Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Montana
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - MT
Median Annual Salary in Montana
$52,096
$25.05 / hour
▼ 12.0% below national avg
National Median
$59,200
$28.46 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$48,015
Missouri equivalent (COL: 108.5)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Montana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $27,611 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,509 |
| 50th (Median) | $52,096 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,892 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $89,605 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Montana median salary of $52,096 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants has the purchasing power of approximately $48,015 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Montana's higher cost of living (COL index: 108.5) reduces the real purchasing power of wages compared to lower-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Montana?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Montana earn a median annual salary of $52,096 per year ($25.05/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is below the national median of $59,200.
Is Montana a good state for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Montana pays slightly below the national average for paralegals and legal assistants. Cost of living in Montana is higher average (COL index: 108.5).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Montana?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 108.5 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $52,096 salary in Montana has the purchasing power of approximately $48,015 in Missouri. Higher living costs in Montana reduce real purchasing power.
How does Montana compare to neighboring states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Montana
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $292,336 |
| 2 | Radiologists | $272,730 |
| 3 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $269,474 |
| 4 | Neurologists | $260,128 |
| 5 | Surgeons, All Other | $259,178 |
| 6 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $239,254 |
| 7 | Psychiatrists | $219,822 |
| 8 | Physicians, Pathologists | $214,650 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Montana
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree