Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Education
K-12 Teacher Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for k-12 teacher in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State-approved examRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for K-12 Teacher in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Varies by state board.
- 2
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State-approved exam
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$56,200 median (10% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#37 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for K-12 Teacher licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
- 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
- 4. Submit the application to Education Liscensure Unit~Office of Public Instruction and monitor board communications.
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of $56,200, K-12 Teachers in Montana earn 10% below the national median of $62,340. Montana ranks #37 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$56,200Hourly estimate
$27.0210% below national median
Difference: -$6,140
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationK-12 Teacher Salary Ranking
#37 of 50 statesfor K-12 Teacher median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $99,110 |
| #2 | California | $98,190 |
| #3 | Rhode Island | $86,900 |
| #4 | Massachusetts | $83,260 |
| #5 | New York | $82,480 |
Nearby States Comparison
K-12 Teacher licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $56,200 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $57,820 | Degree required | No exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $49,110 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $61,560 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Idaho | $59,620 | Degree required | State exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| North Dakota | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| Idaho | 68 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Education Liscensure Unit • Office of Public Instruction
PO Box 202501, Helena, MT, 59620-2501
Phone: 4064443150
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,710 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Biological Science Teachers, Postsecondary | $97,620 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Business Teachers, Postsecondary | $80,590 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Education Teachers, Postsecondary | $75,540 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a K-12 Teacher in Montana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What is the typical K-12 Teacher salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for K-12 Teachers in Montana is $56,200. Salaries range from $37,080 (10th percentile) to $80,100 (90th percentile).
How does the K-12 Teacher salary in Montana compare to the national average?
K-12 Teachers in Montana earn 10% below the national median of $62,340, with a state median of $56,200.
How many K-12 Teachers work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 4,510 K-12 Teachers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my K-12 Teacher license to Montana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for K-12 Teachers in Montana?
The licensing agency is Education Liscensure Unit / Office of Public Instruction. Review agency details at https://opi.mt.gov/.
How often do you renew a K-12 Teacher license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.