Salary & Cost of Living in Helena, MT
Helena, MT: $56,000 median salary, cost of living index 95, $10.55/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$56,000
$27/hr
Cost of Living
95
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$10.55
per hour
Unemployment
2.5%
rate
Helena, MT Overview
Population
34,425
Median Salary
$56,000
Average Salary
$62,000
Avg Commute
15 min
Median Home Price
$340,000
Median Rent
$1,100/mo
Job Growth
+1.2%
Sales Tax
0%
Helena is located in Montana with a population of 34,425. The median household salary is $56,000 per year ($27/hour), which is $3,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 15 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +1.2%.
Helena Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Helena, MT, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$43,731
$3,644.21/month · $1,681.94/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.9%
Gross Pay
$56,000
Federal Tax
-$4,682
State Tax
-$3,304
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$4,284
Net Pay
$43,731
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,666.67 | $56,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$390.13 | -$4,681.50 |
| Montana State Tax (5.9%) | -$275.33 | -$3,304.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$289.33 | -$3,472.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$67.67 | -$812.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,644.21 | $43,730.50 |
Salary Comparison: Helena vs Other Cities
See how Helena's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Helena, MT | $56,000 | 95 | $58,947 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Port St. Lucie, FL | $56,000 | 96 | $58,333 |
| Peoria, IL | $56,000 | 85 | $65,882 |
| Grand Prairie, TX | $56,000 | 90 | $62,222 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $56,000 | 90 | $62,222 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Helena
Helena's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100). Living in Helena is 5% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$340,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,100
Annual Rent Cost
$13,200
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $43,731 annual take-home pay in Helena has the purchasing power of approximately $46,032 in an average-cost US area. Your $56,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Helena
Helena's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $56,000.
Salary Tips for Helena Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.9% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Helena's top industries include Government, Healthcare, Education. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $56,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Helena, MT?
The median salary in Helena, MT is $56,000 per year, or $27 per hour. The average salary is $62,000. This is $3,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Helena, MT?
Helena's cost of living index is 95 (national average = 100), meaning it is 5% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $340,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,100.
What are the best industries in Helena?
The top industries in Helena, MT include Government, Healthcare, Education. The city has a job growth rate of 1.2% and an unemployment rate of 2.5%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $56,000.
How does Helena's salary compare to other cities?
Helena's median salary of $56,000 is 5.7% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 95), the real purchasing power is approximately $58,947.
What is the minimum wage in Helena, MT?
The minimum wage in Helena, MT is $10.55 per hour. This equals approximately $21,944 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.30 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.