Average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary in Montana
In Montana, professionals in Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations earn an average annual salary of $71,030. This figure is notably below the national average of $91,840, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand within the state's scientific sectors. The unique economic landscape and industry concentrations in Montana directly influence compensation levels for these specialized roles.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $71,030 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $104,000.
- Outlook: Montana's scientific job market, encompassing Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations, supports a workforce of 8,980 individuals. With a Location Quotient of 1.88, these professions are significantly more concentrated in Montana than the national average, indicating a robust and specialized demand within the state. The presence of 17.613 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores the established presence and ongoing need for these scientific professionals.
Salary Overview
The average Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana earns-22.7%below the national average.
$34.2
$1,366
$5,919
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and increased investment in research and specialized industries within the state likely contribute to a positive trajectory for compensation in these fields.
Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary Distribution in Montana
Career progression within Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana typically sees a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while senior scientists and researchers, with extensive experience and specialized skills, can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies substantial career advancement opportunities and earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $39,560 | $19 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $53,273 | $25.6 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $63,330 | $30.4 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $88,788 | $42.7 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $104,000 | $50 |
Detailed Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$71,030
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$66,445
Adjusted for COL (106.9)
The average annual salary of $71,030 in Montana for these science roles must be considered alongside the local Cost of Living Index of 106.9. This index is slightly higher than the national average (100), meaning that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power might be somewhat diminished due to the increased cost of goods and services in Montana.
Job Market Context
8,980
Total Jobs
17.613
Per 1K Jobs
1.88
Location Quotient
Montana has 1.9x the national concentration of Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
Montana's Location Quotient of 1.88 for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations signifies a strong concentration of these jobs relative to the national average. This suggests that the state has a specialized and perhaps more competitive market for these roles, with a higher proportion of the workforce engaged in scientific endeavors compared to other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $73,390↑ 3% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,780↑ 2% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salary | $72,300↑ 2% | 90 mi |
Comparing salaries near Montana
Hiring Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations make in Montana?
The median annual salary for a Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana is $71,030. This typically ranges from $39,560 for entry-level positions to $104,000 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Montana is 22.7% lower than the national median of $91,840.
Is Montana a lucrative place for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupationss?
No, not when compared to the national average.While Montana has a strong concentration of these roles (LQ of 1.88), the average salary of $71,030 is significantly lower than the national average of $91,840, and the cost of living is slightly above average.
Is Montana a good place to live for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Montana is 106.9. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Montana?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($73,390) and Helena, MT.
How does Montana's average science salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana is $71,030, which is considerably lower than the national average of $91,840.
What is the concentration of science jobs in Montana?
Montana has a high concentration of these science jobs, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.88, meaning these professions are nearly twice as common in Montana as they are nationwide.
How does the cost of living affect Montana's science salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 106.9, Montana is slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $71,030 salary may have less purchasing power than a higher salary in a lower cost-of-living area.
What is the size of the science workforce in Montana?
The total local workforce for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations in Montana is 8,980 individuals, representing 17.613 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,980 employees in the Montana area with a job density of 17.613 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Montana
- All Occupations Salary in Montana
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Montana
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Montana
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Montana
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Montana
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Montana
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Montana
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Montana
- Management Occupations Salary in Montana
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Montana
- Browse All Jobs in Montana →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Montana