Salaries in Missoula, MT

Here's a surprising truth about Missoula in 2026: for a city of just 77,000 people, it packs a punch in high-paying fields. You don't need to be in a coastal metropolis to find a software developer earning over $125,000.

The real story here is purchasing power. With a cost of living index at 93.1, your dollar stretches about 7% further than the national average. That median household income of $70,277 feels more like $75,000 in real terms. A one-bedroom apartment running $988 a month is a bargain compared to what you'd pay in a bigger city, but it's still a significant chunk of a Missoula paycheck.

Who's thriving? The usual suspects, but with a Montana twist. Marketing managers and software developers are the top earners, pulling down salaries well into the six figures. The city's economy is anchored by education (thanks to the University of Montana), healthcare systems like Providence, and a surprisingly robust professional services sector. Construction managers also do well, a nod to the city's steady growth.

Here's the honest catch: while wages look good on paper, the cost of living has been creeping up faster than incomes for years. A 2.6% unemployment rate means employers are competing for talent, but that hasn't fully translated to wage growth keeping pace with housing. This city works best for remote tech workers or those in established professional roles. For everyone else, it's a trade-off between lifestyle and salary.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn, both before and after accounting for that favorable cost of living.