Truck Driver Salary in Montana (2026): BLS OEWS Data, Top Metros & Carriers
Last verified: 2026-04-20 against the BLS OEWS 53-3032 May 2024 release (published March 2025).
Montana is a large, sparsely populated state where I-90 (east-west) and I-15 (north-south) are the primary freight corridors. Billings anchors the state's distribution economy. Eastern Montana freight patterns are influenced by proximity to the Bakken oilfield (primarily in North Dakota). Agriculture (wheat, cattle, sugar beets), timber, and mining generate significant specialty freight.
Key Takeaways
- BLS OEWS 53-3032, May 2024 — Montana state median: $54,460. Employment: ~9,060.2
- Montana median sits ~$2,980 below the national median — offset by moderate cost of living.
- Top paying metros: Billings MSA, Missoula MSA, Great Falls MSA.
- Distinguishing features: Bakken oilfield adjacency (Eastern MT), I-90 transcontinental freight, agricultural + timber freight, no state sales tax (but state income tax progressive to ~6.75%).
Montana Truck Driver Wages — BLS OEWS 53-3032 State Data
Verify at https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm.2
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Annual median wage | $54,460 |
| State employment | ~9,060 |
| State vs national median | −$2,980 (−5.2%) |
Top Montana Metros for Truck Drivers
Billings MSA
- Bakken adjacency — nearby ND oilfield drives freight volume.
- I-90 east-west corridor.
- Agricultural + distribution hub for Eastern MT.
Data: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_13740.htm.4
Missoula MSA
- I-90 west corridor — timber, regional distribution.
- Agriculture + forest products.
Great Falls MSA
- Agriculture + Malmstrom AFB defense freight.
- I-15 corridor.
Major Freight Industries
| Industry | Endorsement fit | Pay band |
|---|---|---|
| Bakken-adjacent oilfield | N + H helpful | $62–$92k when oil active |
| Agricultural (wheat, cattle, sugar beets) | None | $50–$75k |
| Timber / forest products | None | $55–$78k |
| LTL linehaul | T | $68–$92k experienced |
| Mining (copper, coal) | H helpful for some | $58–$85k |
Major Carriers Hiring in Montana
- Mega OTR: Schneider, Werner, CR England, Knight-Swift, Prime.
- LTL: Old Dominion, Saia, XPO, FedEx Freight, Estes.
- Regional: YRC-legacy successor fleets, Watkins, various Montana/Wyoming regional.
- Dedicated: Walmart Private Fleet, Costco, Amazon Freight.
- Tanker: Kenan Advantage, Groendyke, Trimac.
FAQs
How much does a truck driver make in Montana in 2026? Montana state median is $54,460 per BLS OEWS May 2024, with ~9,060 drivers employed.2 Sits ~$2,980 below national. Bakken-adjacent drivers can push well above when drilling is active.
How does Bakken-adjacent freight affect Montana driver pay? Eastern Montana (Sidney, Miles City) is close to the ND Bakken. When drilling is active, specialty oilfield freight (frac water, sand, equipment) can push experienced drivers into the $75–$92k range. Cyclical with oil prices.
What are the largest carriers hiring in Montana in 2026? Schneider, Werner, Old Dominion, Saia, Walmart Private Fleet, Kenan Advantage, oilfield services contractors.
Sources
-
BLS OEWS 53-3032 National. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm ↩
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BLS OEWS Montana State. https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_mt.htm ↩↩↩
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BEA Regional Price Parities. https://www.bea.gov/data/prices-inflation/regional-price-parities-state-and-metro-area ↩
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BLS OEWS MSAs. Billings: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_13740.htm · All MT: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oessrcma.htm ↩
