What is the average teacher salary in Montana?

The average public-school teacher salary in Montana is approximately $50,890 per year (source: Montana Office of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24). Pay varies by district, years of experience, and degree level — most districts publish a salary schedule.

How does Montana teacher pay compare to the national average?

Montana teachers earn about 26% below the national average of $68,469 (National Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24). Cost of living in your specific city plays a big role in how that translates to take-home value.

Do Montana teachers get paid during the summer?

Most Montana districts pay teachers on a 12-month schedule even though instructional time is ~10 months — the annual salary is spread evenly across the year. Some districts offer a 10-month payment option; check your district's HR for specifics.

What's the highest-paying school district in Montana?

Pay scales vary district-to-district. Districts in higher cost-of-living areas typically offer higher base salaries. The "Top Hiring Districts" list on this page shows districts currently hiring across Montana.

Does experience or a master's degree increase teacher pay in Montana?

Yes. Almost every Montana district uses a step-and-lane salary schedule: "steps" reward years of teaching experience and "lanes" reward degree level (BA, BA+15, MA, MA+30, etc.). Earning a master's typically adds $3,000–$8,000 annually depending on the district.

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2026 Salary Guide

Teacher Salaries in Montana

Montana teachers earn an average of $50,890 per year — 26% below the national average.

$50,890State Average

$32,000Entry-Level (BS)

#47National Rank

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Montana Teacher Salary Overview

$32,000Entry-Level Salary (BS+0)Starting pay for new teachers with a bachelor's degree

$50,890Average Teacher SalaryState average across all experience levels and districts

$68,469National AverageNational Education Association (NEA) Rankings and Estimates 2023–24

▼ Montana teachers earn 26% less than the national average (-$17,579)

How Montana Teacher Salaries Work

Montana has no state minimum teacher salary. Districts set pay through local negotiations. Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman school districts typically offer the highest pay. Rural and small district salaries vary widely.

Key Factors That Affect Your Salary

Years of Experience (Steps): Salaries increase with each additional year of teaching service.
Education Level (Lanes): A master's degree, specialist degree, or doctorate earns a higher salary lane.
District: Each district sets its own salary schedule above the state minimum. Urban and suburban districts near major metro areas typically pay more.
Subject Area: Some districts offer bonuses or supplements for high-demand areas like special education, STEM, and bilingual education.

Additional context:

Montana's teacher workforce shortage is acute, particularly for rural and reservation schools. The state has implemented loan forgiveness programs to attract and retain teachers in high-need areas.

Top Hiring Districts in Montana

These districts currently have the most open teaching positions on EduJobsBoard. Districts with more openings are often the most actively growing or have the most competitive pay.

Belgrade H S41 open positions Laurel Elem31 open positions Whitefish Elem25 open positions Havre H S24 open positions Libby K-12 Schools22 open positions Cascade H S20 open positions Evergreen Elem9 open positions Fairview Elem8 open positions Cascade Elem1 open position

181 total open positions across Montana school districts.

Browse All Montana Teaching Jobs

See the full picture

Montana ranks #47 nationally by raw salary. How does it rank after adjusting for cost of living?

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Ready to Teach in Montana?

Before you start earning those salaries, you'll need a valid Montana teaching certificate. Learn about degree requirements, required exams, and the certification timeline.

Montana Certification Guide →

Ready to apply?

Browse current teaching positions in Montana — apply directly on district sites.

View Montana jobs → Browse by subject

Data sources: Montana Office of Public Instruction / NEA 2023–24. Salary figures represent approximate state averages and minimums; actual pay varies by district, experience, and education level. For the most current salary schedules, consult your district's human resources department or the Montana Department of Education.