Elementary School Teacher Salary in Montana
Based on 5K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$57,530
$27.66/hr
vs National Average
$68,176
-15.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$38K – $78K
5K employed in Montana
The median Elementary School Teacher salary in Montana is $57,530 per year, placing it 16% below the national average for the profession. With approximately 4,960 educators currently employed in this role across the state, the data offers a clear picture of earning potential within Montana's elementary education sector.
Several factors contribute to variations in the Elementary School Teacher salary in Montana, with typical earnings ranging from $38,160 to $78,450 annually. Experience level, the specific school district, additional certifications or master's degrees, and the cost of living in a particular Montana community are all significant influences on an individual teacher's compensation.
Salary Distribution — Elementary School Teacher in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $38,160 |
| 25th percentile | $46,830 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,530 |
| 75th percentile | $65,190 |
| 90th percentile | $78,450 |
Top-Paying Industries for Elementary School Teacher (U.S.)
Which industries pay Elementary School Teachers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Elementary School Teachers in Montana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $72,990 | 540 |
| Educational Services | $63,970 | 1.4M |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $49,340 | 2K |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $46,390 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Elementary School Teacher in Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,150 |
| 2023 | $61,080 |
| 2024 | $56,200 |
| 2025 | $57,530 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,891 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Montana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,150 | $61,148 |
| 2023 | $61,080 | $64,171 |
| 2024 | $56,200 | $64,107 |
| 2025 | $57,530 | $68,176 |
| 2026 (projected) | $58,891 | $69,789 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $46,830 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,530 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $65,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $78,450 |
Elementary School Teacher Salary in Other States
Related Elementary School Teacher Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Elementary School Teacher ($57,530 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Elementary School Teacher | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Librarian in MT | $63,870 | +11.0% | $30.71/hr |
| Middle School Teacher in MT | $61,550 | +7.0% | $29.59/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MT | $60,990 | +6.0% | $29.32/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in MT | $60,920 | +5.9% | $29.29/hr |
| School Counselor in MT | $57,900 | +0.6% | $27.84/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in MT | $47,590 | -17.3% | $22.88/hr |
| Tutor in MT | $45,050 | -21.7% | $21.66/hr |
| Paralegal in MT | $57,290 | -0.4% | $27.54/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MT | $58,050 | +0.9% | $27.91/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MT | $56,890 | -1.1% | $27.35/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MT | $58,460 | +1.6% | $28.11/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MT | $58,740 | +2.1% | $28.24/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an elementary school teacher in Montana?
- The median salary for an elementary school teacher in Montana is $57,530 per year, which averages out to about $28 per hour. This median figure means that half of elementary school teachers in Montana earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
How does the salary for elementary school teachers in Montana compare to the national average?
- Elementary school teachers in Montana earn 15.6% less than the national average salary. The median salary in Montana is $57,530 annually, while the national median is likely higher.
What is the salary range for elementary school teachers in Montana?
- The salary range for elementary school teachers in Montana is between $38,160 and $78,450 per year. This means that entry-level or early-career teachers might start at the lower end, while experienced teachers can reach the higher end of the pay scale.
How many elementary school teachers are employed in Montana?
- There are approximately 4,960 elementary school teachers employed in Montana. This indicates a moderate demand for educators in this field across the state.