Paralegal Salary in Montana
Based on 1K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$57,290
$27.54/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
-7.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$46K – $77K
1K employed in Montana
Understanding the **Paralegal salary in Montana** reveals a median annual income of $57,290, falling 8% below the national average. This data reflects the compensation for the approximately 1,010 paralegals currently employed in the state, with salaries typically ranging between $46,140 and $76,660.
Several factors influence a paralegal's earnings in Montana, including years of experience, specific legal specialties, and the size and location of the employing law firm. Larger metropolitan areas and firms specializing in high-demand areas of law may offer higher compensation than smaller rural practices.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,140 |
| 25th percentile | $48,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $57,290 |
| 75th percentile | $66,960 |
| 90th percentile | $76,660 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in Montana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $55,270 |
| 2023 | $56,400 |
| 2024 | $54,230 |
| 2025 | $57,290 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,523 |
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 | $55,270 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $56,400 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $54,230 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $57,290 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $60,523 | $65,608 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $48,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $57,290 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $66,960 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $76,660 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Paralegal ($57,290 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in MT | $103,720 | +81.0% | $49.87/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MT | $47,320 | -17.4% | $22.75/hr |
| Elementary School Teacher in MT | $57,530 | +0.4% | $27.66/hr |
| Graphic Designer in MT | $56,890 | -0.7% | $27.35/hr |
| School Counselor in MT | $57,900 | +1.1% | $27.84/hr |
| Property and Real Estate Manager in MT | $58,050 | +1.3% | $27.91/hr |
| Computer User Support Specialist in MT | $58,460 | +2.0% | $28.11/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in MT | $58,740 | +2.5% | $28.24/hr |
| Truck Driver in MT | $58,870 | +2.8% | $28.30/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in MT | $59,000 | +3.0% | $28.37/hr |
| Firefighter in MT | $59,310 | +3.5% | $28.51/hr |
| Instructional Coordinator in MT | $60,920 | +6.3% | $29.29/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Montana?
- The median salary for a paralegal in Montana is $57,290 per year, which translates to approximately $28 per hour. Most paralegals in Montana can expect to earn between $46,140 and $76,660 annually.
What is the average paralegal salary in Montana compared to the national average?
- Paralegals in Montana earn 7.8% less than the national average. While the national median salary is higher, Montana offers competitive compensation with a median of $57,290 annually.
What is the typical salary range for paralegals in Montana?
- The salary range for paralegals in Montana typically falls between $46,140 and $76,660 per year. This means that while the median is $57,290, there's a significant difference between entry-level and experienced positions.
How many paralegals are employed in Montana?
- There are approximately 1,010 paralegals currently employed in Montana. This indicates a solid job market for those looking to enter or advance in this field within the state.