Police Officer Salary in Montana
Based on 2K+ workers in Montana
Median Annual Salary (MT)
$70,050
$33.68/hr
vs National Average
$74,181
-5.6% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$55K – $84K
2K employed in Montana
The median Police Officer salary in Montana is $70,050 per year, or $34 per hour. This figure is approximately 5.6% lower than the national average for this profession. Currently, there are an estimated 2,160 police officers employed in Montana, reflecting a dedicated workforce serving communities across the state.
Several factors can influence a Police Officer salary in Montana. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically earning closer to the lower end of the range, around $55,330, while seasoned officers may see salaries reach up to $84,150. Location within Montana and the specific department's budget can also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Police Officer in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $55,330 |
| 25th percentile | $59,860 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $70,050 |
| 75th percentile | $77,500 |
| 90th percentile | $84,150 |
Top-Paying Industries for Police Officer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Police Officers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Police Officers in Montana tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $98,750 | — |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $83,620 | 370 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $76,520 | 642K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $65,640 | 3K |
| Educational Services | $62,110 | 24K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Police Officer in Montana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Montana) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | $70,050 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,152 |
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 | $70,050 | $74,181 |
| 2026 (projected) | $72,152 | $76,406 |
Police Officer Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $59,860 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $70,050 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $77,500 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $84,150 |
Police Officer Salary in Other States
Related Police Officer Salaries in Montana
How other high-demand occupations in Montana compare to Police Officer ($70,050 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Police Officer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighter in MT | $59,310 | -15.3% | $28.51/hr |
| Security Guard in MT | $38,480 | -45.1% | $18.50/hr |
| Loan Officer in MT | $71,570 | +2.2% | $34.41/hr |
| Dietitian and Nutritionist in MT | $71,580 | +2.2% | $34.41/hr |
| Psychologist in MT | $68,160 | -2.7% | $32.77/hr |
| Market Research Analyst in MT | $68,080 | -2.8% | $32.73/hr |
| Commercial and Industrial Designer in MT | $72,990 | +4.2% | $35.09/hr |
| Compliance Officer in MT | $66,660 | -4.8% | $32.05/hr |
| Art Director in MT | $73,850 | +5.4% | $35.50/hr |
| Credit Analyst in MT | $74,650 | +6.6% | $35.89/hr |
| Geoscientist in MT | $75,520 | +7.8% | $36.31/hr |
| Accountant in MT | $75,810 | +8.2% | $36.45/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary range for a Police Officer in Montana?
- The salary range for a Police Officer in Montana generally falls between $55,330 and $84,150 per year. The median salary for the role in the state is $70,050 annually.
How does the Police Officer salary in Montana compare to the national average?
- The median Police Officer salary in Montana is 5.6% lower than the national average. While the state's median is $70,050 per year, the national median is higher.
What is the hourly rate for a Police Officer in Montana?
- Police Officers in Montana earn a median hourly wage of $34. This is derived from the annual median salary of $70,050.
Is the salary for a Police Officer in Montana good compared to the national figures?
- While the median Police Officer salary in Montana, at $70,050 annually, is lower than the national average by 5.6%, it still offers a competitive income within the state's cost of living.