Montana · Checked October 25, 2026
Montana minimum wage, overtime and final paycheck rules
The Montana minimum wage is $10.85 an hour. Next: $11.20 from January 1, 2027.
Minimum wage
Montana: $10.85 an hour. Businesses not covered by federal law with sales of $110,000 or less may pay $4.00.
Coming up: $11.20 on January 1, 2027.
Tipped employees
Lowest cash wage before tips: Full minimum wage (no tip credit). Tips plus the cash wage must reach at least the full minimum wage each workweek, or the employer makes up the difference.
Overtime
Time and a half after 40 hours in a workweek, the federal rule. Montana does not add a daily overtime rule.
Final paycheck
| Fired or laid off | Immediately if fired for cause or laid off, unless a written policy allows the next payday or 15 days |
|---|---|
| Quits | Next payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier |
| Law | Mont. Code 39-3-205 |
Take-home pay in Montana
See what a paycheck looks like after federal and Montana taxes with the Montana paycheck calculator.
Sources
- U.S. Department of Labor, Consolidated State Minimum Wage Table (July 1, 2026)
- U.S. Department of Labor, Minimum Wages for Tipped Employees (July 1, 2026)
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry, state minimum wage
- Final pay: Nolo, Final Paycheck Laws by State (statute citations listed per state)
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum wage in Montana?
$10.85 an hour as of October 25, 2026. Businesses not covered by federal law with sales of $110,000 or less may pay $4.00.
Is the Montana minimum wage going up in 2027?
$11.20 on January 1, 2027.
When is a final paycheck due in Montana?
If fired or laid off: immediately if fired for cause or laid off, unless a written policy allows the next payday or 15 days. If the employee quits: next payday or within 15 days, whichever is earlier.
These are summaries of state law for general information, not legal advice. Cities and counties can set higher minimums, and special rules cover minors, trainees, farm work and some industries. Check with the state labor department before you make a pay decision.