Truck Driver Salary in Montana 2026
The average truck driver salary in Montana is $1,783 per week as of 2026 — that's approximately $92,716 annually (or about $44.58 per hour) for qualified CDL drivers.
Truck driver salary in Montana, 2026
How much does a Truck Driver make in Montana?
Montana Salary Snapshot
Montana Truck Driver Pay at a Glance
Real wage data for Montana pulled together in one clear view, so you know exactly what to expect before you get behind the wheel. From entry-level to top earners, wages span $52.1k – $165.1k annually
$92,716
Average Annual Salary
$1,783
Average Weekly Pay
$44.58
Average Hourly Pay
$165.1k
Top Earners (High Range)
Montana Salary by City
Truck Driver Salary in Montana Cities
Pay varies across the Treasure State. Compare average earnings in Montana's top cities to find where your driving career pays the most – based on regional market trends and cost‑of‑living factors.
Billings
$97,400/yr
Missoula
$95,500/yr
Great Falls
$92,700/yr
Bozeman
$93,500/yr
Butte
$90,000/yr
Helena
$89,000/yr
Pay by Role
Montana Salary by Driver Type
Earnings shift depending on the type of driving you do. Compare Montana‑specific role averages to find the route that fits your income goals and lifestyle.
OTR Driver
$99,200/yr avg
Long-haul routes across multiple states, offering the highest earning potential in trucking.
View JobsRegional Driver
$93,600/yr avg
Multi-state routes within a defined region, balancing solid pay with more time at home.
View JobsLocal Driver
$84,400/yr avg
Short daily routes within a city or nearby area, ideal for drivers who want to be home every night.
View JobsDedicated Driver
$97,400/yr avg
Consistent routes for a single client, delivering predictable schedules and reliable income.
View JobsFlatbed Driver
$101,900/yr avg
Hauls oversized and open‑deck freight, commanding premium pay for specialized skill.
View JobsHazmat Driver
$114,100/yr avg
Transports hazardous materials and earns the highest average pay for certified specialists.
View JobsWhat Affects Truck Driver Salary in Montana?
Truck driver pay isn't determined by a single factor. This dashboard highlights the key elements that influence earnings in Montana and shows where drivers can maximize their income.
Solid Earnings in Montana
Montana truck drivers earn an average of $1,783 per week ($92,716/year), which is 6% above the national average. Drivers with endorsements, dedicated routes, and strong safety records still have the opportunity to earn at the top of the range — up to $165,100 annually. These figures are based on 454 real Indeed salaries.
Experience
18%Route Type
24%CDL Endorsements
31%Miles Driven
21%Company
16%Driving Record
27%Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about truck driver pay in Montana, answered in plain terms — based on real Indeed data.
What is the average truck driver salary in Montana?
The average truck driver in Montana earns around $92,716 per year, which breaks down to roughly $1,783 per week or ~$44.58 per hour (based on a 40-hour week). Pay varies based on route type, experience, and the company you drive for. Montana salaries are 6% above the national average, and drivers with specialized endorsements can earn well over the average — with top earners reaching up to $165,100 annually.
Which Montana city pays truck drivers the most?
Billings ($97,400/year) leads the state as Montana's largest city and a major transportation & logistics hub along I‑90, followed by Missoula ($95,500) — a key western distribution center on I‑90 — and Bozeman ($93,500), a fast‑growing tech and tourism hub. Great Falls ($92,700) aligns closely with the state average, while Butte ($90,000) and Helena ($89,000) trend slightly below. The highest‑paying companies in Montana specialize in dedicated OTR routes, flatbed freight serving agriculture and energy, and hazmat transport — especially around the Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls areas and along the I‑90, I‑15, and I‑94 freight corridors.
Do local drivers make more than OTR drivers?
Generally no. OTR drivers tend to earn more overall because of higher mileage and longer routes, while local drivers trade some income for the benefit of being home every day. In Montana, specialized OTR routes — especially those connecting the Billings industrial hub, Missoula distribution centers, and Great Falls energy corridors to the broader Western and Midwestern markets — can significantly boost earnings well beyond the state average.
Does experience affect truck driver salary?
Yes, significantly. Drivers with several years of clean‑record experience often qualify for premium routes and specialized freight, which can raise annual pay well above the $92,716 Montana average. Top earners in Montana can make up to $165,100 per year.
How can truck drivers earn more in Montana?
Adding CDL endorsements (hazmat, tanker, doubles/triples), taking on flatbed or specialized freight, driving more miles, and maintaining a clean safety record are the fastest ways to increase earnings. Top Montana companies offer salaries well above the state average for experienced drivers with the right credentials, especially in key logistics hubs like the Billings rail and truck hub, Missoula distribution corridor, and Great Falls energy center along I‑90 (Seattle to Chicago), I‑15 (Canada to Utah), and I‑94 (Montana to North Dakota) that connect the Treasure State to the broader Western, Midwestern, and Canadian markets. Montana's robust agriculture (wheat, barley, cattle), energy (oil, gas, renewables), mining (copper, gold, silver), and tourism (Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks) sectors create steady demand for specialized freight haulers, and the state's strategic position along key east‑west and north‑south corridors provides unique opportunities for long‑haul and regional freight.
Are CDL endorsements worth it?
In most cases, yes. Endorsements like hazmat or tanker require extra testing but open access to specialized freight that pays noticeably more than standard routes. In Montana, hazmat drivers can earn well above the state average of $92,716, with top earners reaching up to $165,100 annually — especially those servicing the state's robust agriculture, energy, mining, and tourism sectors, plus the growing distribution networks across the Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman areas and along the I‑90, I‑15, and I‑94 corridors that connect Montana to the greater Western and Midwestern markets.
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