As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Police Lieutenant in Montana is $101,240 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, a Police Lieutenant's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Police Lieutenant'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 Police Lieutenant'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal Investigator | 0-0 years | $71,736 |
| Police Sergeant | 0-5 years | $78,885 |
| Police Lieutenant | 5+ years | $101,240 |
| Sheriff/Police Chief | 5-10 years | $123,281 |
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 Police Lieutenants. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Police Lieutenant salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $107,524. While startup companies pay approximate $91,581.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $91,581 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $96,686 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $104,014 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $107,524 |
For Police Lieutenant roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Police Lieutenant positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Police Lieutenant as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $121,488 | $58.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Police Lieutenant'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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026For a Police Lieutenant, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Sheriff/Police Chief role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $123,281 - a projected growth of 22% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Police Lieutenant job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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