Data Analyst Salary in Montana: $65,960 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median data analyst pay sits at $65,960/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 15-2051. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $68,565 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bozeman ($77,120), Billings ($62,259), Missoula ($58,144).
In Montana, the average median salary for data analysts in 2026 is projected to be $65,959, which is significantly lower than the national median of $80,394, reflecting a salary gap of 18.0%. Bozeman leads the state with the highest salary at $80,575, while Kalispell has the lowest at $47,263, illustrating a difference of $33,312. This disparity is primarily driven by variations in industry demand, cost of living, and the concentration of businesses that rely on data analysis. Montana's job market for data analysts is projected to grow at an annual rate of 4.48%, indicating a steady demand for professionals in this field. While there are no strict state licensing requirements specifically for data analysts, broad laws affecting data privacy and employment can influence the practice. Major cities such as Billings and Missoula offer salaries of $65,048 and $60,749 respectively, highlighting the varying opportunities depending on location. In summary, while Montana's salaries for data analysts are lower compared to national averages, the job market's growth and localized demand present pathways for career development within the state. Understanding regional factors can help you navigate your career options effectively.
Montana Data Analyst Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $27,412 (lowest entry-level) to $116,075 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana data analysts earn 17.95% less than the national median ($-14,434/year difference).
Montana Data Analyst Salary Distribution (2026)
Data Analyst salaries in Montana range from $41,857 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $106,669 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $65,960. The Montana median is $14,434 below the US national median of $80,394. The average hourly rate is $31.71/hr. Approximately 160 data analysts are employed across 7 cities.
2021 BLS Actual
$52,987
2025 BLS Actual
$63,131
2026 Current Est.
$65,960
2021–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Salary Trajectory for Data Analysts in Montana (2021–2027)
2021–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.48% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | $52,987 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,347 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $102,590 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,960 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,915 | Projected |
Based on 5 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median data analyst salary grew 19.1% from $52,987 (2021) to $63,131 (2025). At a 4.48% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,915 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,928 (30.06%) from 2021.
Note: Historical values (2021–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.48% CAGR derived from 5-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kalispell | $47,263 |
| Helena | $47,399 |
| Butte | $48,103 |
| Great Falls | $49,365 |
| Missoula | $60,749 |
Best Value Cities for Data Analysts in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for data analysts.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $80,575 | 102.51 | $78,602 |
| Billings | $65,048 | 93.526 | $69,551 |
| Missoula | $60,749 | 96.445 | $62,988 |
| Great Falls | $49,365 | 96.2 | $51,315 |
| Butte | $48,103 | 96.2 | $50,003 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $41,857 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $65,960 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $106,669 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Explore More Data Analyst Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do data analysts make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for data analysts in Montana?
How does Montana data analyst pay compare to the national average?
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Which Montana city offers the best value for data analysts?
Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
Statewide salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.48% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 data analyst compensation across Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 metro areas — larger metro areas with more data analystscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.48%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for data analysts (SOC 15-2051).
Compiled and verified by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov