Montana: education overview
Average teacher salary $59,305 (2024-25), #44 of 51. Source
Public vs private schools
| Public | Private | |
|---|---|---|
| Schools | 826 | 130 |
| Students | 147,208 | 11,880 |
| Share of students | 93% | 7% |
Latest federal counts; public and private figures come from different school years, so the share is approximate.
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
Students, teachers, districts
- Public school districts
- 397
- Public school teachers (full-time equivalent)
- 11,036
- Public school students
- 147,208
Schools 2022-23Students 2024-25Teachers 2022-23Districts 2021-22
How teacher pay is structured
Montana has separate elementary and high school districts as well as K–12 districts; separate legal districts may share trustees, administration, or negotiated agreements. Pay is generally locally collectively bargained, with no universal statewide teacher salary schedule or salary floor; STARS offers incentives for qualifying district salary increases rather than imposing a universal minimum.
Separate high school districts: yesStatewide salary schedule: noSource
For prospective educators
You'd be a good fit if you're comfortable with very small and rural schools — some areas have separate elementary and high school districts — and love wide-open spaces.
A general summary, not advice. Pay and conditions vary by district.