Food Scientists and Technologists salary in Montana
Food Scientists and Technologists in Montana earn a median of $52,230 a year ($25.11 an hour), based on BLS data for 30 workers.
Pay ranges from $40,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,250 for the top 10%. That is 41% lower than the national median of $88,720. Montana ranks 39th of 39 states for food scientists and technologists pay. There are 0.06 food scientists and technologists per 1,000 jobs here — the job is less common than nationally (location quotient 0.72). The average (mean) salary is $57,790, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for food scientists and technologists in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $40,070 | $19.27 |
| 25th percentile | $48,350 | $23.24 |
| Median | $52,230 | $25.11 |
| 75th percentile | $62,520 | $30.06 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $76,250 | $36.66 |
| Average (mean) | $57,790 | $27.79 |
Half of food scientists and technologists earn more than the median and half earn less. Percentiles show the spread: 10% earn less than the 10th percentile, and 10% earn more than the 90th.
Median paycheck, before taxes
| Pay period | Amount |
|---|---|
| Monthly | $4,352.50 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $2,176.25 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $2,008.85 |
| Weekly | $1,004.42 |
| Hourly | $25.11 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $52,230 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Highest-paying states for food scientists and technologists
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| South Carolina | $108,660 |
| Missouri | $105,930 |
| New Jersey | $104,340 |
| Massachusetts | $103,580 |
| Florida | $101,160 |
| Colorado | $99,580 |
| Minnesota | $99,280 |
| Kentucky | $98,710 |
| Alabama | $97,480 |
| Washington | $94,990 |
Related jobs in Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation Scientist | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| Biological Scientists, All Other | $91,560 | $44.02 |
| Zoologists and Wildlife Biologists | $78,850 | $37.91 |
| Medical Scientists, Except Epidemiologists | $101,950 | $49.02 |
| Forester | $67,200 | $32.31 |
| Soil and Plant Scientists | $73,920 | $35.54 |
| Epidemiologist | $79,500 | $38.22 |
| Microbiologist | $87,750 | $42.19 |
| Forest and Conservation Technicians | $52,420 | $25.20 |
| Occupational Health and Safety Specialists | $81,330 | $39.10 |
| Environmental Scientists and Specialists, Including Health | $80,260 | $38.59 |
| Biological Technician | $49,920 | $24.00 |
| Chemist | $61,890 | $29.76 |
| Urban and Regional Planners | $80,770 | $38.83 |
More: Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations · all salaries in Montana
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 19-1012. Wages include base pay, tips, commissions and shift pay, but not overtime, bonuses or benefits, and exclude the self-employed.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a food scientists and technologists make in Montana?
The median salary for food scientists and technologists in Montana is $52,230 a year, or $25.11 an hour. Pay ranges from $40,070 for the lowest-paid 10% to $76,250 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid food scientists and technologists make in Montana?
The top 10% of food scientists and technologists in Montana earn at least $76,250 a year. The top 25% earn $62,520 or more.
What is the starting pay for food scientists and technologists in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $40,070 a year, and a quarter of food scientists and technologists earn $48,350 or less.
How many food scientists and technologists work in Montana?
About 30 food scientists and technologists are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.