Starting January 1, 2025, the Montana minimum wage will be $11.39 per hour. This represents a 10.6% increase from the 2024 minimum wage of $10.30 per hour.
Unlike many states that have a separate tipped minimum wage, Montana requires all workers, including tipped employees, to be paid at least $11.39 per hour, regardless of tips.
How Has Montana’s Minimum Wage Changed Over Time?
Montana’s minimum wage is adjusted annually based on inflation, ensuring workers’ wages do not lose purchasing power. Below is a look at the state’s wage changes over the past decade:
| Year | Minimum Wage | Yearly Increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $8.15 | 0.6% |
| 2018 | $8.30 | 1.8% |
| 2019 | $8.50 | 2.4% |
| 2020 | $8.65 | 1.8% |
| 2021 | $8.75 | 1.2% |
| 2022 | $9.20 | 5.1% |
| 2023 | $9.95 | 8.1% |
| 2024 | $10.30 | 3.5% |
| 2025 | $11.39 | 10.6% |
Montana’s inflation-adjusted wage model ensures workers receive steady wage increases, rather than waiting for new legislative action.
How Does Montana’s Minimum Wage Compare to Other States?
Montana’s minimum wage ranks above average compared to other U.S. states but does not lead the nation.
Comparison to the Highest and Lowest Minimum Wages in 2025
- Washington: $16.58 per hour (#1 in the U.S.)
- California: $16.50 per hour (#2 in the U.S.)
- Montana: $11.39 per hour (Ranked #17 in the U.S.)
- Florida: $14.00 per hour (#8 in the U.S.)
- Georgia & Wyoming: $5.15 per hour (but most workers follow the federal rate of $7.25)
Montana’s inflation-based wage adjustments keep it ahead of many states that still adhere to the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
Who Does the Montana Minimum Wage Apply To?
The Montana minimum wage for 2025 applies to most employees in the state. However, some exceptions exist:
Exemptions and Special Cases
- Small Businesses: Employers with annual revenue below $110,000 may pay $4.00 per hour, but only if they do not engage in interstate commerce.
- Independent Contractors: Self-employed workers and freelancers are not covered by minimum wage laws.
- Seasonal and Agricultural Workers: Some federal exemptions apply.
- Student Employees: Full-time students may be paid 85% of the minimum wage in certain training programs.
For complete wage laws, visit the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.
Who Enforces the Minimum Wage in Montana?
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) oversees compliance with the state’s minimum wage laws. The department ensures that:
- Employers follow annual wage adjustments based on inflation.
- Workers receive at least the state minimum wage.
- Employees can file complaints if they are paid below the legal minimum.
Employers must also display minimum wage notices in workplaces.
Are Workers in Montana Protesting for Higher Wages?
While Montana has not seen large-scale minimum wage strikes, some industries have pushed for higher wages:
Healthcare Worker Protests (2021–2023)
- Healthcare professionals in rural hospitals have advocated for higher wages due to staffing shortages.
- Some hospitals have responded with wage increases to attract workers.
Service Industry Wage Petitions (2020–2024)
- Restaurant and hospitality workers have called for increases beyond inflation adjustments.
- So far, no legislation has been introduced to raise the wage beyond CPI adjustments.
Montana Labor Union Efforts
- Public employees and construction workers continue to negotiate for higher wages through collective bargaining.
Though Montana does not have large-scale protests like states such as California or New York, worker advocacy for better wages remains an ongoing discussion.
How Does Inflation Affect Montana’s Minimum Wage?
Because Montana’s minimum wage is tied to inflation, workers have seen steady increases. Since 2009, the U.S. inflation rate has risen by approximately 44.7%, while Montana’s minimum wage has increased by 39.8% in the same period.
This system helps maintain workers’ purchasing power, even when living costs rise.
The Montana minimum wage in 2025 is $11.39 per hour, continuing the state’s trend of inflation-based adjustments. While this places Montana above the federal minimum wage, it remains lower than states like Washington and California.
For workers, this means steady wage increases that help offset inflation. For employers, this requires adjusting payroll budgets to comply with annual wage updates. Montana’s approach ensures that wages keep up with economic changes, providing stability for both businesses and employees.
For more information, visit the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.
