10 Highest-Paying Jobs in Montana

?Montana may be the place to explore for those looking for a high-paying job. The Big Sky Country is big on high-paying job opportunities. No matter what stage in their career journey a job seeker is at, Montana offers lucrative job options in numerous industries. Most require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Looking for a lucrative career in Big Sky Country? No matter the industry of interest, Montana is home to jobs that offer great pay.

1. Anesthesiologist

Average Salary: $374,000

Job Description

An anesthesiologist is a physician who administers drugs to reduce or eliminate pain before, during and after surgery. They work closely with other medical doctors, like surgeons, to provide the best possible patient care experience.

Job Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects nationwide job growth for surgeons and medical specialties like anesthesiologists will increase by 3% by 2031, which is slower than average.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Prospective anesthesiologists must complete four years of undergraduate education. They then need to obtain a doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) or doctor of medicine (MD) degree. After medical school, anesthesiologists complete a four-year residency program. Once residency is complete, candidates can take the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exam to become board-certified.

2. Dentist

Average Salary: $192,150

Job Description

Dentists diagnose and treat issues related to teeth, gums and overall oral health. They also offer guidance on caring for teeth and gums.

Job Growth

The BLS forecasts employment of dentists across the U.S. to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031. That’s about as fast as the average for all occupations.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Dentists must be licensed, though the requirements vary by state. Dentists also usually need to have a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) degree from an accredited dental program and pass written and clinical exams. Dentists who specialize require postdoctoral training.

3. Pharmacist

Average Salary: $120,660

Job Description

Pharmacists prepare and provide prescription medications to patients. They also guide patients on how to use the medications safely.?

Job Growth

The BLS anticipates the number of pharmacists in the U.S. will grow by 2% from 2021 to 2031, which falls short of the average for all occupations.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Pharmacists need to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree from an accredited pharmacy program. They must also pass licensure and law exams. Pharmacists specializing in subfields such as clinical pharmacy or research may need to complete a one- to two-year residency.?

4. Financial Manager

Average Salary: $113,568

Job Description

Financial managers oversee an organization’s finances. They are responsible for reporting, investing and charting a company’s long-term financial course.

Job Growth

The BLS projects U.S. employment for financial managers will grow 17% by 2031, which is well ahead of the average for all occupations.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Financial managers generally need a bachelor’s degree in business, economics or a similar field. Financial managers looking for roles with federal, state and local governments can improve their odds by becoming a Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM).

5. Computer Information Systems Manager

Average Salary: $113,340

Job Description

Computer information systems managers oversee the maintenance and development of a company’s computer and IT systems. They also manage and hire IT personnel and help an organization carry out its long-term IT goals.?

Job Growth

The BLS expects careers in computer and information systems in the U.S. to grow 16% from 2021 to 2031, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Computer information systems managers typically need a bachelor's degree in computer and information technology or a related field. Given the prevalence of computer systems across many industries, the path to a computer science career is wide open. Applicants can help their cause if their work experience is in the same industry as the job they pursue. For example, a college IT director would benefit from experience in an academic setting.

6. Optometrist

Average Salary: $113,290

Job Description

Optometrists diagnose and treat vision-related issues and diseases and injuries related to the eyes. They also prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses to help correct patients’ vision.

Job Growth

The BLS predicts employment of optometrists will grow by 10% by 2031, which is faster than the average for all other occupations in the U.S.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Optometrists typically need a doctor of optometry degree (OD). However, applicants to O.D. programs usually earn a bachelor’s degree in a premedical field such as biology or physical science. All states require optometrists to be licensed. To do this, they complete their OD degree from an accredited optometry school and pass the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) exam.

7. Microbiologist?

Average Salary: $101,370

Job Description

Microbiologists study microscopic organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and algae. They often work in hospitals and laboratories and play a pivotal role in diagnosing and treating infectious diseases.

Job Growth

The BLS estimates the employment of microbiologists in the U.S. to grow 9% by 2031, which is faster than the average for all occupations.

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Microbiologists generally need at least a bachelor’s degree in microbiology or a related field, such as biology or natural resources, that provides substantial coursework in microbiology. Prospective microbiologists also need laboratory experience, which most undergraduate microbiology programs require. Students may gain additional laboratory experience through internships with companies such as drug manufacturers.

8. Commercial Pilot

Average Salary: $92,810

Job Description

Commercial pilots fly airplanes, helicopters and other aircraft. They often fly charter flights, aerial tours, rescue operations, firefighting exercises and more.

Job Growth

The BLS expects the employment of commercial pilots to grow 6% by 2031, which is right on pace with the average for all occupations in the U.S.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies hundreds of civilian flight schools, which range from small fixed base operators (FBO) to state universities. Some colleges and universities offer pilot training as a two- or four-year aviation degree.?

Newly hired commercial pilots hired by airlines undergo on-the-job training per federal regulations. This training usually includes several weeks of ground school and flight training.

9. Sales Engineer

Average Salary: $82,884

Job Description

Sales engineers sell highly technical products or services. They have deep knowledge of the products or services’ parts and functions and understand the science behind how they work.

Job Growth

Employment growth in the U.S. will likely be strong for sales engineers selling computer software and hardware over the next decade.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Sales engineers usually need a bachelor’s degree in engineering or a related field, such as business. Those without a degree can sometimes gain employment if they have sales and technical experience or training.

10. Chemical Engineer

Average Salary: $73,019

Job Description

Chemical engineers use chemistry and other sciences to manufacture and develop several products, including medicine and plastics. Chemical engineers work in various fields, including the energy, water treatment and food industries.?

Job Growth

The BLS expects careers in chemical engineering to grow 14% from 2021 to 2031 in the U.S. That’s significantly faster than the average for all occupations.?

Education, Qualifications and Experience

Breaking into chemical engineering generally requires a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a similar field. Participation in internships or cooperative engineering programs also gives candidates a leg up.?

Looking For Jobs in Montana?

Montana is a great place to live and work. There’s plenty of outdoor recreation, the job market is strong, and the cost of living is reasonable. For those in search of a high-paying job, opportunities await in Montana.?

Top Takeaways

• Montana offers a diverse range of industries to choose from for potential job seekers.
• Most high-paying jobs in Montana require at least a bachelor's degree, with some needing an advanced degree to specialize.
• Projections for the highest-paying fields in Montana are strong for at least the next decade.?

(Reporting by NPD)