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Interpreters and Translators Salary in Montana: Cost of Living Adjusted (2025)

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

What does a Interpreters and Translators salary really buy you in Montana?

Montana is 9.7% cheaper than the US average

Data: BLS OEWS 2025 + BEA Regional Price Parities 2022 • Updated 2026-05-19

Nominal Salary
$47,850
Median annual (2025)
+10.7%
Real Purchasing Power
$52,990
COL-adjusted (RPP=90.3)

Montana Cost of Living Index

Montana's Regional Price Parity (RPP) is 90.3, meaning prices are 9.7% lower the national average. A Interpreters and Translators earning $47,850 in Montana has the equivalent purchasing power of $52,990 in an average-cost US state.

MT: 90.3
Cheapest (~85) US Avg (100) Priciest (~115)

Salary Breakdown: Nominal vs. COL-Adjusted

Every dollar goes further in low-cost states. Here is how each salary percentile compares after adjusting for Montana's cost of living.

Percentile Nominal Salary COL-Adjusted Difference
10th Percentile (P10) $38,520 $42,657 +$4,137
25th Percentile (P25) $41,340 $45,780 +$4,440
Median (P50) $47,850 $52,990 +$5,140
75th Percentile (P75) $52,630 $58,283 +$5,653
90th Percentile (P90) $60,940 $67,486 +$6,546
Key Insight

A Interpreters and Translators in Montana earns $47,850 on paper, but low living costs mean your money goes 11% further — like earning $52,990 in an average-cost state. This makes Montana one of the best value states for this occupation.

What the Cost-of-Living Data Says

Montana Runs Well Below National Cost

RPP 90.3

Montana's Regional Price Parity (RPP) of 90.3 means a basket of goods and services costs about 9.7% less than the national average. For a Interpreters and Translators, every dollar earned effectively buys more here than in a 100-RPP state.

Sizable COL Effect Reshapes This Salary

+10.7%

Adjusting $47,850 for Montana's cost of living yields $52,990 — a 10.7% gain in real purchasing power. This magnitude usually reflects either a materially cheaper or materially pricier metro mix than the national average.

Bottom-Quartile COL-Adjusted Pay

#38 / 47

Montana ranks #38 of 47 — bottom quartile for Interpreters and Translators real purchasing power. Relocation, employer negotiation, or remote roles at higher-paying markets tend to generate the biggest ROI.

Best States for Interpreters and Translators (After Cost of Living)

Where does Interpreters and Translators salary stretch the furthest? Top 10 states ranked by COL-adjusted median salary.

$94,313
RPP 116.6
$84,333
RPP 105.0
$78,624
RPP 104.7
$78,150
RPP 107.6
5. Idaho
$72,037
RPP 91.8
$70,175
RPP 102.3
$69,835
RPP 91.0
8. Utah
$69,597
RPP 94.5
$68,678
RPP 92.3
10. Minnesota
$67,973
RPP 97.7

Montana ranks #38 out of 47 states for Interpreters and Translators after cost-of-living adjustment.

How much do you actually take home? See Interpreters and Translators take-home pay in Montana after taxes →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the real salary for a Interpreters and Translators in Montana after cost of living?

A Interpreters and Translators in Montana earns a median salary of $47,850 per year. After adjusting for Montana's cost of living (RPP=90.3), the real purchasing power is $52,990 — a +10.7% difference.

Is Montana expensive to live in?

Montana's cost of living is 9.7% lower than the national average according to the BEA Regional Price Parities (2022). The RPP index for Montana is 90.3 (US average = 100).

What are Regional Price Parities (RPP)?

Regional Price Parities (RPPs) are price indexes published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) that measure differences in price levels across states. They are expressed as a percentage of the national average (US = 100). Higher RPP means higher cost of living.

How is the cost-of-living adjusted salary calculated?

The adjusted salary is calculated as: Nominal Salary x (100 / RPP). For a Interpreters and Translators in Montana: $47,850 x (100 / 90.3) = $52,990. This represents what the salary would be worth in a state with average living costs.

Is it better to be a Interpreters and Translators in Montana financially?

From a purchasing power perspective, yes. A Interpreters and Translators in Montana enjoys 10.7% more buying power than the nominal salary suggests, because living costs are below the national average. However, other factors like job availability, career growth, and quality of life also matter.

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