Cost of living

Cost of living in Montana: what jobs pay vs rent

Typical rent in Montana is about $1,031/mo (population-weighted Census gross rent, utilities included). Here's how 293 common jobs' estimated take-home pay compares.

JobEst. take-homeRent share
Family Physician$15,548/mo7%
Nurse Anesthetist$15,548/mo7%
Dentist$13,105/mo8%
Chief Executive$11,196/mo9%
Computer Hardware Engineer$8,734/mo12%
Pharmacist$8,676/mo12%
Industrial Production Manager$8,643/mo12%
Physician Assistant$8,537/mo12%
Marketing Manager$8,495/mo12%
Architectural and Engineering Manager$8,315/mo12%
Nurse Practitioner$8,292/mo12%
Sales Manager$7,853/mo13%
Financial Manager$7,818/mo13%
Construction Manager$7,285/mo14%
Software Developer$7,103/mo15%
Optometrist$7,082/mo15%
Natural Sciences Manager$7,041/mo15%
Human Resources Manager$6,904/mo15%
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairer$6,861/mo15%
Administrative Services Manager$6,801/mo15%
Purchasing Manager$6,695/mo15%
Healthcare Manager$6,689/mo15%
Network Architect$6,679/mo15%
Industrial Engineer$6,603/mo16%
Education Administrators, Kindergarten through Secondary$6,402/mo16%
Transportation, Storage, and Distribution Manager$6,224/mo17%
Lawyer$6,160/mo17%
Data Scientist$6,137/mo17%
Computer Programmer$6,024/mo17%
Information Security Analyst$6,013/mo17%
Financial Analyst$5,976/mo17%
Detectives and Criminal Investigator$5,922/mo17%
Electrical Engineer$5,889/mo18%
Dental Hygienist$5,864/mo18%
Sonographer$5,540/mo19%
Veterinarian$5,533/mo19%
Physical Therapist$5,526/mo19%
Operations Manager$5,524/mo19%
Occupational Therapist$5,523/mo19%
Mechanical Engineer$5,398/mo19%
Facilities Manager$5,333/mo19%
Systems Analyst$5,331/mo19%
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Product$5,313/mo19%
Police and Detective$5,290/mo19%
Financial Advisor$5,272/mo20%
Architect$5,256/mo20%
Firefighting and Prevention Worker$5,235/mo20%
Database Administrator$5,231/mo20%
Civil Engineer$5,209/mo20%
Web and Digital Interface Designer$5,205/mo20%
Financial Examiner$5,154/mo20%
Registered Nurse$5,146/mo20%
Project Management Specialist$5,145/mo20%
Speech Pathologist$5,128/mo20%
Management Consultant$5,113/mo20%
Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health$5,101/mo20%
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$5,090/mo20%
Network Administrator$5,070/mo20%
Respiratory Therapist$5,064/mo20%
Plumber$5,039/mo20%
Medical Scientist$4,987/mo21%
Training and Development Specialist$4,954/mo21%
Construction Supervisor$4,948/mo21%
Non-Retail Sales Worker$4,915/mo21%
Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer$4,766/mo22%
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technician$4,730/mo22%
Medical Equipment Repairer$4,636/mo22%
Operations Research Analyst$4,565/mo23%
Market Research Analyst$4,510/mo23%
Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialist$4,451/mo23%
Radiologic Technologist$4,450/mo23%
Psychologist$4,393/mo23%
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Tester$4,385/mo24%
Accountant$4,367/mo24%
Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technician$4,343/mo24%
Special Education Teachers, Middle School$4,327/mo24%
Logistician$4,313/mo24%
Molding, Coremaking, and Casting Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$4,293/mo24%
Cost Estimator$4,225/mo24%
Electrician$4,198/mo25%
Dietitian$4,168/mo25%
Police Officer$4,148/mo25%
Chiropractor$4,141/mo25%
Special Education Teachers, Secondary School$4,118/mo25%
Career/Technical Education Teachers, Secondary School$4,103/mo25%
Compliance Officer$4,096/mo25%
Real Estate Agent$4,079/mo25%
Social and Community Service Manager$4,077/mo25%
Labor Relations Specialist$4,072/mo25%
Claims Adjuster$4,070/mo25%
Loan Officer$4,057/mo25%
Instructional Coordinator$4,051/mo25%
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technician$4,040/mo26%
Construction and Building Inspector$4,035/mo26%
Sheet Metal Worker$4,032/mo26%
Industrial Machinery Mechanic$4,012/mo26%
Machinist$4,012/mo26%
Physical Therapist Assistant$3,992/mo26%
Production and Operating Worker$3,988/mo26%
Chemist$3,979/mo26%
Security Worker$3,975/mo26%
Special Ed Teacher$3,975/mo26%
Credit Analyst$3,970/mo26%
Elementary School Teacher$3,970/mo26%
Firefighter$3,962/mo26%
Architectural and Civil Drafter$3,902/mo26%
Librarian$3,898/mo26%
School Counselor$3,891/mo26%
Food Service Manager$3,883/mo27%
Securities, Commodities, and Financial Services Sales Agent$3,873/mo27%
Massage Therapist$3,861/mo27%
Computer Network Support Specialist$3,851/mo27%
Office and Administrative Support Worker$3,850/mo27%
Cargo and Freight Agent$3,834/mo27%
Clergy$3,823/mo27%
Equipment Operator$3,806/mo27%
HR Specialist$3,806/mo27%
Insurance Underwriter$3,784/mo27%
Healthcare Social Worker$3,774/mo27%
Surgical Technologist$3,772/mo27%
Web Developer$3,768/mo27%
Sales Representative$3,736/mo28%
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator$3,736/mo28%
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installer$3,697/mo28%
Executive Secretaries and Executive Administrative Assistant$3,691/mo28%
Truck Driver$3,680/mo28%
Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Worker$3,674/mo28%
Paralegals and Legal Assistant$3,666/mo28%
Licensed Practical Nurse$3,630/mo28%
Postal Service Mail Carrier$3,623/mo28%
Postal Service Clerk$3,606/mo29%
Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairer$3,602/mo29%
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technician$3,569/mo29%
Buyers and Purchasing Agent$3,540/mo29%
Fundraiser$3,533/mo29%
Public Relations Specialist$3,531/mo29%
Postal Service Mail Sorters, Processors, and Processing Machine Operator$3,474/mo30%
Diesel Mechanic$3,459/mo30%
Writer$3,453/mo30%
High School Teacher$3,427/mo30%
Insurance Agent$3,427/mo30%
Producers and Director$3,425/mo30%
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselor$3,412/mo30%
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers, and Weigher$3,392/mo30%
HVAC Technician$3,374/mo31%
Highway Maintenance Worker$3,344/mo31%
Interior Designer$3,326/mo31%
Cement Masons and Concrete Finisher$3,311/mo31%
IT Support Specialist$3,308/mo31%
Carpenter$3,272/mo32%
Refuse and Recyclable Material Collector$3,214/mo32%
Coating, Painting, and Spraying Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$3,207/mo32%
Tax Preparer$3,204/mo32%
Chef$3,178/mo32%
Correctional Officer$3,177/mo32%
Auto Mechanic$3,171/mo33%
Roofer$3,164/mo33%
Paramedic$3,143/mo33%
Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairer$3,119/mo33%
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planner$3,119/mo33%
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist$3,110/mo33%
Loan Interviewers and Clerk$3,104/mo33%
Production, Planning, and Expediting Clerk$3,102/mo33%
Graphic Designer$3,099/mo33%
Construction Laborer$3,093/mo33%
Eligibility Interviewers, Government Program$3,091/mo33%
Retail Supervisor$3,086/mo33%
Welder$3,069/mo34%
Automotive Body and Related Repairer$3,065/mo34%
Advertising Sales Agent$3,062/mo34%
Social Worker$3,060/mo34%
Medical Records Specialist$3,044/mo34%
Personal Service Worker$3,041/mo34%
Cabinetmakers and Bench Carpenter$3,032/mo34%
Computer Numerically Controlled Tool Operator$3,014/mo34%
Painter$3,010/mo34%
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator$2,999/mo34%
Property Manager$2,933/mo35%
Public Safety Telecommunicator$2,925/mo35%
Insurance Claims and Policy Processing Clerk$2,924/mo35%
Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,920/mo35%
Billing and Posting Clerk$2,912/mo35%
Opticians, Dispensing$2,908/mo35%
Editor$2,894/mo36%
Dental Assistant$2,886/mo36%
Delivery Driver$2,884/mo36%
Housekeeping and Janitorial Worker$2,883/mo36%
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerk$2,873/mo36%
Legal Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,869/mo36%
Medical Assistant$2,863/mo36%
Tutor$2,848/mo36%
Pest Control Worker$2,807/mo37%
Pharmacy Technician$2,798/mo37%
Drywall and Ceiling Tile Installer$2,789/mo37%
Bookkeeper$2,776/mo37%
Audio and Video Technician$2,752/mo37%
Skincare Specialist$2,752/mo37%
Bus Drivers, Transit and Intercity$2,748/mo38%
Journalist$2,748/mo38%
Maintenance Worker$2,730/mo38%
Sports Coach$2,713/mo38%
Medical Equipment Preparer$2,704/mo38%
Bill and Account Collector$2,688/mo38%
Parts Salesperson$2,677/mo39%
Ophthalmic Medical Technician$2,648/mo39%
Office Clerk$2,631/mo39%
Bus Drivers, School$2,630/mo39%
Customer Service Rep$2,568/mo40%
Biological Technician$2,566/mo40%
Court, Municipal, and License Clerk$2,564/mo40%
Rehabilitation Counselor$2,558/mo40%
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker$2,555/mo40%
Fitness Trainer$2,549/mo40%
Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse$2,547/mo40%
Food Service Supervisor$2,520/mo41%
Residential Advisor$2,513/mo41%
Admin Assistant$2,511/mo41%
Slaughterers and Meat Packer$2,508/mo41%
Landscaper$2,497/mo41%
Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic$2,492/mo41%
Phlebotomist$2,480/mo42%
Butchers and Meat Cutter$2,472/mo42%
Counter and Rental Clerk$2,471/mo42%
Shipping, Receiving, and Inventory Clerk$2,471/mo42%
Nursing Assistant$2,468/mo42%
Packaging and Filling Machine Operators and Tender$2,467/mo42%
Self-Enrichment Teacher$2,463/mo42%
Printing Press Operator$2,456/mo42%
Data Entry Keyer$2,454/mo42%
Veterinary Technologists and Technician$2,451/mo42%
Reservation and Transportation Ticket Agents and Travel Clerk$2,441/mo42%
Medical Secretaries and Administrative Assistant$2,438/mo42%
Warehouse Worker$2,436/mo42%
Manicurists and Pedicurist$2,419/mo43%
Stockers and Order Filler$2,419/mo43%
File Clerk$2,405/mo43%
Library Technician$2,382/mo43%
Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendant$2,374/mo43%
Janitor$2,373/mo43%
Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmer$2,373/mo43%
Food Batchmaker$2,370/mo44%
Teller$2,365/mo44%
Mixing and Blending Machine Setters, Operators, and Tender$2,358/mo44%
Tire Repairers and Changer$2,350/mo44%
Ushers, Lobby Attendants, and Ticket Taker$2,344/mo44%
Order Clerk$2,336/mo44%
Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretaker$2,307/mo45%
EMT$2,289/mo45%
Baker$2,284/mo45%
Shuttle Drivers and Chauffeur$2,281/mo45%
Cooks, Institution and Cafeteria$2,271/mo45%
Restaurant Cook$2,267/mo45%
Hairdresser$2,264/mo46%
Crossing Guards and Flagger$2,260/mo46%
Preschool Teacher$2,260/mo46%
Security Guard$2,251/mo46%
Receptionist$2,227/mo46%
Sewing Machine Operator$2,221/mo46%
Meat, Poultry, and Fish Cutters and Trimmer$2,203/mo47%
Teaching Assistant$2,197/mo47%
Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment$2,193/mo47%
Retail Salesperson$2,188/mo47%
Social and Human Service Assistant$2,172/mo47%
Packers and Packagers, Hand$2,120/mo49%
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaner$2,116/mo49%
Psychiatric Technician$2,089/mo49%
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Worker$2,076/mo50%
Couriers and Messenger$2,062/mo50%
Photographer$2,025/mo51%
Animal Caretaker$2,019/mo51%
Home Health Aide$1,998/mo52%
Recreation Worker$1,997/mo52%
Library Assistants, Clerical$1,993/mo52%
Food Servers, Nonrestaurant$1,975/mo52%
Hotel, Motel, and Resort Desk Clerk$1,938/mo53%
Substitute Teachers, Short-Term$1,933/mo53%
Food Preparation Worker$1,921/mo54%
Cashier$1,908/mo54%
Childcare Worker$1,891/mo55%
Cooks, Fast Food$1,876/mo55%
School Bus Monitor$1,855/mo56%
Amusement and Recreation Attendant$1,836/mo56%
Fast Food and Counter Worker$1,836/mo56%
Cooks, Short Order$1,832/mo56%
Parking Attendant$1,816/mo57%
Lifeguards, Ski Patrol, and Other Recreational Protective Service Worker$1,802/mo57%
Driver/Sales Worker$1,782/mo58%
Dishwasher$1,708/mo60%
Dining Room and Cafeteria Attendants and Bartender Helper$1,455/mo71%
Telemarketer$1,445/mo71%
Hosts and Hostesses, Restaurant, Lounge, and Coffee Shop$1,425/mo72%
Bartender$1,422/mo73%
Server$1,364/mo76%

Pay is BLS OEWS 2023 state median wages after a rough ~22% tax estimate — a ballpark, not a real paycheck. It doesn't include state taxes, insurance, transport, or the cost of moving.

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