Montana Minimum Wage (2026)
Montana’s minimum wage is $10.85 — $3.60 above the federal $7.25, effective January 1, 2026. Tipped: no tip credit — tipped workers get the full minimum. Next change: CPI-indexed adjustment scheduled for January 1, 2027.
The minimum wage in Montana is $10.85/hour in 2026 (effective January 1, 2026).
- Minimum wage$10.85
- Tipped minimumFull minimum (no tip credit)
- Next scheduled changeCPI-indexed adjustment on January 1, 2027
- Full-time annual (40 hrs/wk)$22,568
Source: state labor department / U.S. DOL, verified July 2026.
Scheduled future increases
| Effective date | New rate |
|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | CPI-indexed adjustment |
These are enacted in statute or triggered by indexing law — not proposals.
Montana vs. neighboring states
| State | Minimum wage | vs. Montana |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | $7.25 | −$3.60 |
| South Dakota | $11.85 | +$1.00 |
| Wyoming | $7.25 | −$3.60 |
| Idaho | $7.25 | −$3.60 |
Montana minimum wage history
| Year | Rate |
|---|---|
| 2026 | $10.85 |
| 2025 | $10.55 |
| 2024 | $10.30 |
| 2023 | $9.95 |
| 2022 | $9.20 |
| 2021 | $8.75 |
| 2020 | $8.65 |
| 2019 | $8.65 |
| 2018 | $8.30 |
| 2017 | $8.15 |
| 2016 | $8.05 |
| 2015 | $8.05 |
| 2014 | $7.90 |
| 2013 | $7.80 |
| 2012 | $7.65 |
| 2011 | $7.35 |
| 2010 | $7.25 |
| 2009 | $6.90 |
| 2008 | $6.25 |
| 2007 | $6.15 |
| 2006 | $5.15 |
| 2005 | $5.15 |
| 2004 | $5.15 |
| 2003 | $5.15 |
| 2002 | $5.15 |
| 2001 | $5.15 |
| 2000 | $5.15 |
Historical rates from the U.S. DOL year-by-year tables (January snapshots; mid-year changes appear in the following year’s row).
Carve-outs & details
No tip credit. Businesses not covered by FLSA with gross annual sales <=$110,000 may pay $4.00. History uses the higher standard-rate figure from DOL ranges.
Frequently asked questions
What is minimum wage in Montana in 2026?
$10.85 per hour, effective January 1, 2026, which is $3.60 above the federal $7.25.
What is the tipped minimum wage in Montana?
Tipped workers must be paid the full state minimum before tips — Montana does not allow a tip credit.
When does Montana's minimum wage go up next?
CPI-indexed adjustment takes effect January 1, 2027.
How much is full-time minimum wage in Montana per year?
At 40 hours/week for 52 weeks, $10.85/hour is $22,568 per year before taxes.
Sources & methodology
Sources: Montana labor department · U.S. DOL consolidated table · U.S. DOL historical tables.
Verified against the state labor agency and U.S. DOL, July 2026. Wage law has industry- and size-specific exceptions; confirm your situation with the state agency.