How Much Does an RN Make in Montana in 2026?

A typical RN in Montana earns about $41.00 per hour, or $85,280 per year, according to the latest government wage data (May 2025). That works out to roughly $7,107 a month and $1,640 a week, based on the annual figure. These figures cover registered nurses across all care settings statewide, from hospitals to clinics.

Montana's typical RN pay sits 13% below the national figure of $97,550, placing the state 30th among all 51 states and territories. The gap often reflects Montana's lower cost of living compared with higher-paying states. About 10,950 registered nurses work across the state.

Entry-level positions in Montana typically offer around $33.71 an hour, or about $70,120 a year. New RNs usually start near this figure and see pay rise as they gain experience and take on more responsibility. Within a few years, many reach the typical pay level of $85,280 a year. Additional certifications or specialty units can speed that climb.

Experienced RNs in Montana often earn upwards of $100,800 a year, and the top 10% of earners make over $113,920. That leaves a spread of $43,800 between entry-level and top pay. Setting, years of experience, and city all play a part in where an individual nurse lands within that range. Nurses in specialty or leadership roles in higher-paying cities tend to sit at the top.

Montana RN pay has climbed steadily over the past decade. In 2015, the typical RN in Montana earned $60,720 a year; by 2025, that figure reached $85,280, a gain of $24,560. That amounts to a 40% rise over ten years. The increase has been fairly steady year over year rather than a single sharp jump.

Nationally, RN pay rose 45% over the same ten years, a slightly faster pace than Montana's gain. Pay for Montana nurses has moved up in each of the past ten years, including a jump from $68,740 in 2020 to $75,000 in 2021. Someone starting a nursing career in Montana today enters a field where pay has trended upward, though future increases are not guaranteed.

Pay runs highest in Bozeman, where RNs typically earn $99,310 a year, about 16% above the statewide figure. Helena follows closely at $98,690 a year. Both figures reflect the full metro area around each city, not just the city center.

Great Falls pays the least among Montana's tracked cities, with RNs typically earning $78,290 a year, a spread of $21,020 between the highest and lowest city figures. Billings employs the largest number of RNs in the state, at 2,550, though its typical pay of $82,300 sits below Bozeman and Helena. Higher pay in cities like Bozeman often comes with a higher cost of living.

Idaho pays RNs the most among Montana's neighbors, at $92,460 a year, about 8% higher than Montana. Wyoming ($83,760), North Dakota ($80,730), and South Dakota ($78,060) all pay somewhat less, with South Dakota running 8% below Montana's figure. Nursing licenses can often be endorsed or transferred between neighboring states, which can make relocating across the region more practical for RNs weighing these differences.

RNs in Montana typically earn $85,280 a year, up 40% over the past decade from $60,720 in 2015. Pay varies by city and experience level across the state. Readers considering a nursing career in Montana can check the state board of nursing for licensing requirements, and review individual city figures for a closer look at local pay.