Friday, August 21, 2026
LABOR ECONOMICS AUDIT • MONTANA

Is a $119,000 Data Scientist 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.

Data Scientist Compensation Architecture in Montana
Montana Economic Audit
Verified Bureau Report
Billings Metropolitan Economic Profile (2026)

Data Scientist Compensation Architecture in Montana

Median Gross Salary
$119,000
Above: Data scientist analyzing statistical econometric regression models and distributions.Photo: Analytics & Data Bureau
Median Annual Gross
$119,000
$57.21/hr equivalent
Est. Net Take-Home Pay
$84,669
~$7,056/month
State Income Tax Rate
4.7% - 5.9%
COL Index: 104.5
Median Monthly Rent
$1,450
Billings Metro Avg

Data Scientist Earning Spectrum & Net Pay Breakdown (Montana)

2026 Distribution Curve
Entry-Level (25th %)Median Benchmark (50th %)Senior Top Tier (90th %)
$85,680$119,000$172,550
Take-Home Pay ($84,669)Federal + Montana Tax ($34,331)
71% Net Income
29% Taxes
Keep $7,056/month after all withholdings.State Tax Bracket: 4.7% - 5.9%
Cross-Border Global Purchasing Power Benchmark:

A $119,000 USD salary in Montana converts approximately to:

UK Equivalent (GBP)
£94,010 / yr
EU Equivalent (EUR)
109,480 / yr

For professionals evaluating career relocation or compensation packages, Montana offers a distinct trade-off between gross earning potential and localized cost burdens. A Data Scientist in the Billings metropolitan area commands a median gross income of $119,000 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 $84,669.

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
$9,917
Total Deductions
-$2,861
~29% Est. Tax
Net Take-Home
$7,056
In Your Pocket
Based on 2026 IRS Single filer tax brackets and Montana state revenue statutes.

Data Scientist Compensation & Career Specifications

Career CategoryTechnology
Entry-Level (25th Percentile)$85,680 / year
Senior Professional (90th Percentile)$172,550 / year
National U.S. Baseline$128,000 / year
Projected 10-Year Job Growth+28% (High Demand)
Required Education / LicenseMaster's in Statistics/CS
Top Hiring Employers in MontanaBozeman Health, First Interstate Bank, Applied Materials
Highest Demand SkillsetsSQL • Machine Learning • R/Python • A/B Testing

Frequently Asked Questions: Data Scientist in Montana

As of 2026, the median annual salary for a Data Scientist in Montana is $119,000 ($57.21/hour). Entry-level roles average $85,680, while senior professionals command upwards of $172,550.