Though much of Montana is devoted to farmland and wide, open spaces, there’s plenty of economic activity going on in its metro areas. Great Falls is supported by Malmstrom Air Force Base and has become a large healthcare hub for Northcentral Montana. Bozeman is home to Montana State University and a growing high-tech industry. Helena enjoys a thriving manufacturing sector, which includes the Boeing manufacturing plant, a large source of employment. Missoula’s economy has been strengthened in recent years by a growing construction industry. Oil refineries continue to grow in Billings.
Not surprising, Montana’s strong economy has led to exciting opportunities for the legal services industry and the paralegals who provide the crucial support services.
Paralegal Job Market Trends in Montana
Perhaps the best way to identify future opportunities for paralegals in Montana is to turn to growth among the state’s active lawyers. Between 2011 and 2021 the number of actively practicing lawyers in Montana has increased by 6.8%, revealing a legal services industry that’s on the rise. In 2024 the American Bar Association reported 3,603 resident lawyers in Montana.
As of May 2024, the average paralegal salary in Montana was $56,870, or $27.34 per hour. With plenty of experience, particularly in one or more legal specialties like family law, criminal litigation, corporate law, or bankruptcy law, paralegals here can earn significantly more. In fact, the top 10% of all paralegals here earn a salary that starts at $76,700, or $36.87 per hour.
Average Paralegal Salary in Montana by City
Most paralegals work in the legal services industry for law firms and other legal services companies, followed by corporate legal departments and government. Paralegals in Helena earned the highest average salaries, while those in Great Falls earned the highest 10%-level salaries, as of May 2024. Much of the economic strength of this region can be attributed to major companies like the Billings Clinic, Montana’s largest healthcare system, and energy giant Talen Montana.
Helena:
- Average – $59,880 ($28.79 hourly)
- Top 10% – $76,860 ($36.95 hourly)
Billings:
- Average – $58,730 ($28.24 hourly)
- Top 10% – $78,620 ($37.80 hourly)
Great Falls:
- Average – $57,960 ($27.86 hourly)
- Top 10% – $89,420 ($42.99 hourly)
Rural Southwest Montana:
- Average – $57,830 ($27.80 hourly)
- Top 10% – $89,140 ($42.86 hourly)
Bozeman:
- Average – $56,360 ($27.10 hourly)
- Top 10% – $70,930 ($34.10 hourly)
Rural West Montana:
- Average – $55,660 ($26.76 hourly)
- Top 10% – $64,110 ($30.82 hourly)
Missoula:
- Average – $54,430 ($26.17 hourly)
- Top 10% – $75,170 ($36.14 hourly)
Rural East-Central Montana:
- Average – $52,820 ($25.39 hourly)
- Top 10% – $62,110 ($29.86 hourly)
May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics salary, growth, and job market trends for paralegals and legal assistants. Figures represent state data, not school specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed May 2025.