Medical Assistant in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Allied healthcare
Montana employs 2,460 medical assistants, with a statewide median of $46,820 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Medical assistants Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $46,820 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $38,670
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $48,960
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $56,770
- Employed in Montana
- 2,460
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $42,000 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for medical assistants in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $46,980 (340 employed)
- Great Falls
- $46,840 (210 employed)
- Missoula
- $46,520 (400 employed)
- Billings
- $46,500 (400 employed)
- Helena
- $45,760 (160 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $46,820 median stretches to roughly $49,493 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow medical assistants employment +14.3%, faster than the +12.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 340 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred — regulated by the No Montana state license.
- Montana does not license medical assistants.
- Complete a medical assistant program (certificate or associate).
- Earn CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) certification — preferred by most clinics and a common stepping stone into nursing.
Official requirements: No Montana state license →
Training in Montana
One of the fastest clinic-based entries. Certification and an externship placement are what get you hired.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Aaniiih Nakoda College — Certificate / Associate
- Flathead Valley Community College — Certificate / Associate
- Great Falls College Montana State University — Associate
- Miles Community College — Certificate
Where Medical assistants Work in Montana
Real Montana hospitals that employ medical assistants include:
- Benefis Hospitals Inc — Great Falls
- Billings Clinic Hospital — Billings
- Intermountain Health St Vincent Regional Hospital — Billings
- St Patrick Hospital — Missoula
- VA Hosp — Fort Harrison
- Logan Health Medical Center — Kalispell
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want the fastest entry into clinical healthcare and are comfortable with both patient care and administrative tasks.
Think twice if: A pay ceiling in the low-to-mid $40s and a broad scope of low-autonomy tasks sounds frustrating rather than engaging.
Why it's resilient: Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
First Steps
Look for accredited medical assistant programs at community colleges — many run 9–12 months and include an externship.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do medical assistants make in Montana?
The median wage for medical assistants in Montana is $46,820 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $38,670, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $56,770. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Medical Assistant in Montana?
No state license; CMA/RMA certification employer-preferred, overseen by the No Montana state license. Montana does not license medical assistants.
Is being a Medical Assistant a good career in Montana?
Medical assistants handle clinical and administrative tasks that require physical presence, patient interaction, and real-time judgment in physician offices and clinics.
Which Montana metros pay medical assistants the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $46,980, followed by Great Falls ($46,840), Missoula ($46,520). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Medical Assistant in Montana?
Real Montana options include Aaniiih Nakoda College, Flathead Valley Community College, Great Falls College Montana State University. Most medical assistants start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Medical Assistant a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects medical assistants employment to change +14.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 340 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 31-9092. Licensing summary compiled from the No Montana state license (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Montana wages · Montana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.