Lawyer Salary in Montana
Based on 2K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$103,720
$49.87/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-23.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $180K
2K employed in Montana
The Lawyer salary in Montana presents a median annual earning of $103,720, placing it significantly below the national average by 23%. This figure represents the midpoint of the salary range for legal professionals in the state, which typically falls between $62,090 and $179,620. Currently, Montana employs approximately 2,380 individuals in legal roles.
Several factors contribute to the variation in Lawyer salary in Montana. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned attorneys generally commanding higher compensation. Additionally, specialization within the legal field, the size and type of law firm, and the specific geographic location within Montana can all influence earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,090 |
| 25th percentile | $84,180 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $103,720 |
| 75th percentile | $133,660 |
| 90th percentile | $179,620 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Montana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $86,030 |
| 2023 | $94,770 |
| 2024 | $100,750 |
| 2025 | $103,720 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,778 |
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 | $86,030 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $94,770 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $100,750 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $103,720 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $106,778 | $138,683 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $84,180 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $103,720 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $133,660 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $179,620 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Lawyer ($103,720 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in MT | $57,290 | -44.8% | $27.54/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MT | $47,320 | -54.4% | $22.75/hr |
| Physicist in MT | $103,800 | +0.1% | $49.90/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in MT | $104,060 | +0.3% | $50.03/hr |
| Optometrist in MT | $104,280 | +0.5% | $50.13/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in MT | $104,300 | +0.6% | $50.14/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in MT | $104,430 | +0.7% | $50.21/hr |
| Construction Manager in MT | $104,480 | +0.7% | $50.23/hr |
| Medical Scientist in MT | $101,950 | -1.7% | $49.01/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in MT | $105,840 | +2.0% | $50.88/hr |
| Data Scientist in MT | $100,490 | -3.1% | $48.31/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in MT | $100,140 | -3.5% | $48.14/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Montana?
- The median salary for lawyers in Montana is $103,720 per year, which equates to about $50 per hour. Most lawyers in the state earn between $62,090 and $179,620 annually.
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Montana compared to the national average?
- Lawyers in Montana earn 23.0% less than the national average. The median salary in Montana is $103,720 per year, while the national median is higher.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Montana?
- The salary range for lawyers in Montana is quite broad, with figures typically falling between $62,090 on the lower end and $179,620 on the higher end annually. The median falls within this range at $103,720 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in Montana?
- There are approximately 2,380 lawyers currently employed in Montana. This figure represents the total number of legal professionals working within the state.