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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a K-12 Teacher in Montana is $50,600 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.
However, a K-12 Teacher's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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K-12 Teacher Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $1,096 | $27 |
| Average | $50,600 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,900 | $3,575 | $825 | $21 |
A Little Journey Montessori School - Bozeman, MT
Bozeman Montessori - Bozeman, MT
FRIENDSHIP HOUSE - Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Child Start - Missoula, MT
A K-12 Teacher's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a K-12 Teacher's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level K-12 Teacher | $48,093 |
| Intermediate Level K-12 Teacher | $48,321 |
| Senior Level K-12 Teacher | $51,076 |
| Specialist Level K-12 Teacher | $53,719 |
| Expert Level K-12 Teacher | $53,908 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract K-12 Teachers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
K-12 Teacher salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $54,915. While startup companies pay approximate $46,579.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $46,579 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $49,231 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $53,063 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $54,915 |
For K-12 Teacher roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, K-12 Teacher positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view K-12 Teacher as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $60,720 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $60,720 | $29.0 | 20% |
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $55,660 | $27.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a K-12 Teacher's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $57,000 | $4,750 | $1,096 | $27 |
| Average | $50,600 | $4,217 | $973 | $24 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,900 | $3,575 | $825 | $21 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current K-12 Teacher job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Great Falls Public Schools
Great Falls, MT
Great Falls Public Schools | Great Falls, MT
Position Type:High School TeachingDate Posted:11/21/2025Location:CMR / GFHSQualifications:=Class 1 or 2 MT Teaching License. =Endorsement for Secondary Lev... more
5 Days Ago
Sunshine Academy
Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Sunshine Academy | Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Job Description. Job Description. New Location - New Job. . Do you love kids. Do you want to be part of a fun team that makes a difference. . YOU’RE PERFEC more
5 Days Ago
Sunshine Academy
Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Sunshine Academy | Billings Metropolitan Area, MT
Job Description. Job Description. New Location, New Adventure with Little Explorers. Ever found yourself giggling at a toddler's innocent logic or wishing ... more
5 Days Ago
Sunshine Academy
Laurel, MT
Sunshine Academy | Laurel, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Do you love kids. Do you want to be part of a fun team that makes a difference. . YOU’RE PERFECT FOR THE TEACHER SUPPORT... more
5 Days Ago
Sunshine Academy
Laurel, MT
Sunshine Academy | Laurel, MT
Job Description. Job Description. Ever found yourself giggling at a toddler's innocent logic or wishing you could hang out in a world full of finger paints... more
5 Days Ago
Lustre Christian High School
Frazer, MT
Lustre Christian High School | Frazer, MT
Job Summary This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to teach in an idyllic setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.We provide hous... more
1 Day Ago
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