Firefighter Salary in Montana
Based on 1K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$59,310
$28.51/hr
vs National Average
$57,551
+3.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$33K – $77K
1K employed in Montana
The median Firefighter salary in Montana is $59,310 annually, equating to about $29 per hour. This figure sits 3.1% above the national average for the profession. With 1,010 firefighters employed across the state, this data provides a key benchmark for understanding compensation in this vital role.
Several factors can influence a firefighter's earnings in Montana. Experience levels, the specific fire department (municipal, county, or federal), location within the state, and any specialized certifications or training will all play a role. The salary range in Montana for firefighters typically falls between $32,810 and $76,620.
Salary Distribution — Firefighter in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $32,810 |
| 25th percentile | $47,770 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $59,310 |
| 75th percentile | $68,100 |
| 90th percentile | $76,620 |
Top-Paying Industries for Firefighter (U.S.)
Which industries pay Firefighters the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Firefighters in Montana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $89,990 | 70 |
| Educational Services | $72,760 | 620 |
| Manufacturing | $71,490 | 590 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $71,190 | 110 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $60,050 | 323K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Firefighter in Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,310 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,089 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $59,310 | $57,551 |
| 2026 (projected) | $61,089 | $59,278 |
Firefighter Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $47,770 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $59,310 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $68,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,620 |
Firefighter Salary in Other States
Related Firefighter Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Firefighter ($59,310 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Firefighter | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Officer in MT | $70,050 | +18.1% | $33.68/hr |
| Security Guard in MT | $38,480 | -35.1% | $18.50/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in MT | $59,000 | -0.5% | $28.37/hr |
| Truck Driver in MT | $58,870 | -0.7% | $28.30/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MT | $58,740 | -1.0% | $28.24/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MT | $58,460 | -1.4% | $28.11/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MT | $58,050 | -2.1% | $27.91/hr |
| School Counselor in MT | $57,900 | -2.4% | $27.84/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in MT | $60,920 | +2.7% | $29.29/hr |
| Secondary School Teacher in MT | $60,990 | +2.8% | $29.32/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MT | $57,530 | -3.0% | $27.66/hr |
| Computer Network Support Specialist in MT | $61,150 | +3.1% | $29.40/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Firefighter salary in Montana?
- The median Firefighter salary in Montana is $59,310 per year. This means half of all firefighters in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for a Firefighter in Montana?
- In Montana, the salary for a Firefighter generally ranges from $32,810 for entry-level positions to $76,620 for more experienced professionals.
How does the Firefighter salary in Montana compare to the national average?
- Firefighter salaries in Montana are slightly higher than the national average, reporting approximately 3.1% more.
Is the hourly rate for a Firefighter in Montana significant?
- Yes, the median hourly rate for a Firefighter in Montana is $29. This reflects the demanding nature of the job and its importance within communities.