Montana Teacher Salary

Average and starting teacher pay in Montana for 2024-25, ranked among all states.

Montana teacher salary at a glance

In 2024-25 the average public school teacher in Montana earned $59,305, according to NEA. That ranks 44th among the 50 states and D.C. and is $15,190 below the national average of $74,495. A year earlier the average was $57,556, so pay changed by 3.0%. NEA marks this state's 2024-25 average as an estimate.

New teachers start lower. NEA's benchmark report puts the starting salary in Montana at $36,682, which ranks 51st of 51. The national average starting salary is $48,112.

MontanaUnited States
Average salary 2024-25$59,305$74,495
Average salary 2023-24$57,556$71,985
Starting salary 2024-25$36,682$48,112
Average salary rank44 of 51
Starting salary rank51 of 51

States close to Montana in the ranking

Kentucky (42nd, $60,594), North Carolina (43rd, $60,323), Arkansas (45th, $59,193), South Dakota (46th, $58,486). See all states ranked or compare Montana with another state.

Average salary covers all public school teachers and is what NEA reports for 2024-25. Starting salary is the pay at the bottom of a bachelor's-degree salary schedule, as collected in NEA's benchmark report. Salary figures do not include benefits and are not adjusted for cost of living. Source: NEA, Rankings of the States 2025 and Estimates of School Statistics 2026 (average salary, Table B-6, April 2026) and NEA, 2024-2025 Teacher Salary Benchmark Report (starting salary, April 2026). Ranks are among the 50 states and the District of Columbia. Reviewed 2026-10-03.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average teacher salary in Montana?

NEA reports an average public school teacher salary of $59,305 in Montana for 2024-25, which ranks 44th of 51 (the 50 states and D.C.). NEA marks this state's 2024-25 average as an estimate.

What is the starting teacher salary in Montana?

NEA's benchmark report lists a starting salary of $36,682 in Montana for 2024-25, ranking 51st of 51.

How does Montana compare with the national average?

The national average teacher salary is $74,495. Montana is $15,190 below it. For starting pay, the national average is $48,112 and Montana is $11,430 below.

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