Montana University System Salary

As of August 2026, the average annual salary for employees at Montana University System in the United States is $81,736. This translates to an approximate hourly wage of $39. Salaries at Montana University System typically range from $71,430 to $93,600 annually, reflecting the diverse roles and experience levels within the company.

How Much Does Montana University System Pay for Different Roles?

Explore detailed salary information for specific jobs at Montana University System. Based on our data, the highest paying job is the Chief Legal Counsel, with an annual salary of $200,414. The table below outlines the annual salary ranges for most popular roles within the company.
How accurate does the salary look to you?

Is Montana University System’s Pay Competitive? Salary Benchmarking Analysis

How does Montana University System's compensation stack up against the industry and its key competitors? Our salary benchmarking analysis provides a clear comparison. The chart below visualizes this comparison alongside select peer companies.
Competitor / Benchmark Avg. Salary Variance Primary Market Influence Factor & Explanation
BGSU Firelands $94,774
+15.9%
Adjusted for higher cost-of-living indices in BGSU Firelands's primary metro hubs.
University of Amsterdam $91,040
+11.4%
Data suggests University of Amsterdam's workforce skews heavily towards veteran, high-tenure roles.
University Casework Systems Inc $99,225
+21.4%
Influenced by prevailing union wage agreements specific to University Casework Systems Inc's sector.
Fairbanks University $108,307
+32.5%
Supported by Fairbanks University's high-margin contracts allowing higher overhead.
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit Industry $115,341
+41.1%
Pay variances are driven by organizational scale, specialized skill requirements, or geographic cost-of-living factors.
Need More Granular Data? The analysis above provides a high-level market overview. To benchmark specific job codes, adjust for real-time cost-of-living changes, or access verified HR-reported datasets, upgrade to Salary.com for Business. Precision matters when building your compensation strategy.

Employee Reviews: Working at Montana University System

Considering a career at Montana University System? Explore authentic employee reviews to learn about the work environment, career growth opportunities, pay transparency and benefits. These first-hand insights can help you set realistic compensation expectations and make informed career decisions.
Training opportunities exist but vary depending on department resources. They invest in people, provide useful feedback, and respond quickly when challenges arise. The workplace culture emphasizes mutual respect and service to the community.
Leadership fosters a culture of respect, inclusivity, and collaboration. Reliable, informed, and focused on student and citizen outcomes. The organization offers a stable, supportive work environment. What I enjoy most about this job is the consistency. Training opportunities are plentiful, and employees are encouraged to grow professionally.
Pay is fair and it is competitive. Excellent job stability with structured career progression. Still, their intentions and professionalism are appreciated. This place values education, development, and inclusion. Benefits and work-life balance are major pluses.
Good intentions, but administrative speed varies. Flexibility and open dialogue are encouraged, and leadership takes staff feedback seriously. This variety keeps the work interesting and allows individuals to explore different facets of public service or education, contributing to broader professional development and satisfaction. The culture values diversity and inclusivity, fostering collaborati...
The culture supports diversity and transparency, fostering an environment where staff feel motivated to contribute positively to public service efforts. Cut approval times by half. This team delivers dependable service with a strong emphasis on educational outcomes and public accountability.

Montana University System Overview

Website
www.mus.edu
Founded In
1994
Employees
200 - 500 employees
Industry
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit
Headquarter Address
560 N Park Ave Helena Montana MT 59620
Revenue
$10 Million - $50 Million
Phone Number
+1 4064499124
Social Media
About Montana University System
The Montana University System was created on July 1, 1994, when the Montana Board of Regents of Higher Education restructured the state's public colleges and universities, with the goal of streamlining the state's higher education in the wake of decreased state funding. It has sixteen campuses divided among the two state university systems, and community colleges.

What Benefits Does Montana University System Offer Beyond Salary?

A competitive compensation package is more than just a salary. Montana University System offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial future, and overall well-being. Below are the most common key benefits:
Social Security
401(K)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
Work at Montana University System?
Share your experience
How Much Should You Be Earning?

Get an estimated calculation of how much you should be earning and insight into your career options.

illustration

What Is the Cost of Living Near Helena?

Understanding the cost of living near Helena is key to truly evaluating a salary offer or your current compensation at Montana University System.
Helena's Cost of Living Index is approximately 98.7 (1.3% less expensive than US average; 2.0% less than MT average). State capital, housing near US average. Capital Transit. When planning your budget based on a salary from Montana University System, consider these typical monthly expenses:
Expense Category Estimated Monthly Cost Key Considerations / Notes
Housing (1-BR Apt Rent) $1,000 - $1,500+ A significant portion of Montana University System salary. Location choices impact this heavily.
Utilities (Basic) $90 - $170 Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water etc.
Public Transportation Limited local transit Essential for most commuters; car ownership is costly.
Groceries (Single Person) $400 - $590 Can be higher with more dining out or specialty stores.
Personal & Leisure $330 - $630+ Dining out, entertainment, shopping. Highly variable.
Healthcare (Individual) $380 - $700+ Varies significantly by plan & employer contribution.
Subtotal (Excluding Taxes) $2,200 - $3,590+ This subtotal does not include income taxes (federal, state, local), which can significantly impact your take-home pay.

FAQs of Montana University System

1. What is the typical salary range (low to high) for most roles at Montana University System?

The typical annual salary range for most roles at Montana University System is approximately from $71,430 to $93,600. It's important to remember that these are overall averages, actual salaries vary significantly based on specific job titles, years of experience, skills, and location.

2. How much does Montana University System pay compared to BGSU Firelands?

The average annual salary at Montana University System is $81,736, or an hourly wage of $39, in comparison to BGSU Firelands which pays $94,774 per year or $46 per hour.

3. Do salaries differ significantly between departments at Montana University System?

Yes, salaries often differ between departments at Montana University System due to varying market demand for specific skill sets and the nature of the roles. For example, technical roles in Engineering or IT may command different salary ranges compared to roles in Marketing or Human Resources.

4. How does experience level affect salary at Montana University System?

Experience level is a significant factor in determining salary at Montana University System, as it is with most employers. Generally, employees with more years of relevant experience and a proven track record can command higher salaries. For example, a senior-level role will typically have a higher pay band than an entry-level or mid-career position within the same job family.

5. How can I determine if a salary offer from Montana University System in Helena is fair given the local cost of living?

To determine if a salary offer from Montana University System in Helena is fair, first compare the gross salary to our data for similar roles at Montana University System and its competitors (see our similar company salaries section) . Then, critically, use our "Cost of Living Insights for Helena" to understand its purchasing power.

6. Why might an individual's actual salary at Montana University System differ from the ranges shown here?

An individual's actual salary at Montana University System can differ from our estimated ranges due to various factors. These include their specific years of experience in the role, unique skills or certifications, educational background, performance record, the specific team or department they join, negotiation outcomes, and even the precise timing of when they were hired relative to market fluctuations. Our ranges represent typical compensation.