What the numbers say
The median wage for Accountants and Auditors in Montana was $74,400 in 2024, about 12% below the US median of $84,407. That gap is real, but it is not the whole picture.
Montana's cost of living runs slightly below the national average. Our cost-of-living index puts the state at 96.8, meaning the $74,400 median buys a bit more here than the same number would in most other states. After adjusting for that, the gap with the national figure narrows to something closer to 8%.
The spread between low and high earners is wide. The bottom tenth of Accountants and Auditors in Montana earned around $48,730 in 2024. The top tenth earned $121,140. That is a difference of roughly $72,400 between entry-level and senior roles, which tells us experience, specialization, and the kind of employer matter a great deal in this state. The average wage of $80,040 sits noticeably above the median, which means a smaller group of higher-earning accountants pulls the average up.
BLS projects employment for this occupation to grow 4.6% between 2024 and 2034, an average rate of growth. With 4,680 Accountants and Auditors currently employed in Montana, that pace would add a modest number of positions over the decade, without reshaping the field.
Salary distribution
Where Montana accountants and auditors fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $61,490 and $93,360, with a median of $74,400.
Accountants and Auditors pay by experience level in Montana
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Accountants and Auditors in Montana, by industry
Median offered wage across 2 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Healthcare leads with a median of $73,195.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | Benefis Health System, Inc. | 1 | $73,195 |
| Nonprofit and civic | Church Universal and Triumphant, Inc. | 1 | $62,504 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Montana over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Economics and Accounting
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
- 3.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Mathematical Reasoning
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
- 02
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
- 03
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
- 04
Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
- 05
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
- 06
Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
- 07
Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
- 08
Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.6%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Accountants and Auditors in Montana?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Accountants and Auditors in Montana is $74,400.
- How does Montana compare to the national median for Accountants and Auditors?
- The Montana median is -11.9% versus the BLS national figure of $84,407.
- What is the salary range for Accountants and Auditors in Montana?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $48,730 and the 90th-percentile at $121,140, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Accountants and Auditors a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.6% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Accountants and Auditors?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.