How Much Do Commercial Truck Drivers Make in Montana?

Montana's trucking industry is a backbone of the state’s economy, supporting key sectors like agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. With strong demand for commercial drivers, competitive wages, and opportunities in regional and long-haul trucking, Montana is a great place to start or grow your trucking career.

Below, we’ll break down truck driver salaries in Montana, the highest-paying cities, the best-paying industries, and how CDL eXpert can help you launch a successful career.

How Much Do Truck Drivers Make in Montana?

A truck driver’s salary in Montana depends on experience, CDL endorsements, and the type of freight hauled. Here's what drivers can expect to earn:

• Entry-Level Drivers – Newly licensed CDL holders typically start between $40,000 and $50,000 per year.

• Experienced Drivers – With three to five years of experience, salaries increase to $55,000 to $75,000 annually.

• Class A CDL Drivers – Long-haul and specialized drivers make $65,000 to $85,000 per year.

• Owner-Operators – Independent truckers in Montana can earn $150,000 to $230,000+ per year, depending on contracts and expenses.

Salaries also vary depending on freight type, route distance, and endorsements such as HazMat or Tanker certification.

Highest-Paying Cities and Regions for Truck Drivers in Montana

Some areas in Montana offer higher wages due to industry demand, freight volume, and cost of living. Here are the best-paying regions:

• Billings – As Montana’s largest city and a major trucking hub, salaries range from $65,000 to $90,000 annually.

• Missoula – Located along major freight routes, truckers earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year.

• Great Falls – A strong industrial and agricultural presence leads to wages between $58,000 and $80,000 per year.

• Bozeman – A growing economy means truckers can earn $60,000 to $88,000 per year, especially in construction and regional hauls.

• Butte & Helena – Central locations with cross-state and regional hauls offer salaries from $57,000 to $78,000 per year.

Truckers who take long-haul or interstate routes generally earn more than those in local delivery positions.

Industries That Pay Truck Drivers the Most in Montana

Truckers in Montana can boost their earnings by working in high-demand industries:

• Agriculture & Livestock Transport – Montana’s cattle, grain, and wheat industries create stable and high-paying trucking jobs.

• Mining & Heavy Equipment Hauling – Transporting mining materials and machinery offers some of the highest-paying opportunities.

• Timber & Logging Freight – Montana’s forestry industry provides well-paying jobs for flatbed and heavy-haul drivers.

• Refrigerated Freight (Reefer) – Montana’s food production and distribution industry creates above-average pay opportunities.

• Hazardous Materials (HazMat) & Tanker Transport – Hauling fuel, chemicals, and other hazardous materials can increase pay by 10-30% over standard freight jobs.

CDL endorsements like HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles/Triples can significantly boost earnings in these industries.

Factors That Impact Truck Driver Salaries in Montana

A truck driver’s wages depend on several key factors:

• Experience – More experienced drivers qualify for higher-paying jobs.

• CDL Endorsements – HazMat, Tanker, and other endorsements increase job opportunities and pay.

• Freight Type – Specialized hauls, such as refrigerated goods, oversized cargo, or hazardous materials, offer higher wages.

• Route Type – Long-haul and regional drivers generally earn more than local delivery drivers.

How to Earn More as a Truck Driver in Montana

If you want to maximize your trucking salary, here’s how:

• Earn CDL Endorsements – Getting HazMat, Tanker, or Doubles/Triples certifications qualifies you for higher-paying jobs.

• Target High-Paying Industries – Jobs in mining, timber, HazMat transport, and refrigerated freight offer some of the best salaries in Montana.

• Look for Bonuses – Many trucking companies offer sign-on, safety, and performance bonuses to experienced drivers.

• Consider Regional or OTR Routes – While local jobs offer stability, long-haul trucking positions generally pay more.

• Explore Owner-Operator Opportunities – Running your own trucking business in Montana can be highly profitable.

Is Trucking a Good Career in Montana?

Yes! Trucking is one of Montana’s most stable and high-paying careers. The state relies on truckers to transport goods across the country, and demand for CDL drivers continues to rise.

Montana’s economy depends on agriculture, mining, and timber, ensuring steady freight movement and long-term job security. Seasonal freight increases, such as harvest time, also provide additional earning opportunities.

With growing infrastructure projects, manufacturing, and cross-state trade, trucking remains a reliable and in-demand career choice in Montana.

How CDL eXpert Can Help You Start Your Trucking Career

CDL eXpert offers FMCSA-registered ELDT training to help Montana truck drivers start and advance their careers.

• FMCSA-Registered ELDT Training – Our program is listed on the FMCSA Training Provider Registry (TPR) and meets all federal CDL requirements.

• Flexible Online Learning – Train at your own pace, from any phone, tablet, or computer.

• Job Placement Assistance – We help graduates connect with high-paying trucking jobs in Montana.

• Affordable Training Options – Scholarships, grants, and payment plans make training accessible.

We simplify CDL training, making it easy and affordable to start your trucking career.

Get Started on Your Trucking Career in Montana Today

CDL eXpert is committed to helping you build a high-paying trucking career. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand your skills, our FMCSA-registered ELDT training and job placement resources will set you up for success.

Take control of your future. Enroll today and start your journey toward a rewarding trucking career.

FAQs

What is the average salary for truck drivers in Montana? 

Truck drivers in Montana earn between $40,000 and $85,000 per year, with specialized roles paying even more.

How can I increase my earnings as a truck driver in Montana? 

Obtain CDL endorsements, gain experience, and focus on high-paying industries like mining, HazMat transport, and agricultural freight.

Which areas in Montana offer the best pay for truck drivers? 

Billings, Missoula, and Bozeman are among the highest-paying regions for CDL drivers.

How do I get started? 

Sign up for CDL training with CDL eXpert today and take the first step toward a high-paying trucking career in Montana.