EducationUpdated Q1 2026

School Principal Salary
in Missoula, MT

Lead school operations, staff, curriculum, and community relations. Median salary in Missoula: $104K/year. Data from BLS, O*NET, and H-1B disclosures.

Median salary
$104K
per year
Take-home: $66K

Salary range in Missoula

Entry level (25th)$84,000
Median (50th)$104,000
Senior (75th)$128,000
Top earner (90th)$155,000
Data freshness

Figures represent annual base salary in Missoula, Montana. Reviewed by SalaryOptics Editorial · How we calculate this →

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What the numbers say for Missoula

Analysis derived from the salary, COL, tax, and labor-market figures above — specific to this role and city.

2% premium vs national median

School Principals in Missoula earn approximately 2% higher than the US national median for this role — a $2,000 premium on annual base salary. This reflects Missoula's position as a higher-cost labor market where employers must match local wage norms.

Primarily on-site role

Only 5% of School Principal positions offer remote flexibility, meaning the Missoula salary above represents what local employers actually pay — not a remote-anywhere rate. Geographic constraints reinforce the local market, so the salary range above is more directly applicable than for remote-friendly roles.

Key facts for Missoula

Median salary
$104K
annual
Take-home pay
$66K
after fed/state tax
COL index
102
100 = US avg
State income tax
6.75%
effective rate
Avg 1BR rent
$1,450
per month
YoY growth
+2.2%
salary trend

Salary forecast: Missoula School Principal to 2030

Based on BLS 2022–2032 Employment Projections and WEF Future of Jobs Report 2026. At current growth rates, median salary reaches $104K by 2030.

Salary trend & forecast — Missoula

Historical (2019–2025) + projected to 2030 based on BLS growth rates

HistoricalProjected
School Principal salary trend 2019–2030PROJECTED →$87K$95K$103K$110K$118K201920212023202520272029
2026
$107K
projected
2027
$109K
projected
2028
$112K
projected
2029
$115K
projected
2030
$118K
projected

Projections based on BLS Employment Projections 2022–2032 CAGR and WEF Jobs Report 2025. Not financial advice.

YearProjected median salaryvs today
2027 projected$104,000+$0
2028 projected$104,000+$0
2029 projected$104,000+$0
2030 projected$104,000+$0

Projections use compound annual growth rate (CAGR) from BLS occupational outlook data. Actual salaries may vary.

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School Principal Salary in Missoula, Montana: Complete Guide (2026)

The median School Principal salary in Missoula, MT is $104,000 per year as of Q1 2026. This figure represents the midpoint of all reported compensation for this role in the Missoula–MT metropolitan area, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics, H-1B visa disclosures from the Department of Labor, and O*NET occupational data.

Salary range for School Principal in Missoula

Entry-level School Principals in Missoula with 0–2 years of experience typically earn between $84,000 and $104,000 annually. Mid-career professionals with 3–7 years command $104,000 to $128,000, while senior-level practitioners with 8+ years of experience regularly earn $128,000 to $155,000 or more.

Cost of living in Missoula for School Principals

Missoula has a cost of living index of 102 compared to the US national average of 100. Living costs in Missoula are close to the national average. Montana has a 6.75% state income tax rate.

Education requirements for School Principal

Master's in Education Administration; administrator license. 5% of these roles offer some remote flexibility.

School Principal salary in nearby cities

CityMedian salaryCOL index
Missoula (current)$104K102
Billings$100K98
Great Falls$90K88