Nursing Assistant salary in Montana
Nursing Assistants in Montana earn a median of $40,900 a year ($19.67 an hour), based on BLS data for 4,390 workers.
Pay ranges from $36,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,700 for the top 10%. That is 3% lower than the national median of $42,260. Montana ranks 26th of 51 states for nursing assistants pay. There are 8.6 nursing assistants per 1,000 jobs here — close to the national average. The average (mean) salary is $43,160, above the median because a few high earners pull it up.
Pay range for nursing assistants in Montana
| Pay level | Yearly | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $36,780 | $17.69 |
| 25th percentile | $38,040 | $18.29 |
| Median | $40,900 | $19.67 |
| 75th percentile | $47,550 | $22.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $49,700 | $23.90 |
| Average (mean) | $43,160 | $20.75 |
Half of nursing assistants 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 | $3,408.33 |
| Semi-monthly (24 a year) | $1,704.17 |
| Biweekly (26 a year) | $1,573.08 |
| Weekly | $786.54 |
| Hourly | $19.67 |
Based on a full-time year of 2,080 hours. Convert any amount with the hourly to salary converter.
Buying a home? On a $40,900 salary, see how much house you can afford in Montana at today's mortgage rates, or work out a payment with the mortgage calculator.
Nursing Assistant salary in cities in Montana
| Metro area | Median salary | Workers |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman, MT | $46,220 | 340 |
| Helena, MT | $42,520 | 290 |
| Great Falls, MT | $39,330 | 360 |
| Billings, MT | $39,150 | 950 |
| Missoula, MT | $38,550 | 440 |
Highest-paying states for nursing assistants
| State | Median salary |
|---|---|
| Oregon | $49,830 |
| Washington | $49,180 |
| New York | $48,590 |
| New Hampshire | $47,870 |
| District of Columbia | $47,700 |
| California | $47,630 |
| Colorado | $47,380 |
| Vermont | $47,130 |
| Maine | $47,070 |
| New Jersey | $46,830 |
Related jobs in Montana
| Job | Median salary | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Home Health and Personal Care Aides | $36,630 | $17.61 |
| Psychiatric Aide | $46,340 | $22.28 |
| Medical Assistant | $46,820 | $22.51 |
| Dental Assistant | $46,680 | $22.44 |
| Veterinary Assistants and Laboratory Animal Caretakers | $38,340 | $18.43 |
| Phlebotomist | $45,470 | $21.86 |
| Healthcare Support Workers, All Other | $41,410 | $19.91 |
| Medical Equipment Preparer | $44,670 | $21.47 |
| Physical Therapist Assistant | $62,650 | $30.12 |
| Pharmacy Aide | $37,140 | $17.86 |
| Massage Therapist | $53,540 | $25.74 |
| Physical Therapist Aide | $38,950 | $18.73 |
| Medical Transcriptionist | $41,340 | $19.88 |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $72,800 | $35.00 |
More: Healthcare Support Occupations · all salaries in Montana
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 estimates, occupation code 31-1131. 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 nursing assistant make in Montana?
The median salary for nursing assistants in Montana is $40,900 a year, or $19.67 an hour. Pay ranges from $36,780 for the lowest-paid 10% to $49,700 for the top 10%.
How much do the highest-paid nursing assistants make in Montana?
The top 10% of nursing assistants in Montana earn at least $49,700 a year. The top 25% earn $47,550 or more.
What is the starting pay for nursing assistants in Montana?
Entry-level pay (the 10th percentile) is about $36,780 a year, and a quarter of nursing assistants earn $38,040 or less.
How many nursing assistants work in Montana?
About 4,390 nursing assistants are employed in Montana, not counting the self-employed.