Training and Development Degree Programs in Montana (2026)
Quick answer: Training and Development Specialists in Montana earn a median $62,880 per year, below the national median of $69,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The state employs about 900 of them. Licensing runs through ATD for current certification requirements.
Training and Development Pay and Employment in Montana at a Glance
| Metric | Montana | National | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median annual wage | $62,880 | $69,280 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 10th percentile | $35,970 | $38,760 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 25th percentile | $49,580 | $50,110 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 75th percentile | $81,740 | $95,050 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| 90th percentile | $99,750 | $123,250 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Employment | 900 | 458,300 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Location quotient | 0.59 | 1.00 | BLS OEWS, May 2025 |
| Projected change (2024-34) | not published by state | 10.8% | BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34 |
How Montana Pay Compares to the Rest of the Country
The Montana median of $62,880 sits below the national median of $69,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Percentiles matter more than the midpoint when you are deciding whether a degree pays for itself: the 10th percentile is roughly where people start, and the 90th is what the top of the local market looks like after years of experience.
A location quotient of 0.59 puts Montana below the national average, so the occupation is less concentrated here than in the typical state. Expect a thinner local job market and fewer employers to move between (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The measure compares how concentrated the occupation is here against the national average of 1.00.
Where the Jobs Are in Montana
| Metro area | Median annual wage | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $70,720 | 120 |
| Helena | $64,270 | 140 |
| Billings | $63,320 | 190 |
| Missoula | $61,490 | 130 |
| Great Falls | $59,750 | 50 |
Figures: BLS OEWS, May 2025. Training roles sit inside large employers, so the local mix of corporate headquarters, health systems and public agencies is what creates them.
Training and Development Specialists Wages by Metro Area in Montana
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), training and development specialists wages in Montana vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 190 | $63,320 | $68,910 | $31,080 | $102,380 |
| Helena | 140 | $64,270 | $69,460 | $45,570 | $97,560 |
| Missoula | 130 | $61,490 | $65,270 | $35,470 | $96,790 |
| Bozeman | 120 | $70,720 | $72,570 | $37,630 | $105,740 |
| Great Falls | 50 | $59,750 | $62,500 | $34,540 | $97,990 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
All Montana Metro Areas With Published Data
Billings * Bozeman * Helena * Missoula
Licensing and Credentials in Montana
Corporate training is not a licensed occupation. The recognized credentials are the CPTD and APTD from ATD and the CPLP lineage they replaced, each combining an examination with documented practice. Instructional design roles frequently ask for a portfolio in place of any certificate.
Requirements are set at state level and are amended periodically. Before you enroll in any program, confirm with ATD for current certification requirements that the specific program you are considering satisfies the education requirement, and ask what it accepts from any training you have already completed. Get the answer in writing.
Earning the Degree While You Work
Most people reading this already have a job in the field, and the practical question is whether the credential can be earned without leaving it. Programs designed for working adults deliver the academic portion online or in the evening, while any labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience happen in person and locally. Prior college credit, military training, apprenticeship coursework and industry certifications can all shorten the path, so request a written transfer credit evaluation before you commit to any school.
Schools Near You
Schools in our database near this area, ranked by BOC Score. The list favors schools with a related program on record, but program availability and delivery format change, so confirm directly with any school that it currently offers the program you want.
No schools in our database. If this is a mistake, contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do training and development specialists make in Montana?
The median annual wage for training and development specialists in Montana is $62,880, below the national median of $69,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle of the range runs from $49,580 at the 25th percentile to $81,740 at the 75th.
How many training and development specialists work in Montana?
Montana holds about 900 training and development specialist jobs (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Nationally the occupation employs 458,300, and BLS projects about 43,900 openings per year through 2034 (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-34).
Do I need a license to work as a training and development specialist in Montana?
Corporate training is not a licensed occupation. The recognized credentials are the CPTD and APTD from ATD and the CPLP lineage they replaced, each combining an examination with documented practice. Instructional design roles frequently ask for a portfolio in place of any certificate. Requirements are set at the state level and change periodically, so confirm the current rules with ATD for current certification requirements before you enroll in any program.
Can I earn a training and development bachelor's or master's online while working in Montana?
Often yes. Programs built for working adults deliver coursework online or in the evenings, though any required labs, clinical hours or supervised field experience are completed in person. Confirm that the program's accreditation satisfies ATD for current certification requirements.
What is the highest-paying area of Montana for training and development specialists?
Among Montana metro areas with published data, Bozeman reports the highest median at $70,720 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Is Montana a good state for training and development specialists?
On pay, the state median of $62,880 sits below the national $69,280 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). A location quotient of 0.59 means the occupation is less concentrated here than in the average state. Weigh that against cost of living and how concentrated the work is near where you actually want to live.
Related Guides
- Training and Development programs and how to choose one - the national guide to this degree
- CTE Teacher (Shop Teacher) career profile - the trade career this degree path builds on
- All online degree paths for tradespeople
- Trade careers that require a 4-year degree
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 - Training and Development Specialists (SOC 13-1151), national, state and metropolitan estimates
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections, 2024-34
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook - education and licensing requirements
Wage and employment figures describe the occupation as measured by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, not the graduates of any particular program, and individual outcomes may vary. Licensing rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible state board before enrolling.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.