Is a $88,500 Civil Engineer Salary in Montana Worth It? (2026 Audit)
A quantitative breakdown of real net take-home pay, 4.7% - 5.9% state tax deductions, median rent burdens in the Billings metro, and purchasing power parity against UK & global benchmarks.
By MazicBay Labor Bureau•Updated for 2026 IRS & State Tax Brackets•Verified with BLS Data
Montana Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Billings Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)
Civil Engineer Compensation Architecture in Montana
Median Gross Salary
$88,500
Above: Civil engineer inspecting municipal bridge and structural infrastructure foundation works.Photo: Infrastructure Engineering Registry
Median Annual Gross
$88,500
$42.55/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$67,393
~$5,616/month
State Income Tax Rate
4.7% - 5.9%
COL Index: 104.5
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Billings Metro Avg
Civil Engineer Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Montana)
2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
Keep $5,616/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: 4.7% - 5.9%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:
A $88,500 USD salary in Montana converts approximately to:
UK Equivalent (GBP)
£69,915 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
€81,420 / yr
BILLINGS, MT (AP) —For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Montana offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Civil Engineer in the Billings metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $88,500 per year.
However, top-line numbers can be deceiving without factoring in Montana's tax architecture (4.7% - 5.9%). After federal income withholding, mandatory FICA contributions, and local state withholdings, the estimated take-home pay stands at $67,393.
2026 Montana Take-Home Pay & Tax Calculator
Estimate your net paycheck after Federal Income Tax, FICA (Social Security & Medicare), and Montana State Taxes.
Gross Pay
$7,375
Total Deductions
-$1,759
~24% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$5,616
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Montana state revenue statutes.
Civil Engineer Compensation & Career Specifications
Career Category
Engineering
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)
$63,720 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)
$128,325 / year
National U.S. Baseline
$95,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth
+5% (Stable)
Required Education / License
Bachelor's in Civil Engineering + PE License
Top Hiring Employers in Montana
Bozeman Health, First Interstate Bank, Applied Materials
Highest Demand Skillsets
AutoCAD • Structural Analysis • Hydraulics • Site Plan Review
Frequently Asked Questions: Civil Engineer in Montana
As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Civil Engineer in Montana is $88,500 ($42.55/hour). Entry-level roles average $63,720, while senior professionals command upwards of $128,325.
