Registered nurse salary in Montana
The median registered nurse in Montana earned $85,280 a year in 2025, $12,270 (13%) below the $97,550 national median. That ranks 30th of 51 states.
- Median yearly pay
- $85,280
- Average yearly pay
- $91,510
- Employed in Montana
- 10,950
How Montana compares
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates. Pay is before tax and does not adjust for cost of living, which is higher in some states than others.
Nursing pay in Montana
| Role | Median yearly pay | Employed |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurse | $85,280 | 10,950 |
| LPN or LVN | $62,210 | 1,620 |
| Nurse practitioner | $137,210 | 1,260 |
A nurse practitioner in Montana earns a median $51,930 more than a registered nurse ($137,210 against $85,280). A registered nurse earns a median $23,070 more than an LPN or LVN here ($85,280 against $62,210).
Next steps
Common questions
How much does a registered nurse make in Montana?
The median is $85,280 a year, according to BLS data for May 2025. Half of registered nurses in Montana earn more and half earn less.
Is Montana a high-paying state for registered nurses?
Montana ranks 30th of 51 states on median pay for this job. The national median is $97,550, so Montana pays 13% below it. The highest median is $140,270 in California.
How many registered nurses work in Montana?
BLS counted 10,950 registered nurses employed in Montana in May 2025.
Why is the average different from the median?
The median is the middle wage: half of workers earn less. The average adds every wage and divides, so a few very high earners pull it up. In Montana the average is $91,510, $6,230 above the median.
What do you need to work as a registered nurse in Montana?
Montana requires an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing and a passing NCLEX-RN score, and a state license.