Careers in Montana
Montana’s regional price level is below the national average (index 94.645, where 100 = U.S. average, 2024 BEA data).
Unemployment rate: 2.8% · Labor force participation: 62.5% · 567,733 people employed (2026-07, BLS LAUS, not seasonally adjusted).
Highest-Paying Careers
See full list →- 1Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$560,820
- 2Physicians, All Other$438,850
- 3Radiologists$360,330
- 4Family Medicine Physicians$330,760
- 5Orthodontists$312,840
Largest Occupations
See full list →- 1Fast Food and Counter Workers14,960 employed
- 2Retail Salespersons13,490 employed
- 3Cashiers12,170 employed
- 4General and Operations Managers11,840 employed
- 5Registered Nurses10,950 employed
Highest Concentration
See full list →- 1Gambling and Sports Book Writers and Runners35.57× national avg
- 2Forest and Conservation Technicians17.64× national avg
- 3Gambling Service Workers, All Other17.09× national avg
- 4Forestry and Conservation Science Teachers, Postsecondary12.64× national avg
- 5First-Line Supervisors of Gambling Services Workers10.08× national avg
Best Purchasing Power
See full list →cost-of-living adjusted
- 1Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric$592,551
- 2Physicians, All Other$463,680
- 3Radiologists$380,717
- 4Family Medicine Physicians$349,474
- 5Orthodontists$330,540
Strongest Opportunity Score
See full list →- 1Tire Repairers and Changers88.4 / 100
- 2Plant and System Operators, All Other87.8 / 100
- 3Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists86.4 / 100
- 4Tour and Travel Guides84.8 / 100
- 5Septic Tank Servicers and Sewer Pipe Cleaners84.4 / 100
Sources
Wage and employment data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS). Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities. Unemployment rate: BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS). Opportunity Score is a Career Atlas USA calculation — see methodology.