Teaching candidates who either are interested in launching their careers in Montana or are relocating to the state will undoubtedly want to find out what type of salary they can expect with their teaching certification in Montana. According to the National Education Association the average annual salary for a Montana certified teacher is $44,426 while the average starting salary is currently $24,685. These figures can vary based on the level of experience the teacher brings to the job and the specific locale in which they work. The level of students a teacher has also largely determines average salary; for example, elementary, middle, and high school teachers all earn slightly different averages.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows the variations in teaching salaries, based on level and subject matter taught. In addition, these figures are compared with national averages to allow those in the process of becoming a teacher in Montana to see how a Montana salary ranks.
| Occupation | Annual mean wage in Montana | Annual mean wage in U.S. |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $61,530 | $86,620 |
| Physics Teachers, Postsecondary | $70,630 | $86,730 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $41,380 | $74,890/td> |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $52,310 | $65,050 |
| English Language and Literature Teachers, Postsecondary | $46,380 | $68,760 |
| Preschool Teachers Except Special Education | $25,590 | $30,150 |
| Kindergarten Teachers Except Special Education | $40,950 | $52,350 |
| Elementary School Teachers Except Special Education | $43,750 | $55,270 |
| Middle School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $43,200 | $55,780 |
| Secondary School Teachers Except Special and Career/Technical Education | $43,160 | $56,760 |
| Special Education Teachers Preschool Kindergarten and Elementary School | $41,000 | $56,460 |
| Special Education Teachers Middle School | $41,470 | $58,420 |
| Special Education Teachers Secondary School | $41,900 | $59,080 |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also allows aspiring teachers who have completed teaching requirements in Montana to compare teaching salaries in some of the largest cities in the state.
| City | Annual mean wage |
| Billings, MT | $38,230 |
| Great Falls, MT | $36,570 |
Helpful Resources
- National Education Association – MEA-MFT
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Employment Statistics