Firefighter Salary in Montana (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Firefighters in Montana, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Montana Median
$59,310
per year
Hourly Rate
$28.51
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
+0% vs US median
US median $59,280
State Rank
#19 of 50
1,010 employed here

How much does a Firefighter make in Montana?

A Firefighter working in Montana earns a median salary of $59,310 per year, or about $28.51 per hour. That is 0% above the national median of $59,280 for this occupation.

Within Montana, entry-level pay starts around $32,810 while the top 10% make $76,620 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $47,770 and $68,100 a year.

Firefighter salary range in Montana

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$32,810$15.77
25th percentile (early career)$47,770$22.97
50th percentile (median)$59,310$28.51
75th percentile (experienced)$68,100$32.74
90th percentile (top earners)$76,620$36.84

How Montana compares

Montana ranks 19th out of 50 states and territories for Firefighter pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$100,960
2Washington$94,520
3California$85,120
4New Jersey$84,130
5Illinois$78,380

Working as a Firefighter in Montana

Nationally, about 346,000 people work as Firefighters in the United States. A high school diploma is typically enough, with most skills learned on the job.

Considering a move? Compare Montana pay ($59,310) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Firefighter make in Montana?
The median Firefighter salary in Montana is $59,310 per year, or about $28.51 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $32,810 at the entry level to $76,620 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Montana pay compare to the national average?
Montana pays Firefighters about 0% more than the national median of $59,280. Montana ranks 19th out of 50 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Montana a good state for Firefighters?
Yes on pay — Montana pays above the national median for this occupation, at $59,310 a year. About 1,010 Firefighters are employed in Montana. Weigh that against local housing and living costs before moving.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Montana?
The highest-paying occupations in Montana include Orthopedic Surgeon, Except Pediatric ($560,820), Physician, All Other ($438,850), Radiologist ($360,330), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Firefighter salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.