Firefighter Salary in Montana

How Much Does a Firefighter Make in Montana?

In Montana, Firefighters earn a median of $64,020, with most earning between $52,070 and $70,080 (BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2024).

Respond to fires, medical emergencies, and other hazardous situations

Your actual take-home pay as a Firefighter in Montana depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Montana state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Firefighter in Montana

As a Firefighter working in Montana, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Firefighter professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Montana State Income Tax

Montana has a state income tax that applies to all Firefighter salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Montana's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Montana salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Firefighter salary.

Cost of Living for Firefighter in Montana

Your Firefighter salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Montana. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $64,020 Firefighter salary in a low-cost area of Montana provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Firefighter Salary Examples in Montana

Here's what different Firefighter salary levels look like in Montana:

Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Montana salary calculator.

Compare Firefighter Salaries Across States

The same Firefighter salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $64,020 Firefighter salary in California results in about $3,201 to $6,402 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Firefighter salary in Montana?

The median Firefighter salary in Montana is $64,020 (BLS, May 2024), with most earning between $52,070 and $70,080.

How much does a Firefighter make after taxes in Montana?

A Firefighter earning the Montana median of $64,020 takes home approximately $50,454 per year after federal tax (~$5,502) and FICA (~$4,898), plus Montana state tax (~$3,166). Estimated for a single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal tax rates. Calculate your exact take-home →

Is Montana a good state for Firefighter professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Montana's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Firefighter take-home pay in Montana?

Use our Montana salary calculator →

Or compare Firefighter salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.