READ MORE: Montana’s Median Income Trails Behind All Neighboring States 

If you want to make more money than the average person in Montana, you may want to consider going into a medical field, specifically nursing. According to Home Base, the highest-paying hourly job in Montana is a registered nurse at $37.54 an hour. 

READ MORE: Montana Ranks in The Top 5 When It Comes To Nursing

Registered nurses are the highest-paying hourly workers in 16 states. Some of the other highest-paying jobs are dental hygienists, sonographers, electrical power-line installers, and aircraft mechanics.

Why Nursing Leads the List

With the demand for registered nurses in places like Delaware, Pennsylvania, Texas, Minnesota, and Michigan, a registered nurse can make over $50 an hour.

How to Start a Nursing Career in Montana   

Montana schools offer many different nursing programs across the state for those who are interested, and the programs to become a licensed practical/vocational nurse can be completed between one and two years.