Truck Driver Salary in Montana
Complete 2026 salary data for CDL and non-CDL truck drivers in Montana. Compare pay by license type, see cost of living adjustments, and find the highest-paying cities.
CDL-A Avg
$53,800
CDL-B Avg
$43,500
Non-CDL Avg
$37,200
Owner-Op Gross
$185,000
Salary Comparison by License Type
How Montana truck driver pay compares across CDL-A, CDL-B, non-CDL, and owner-operator categories.
Cost of Living in Montana
Montana's cost of living is 5% below the national average. Your salary stretches further here than in most states.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Pay
Nominal CDL-A Salary
$53,800
Adjusted Purchasing Power
$56,632
After adjusting for Montana's cost of living index of 95, a CDL-A salary of $53,800 provides the same purchasing power as $56,632 in an average-cost area. This means your money goes further in Montana than the raw salary suggests.
Top Paying Cities in Montana
These cities offer the highest average truck driver salaries in Montana based on freight volume, distribution center density, and local demand.
Salary Trend in Montana
Montana trucking wages are climbing as energy sector activity, agricultural hauling, and the state's growing population drive increased freight demand across vast distances.
Montana vs National Average
| Category | MT | National | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDL-A Average | $53,800 | $58,710 | $-4,910 |
| Cost of Living | 95 | 100 | -5 |
| Adjusted Pay | $56,632 | $58,710 | $-2,078 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Pay in Montana
What do truck drivers earn in Montana?
Montana CDL-A drivers average $53,800 annually. Billings drivers earn the most ($57,400) as the city serves as the primary distribution hub for the eastern Montana energy and agricultural sectors.
What unique trucking challenges does Montana have?
Montana's vast distances (I-90 crosses 555 miles of the state), extreme winter conditions, and sparse population create long runs between stops. The state has no speed limit for trucks on some rural interstates during daytime.
What freight is hauled in Montana?
Montana freight includes cattle and grain from ranching regions, energy sector equipment (oil from the Bakken formation), timber from western forests, and mining products. Seasonal agricultural hauls peak in fall.