CNA Certification Cost in Montana 2026: $33K Salary, 2.2-Month Payback
CNA in Montana: certified professionals earn $33,322/year at state-adjusted rates. Total cost $1,140. Payback: 2.2 months.
CNA in Montana — Key Numbers
$33K
Avg Salary w/ Cert
+$6K
Annual Salary Boost
$1,140
Total Cost
2.2 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS state estimates 2024. State multiplier: 92% of national average.
CNA Cost Breakdown
Exam fee
$140
Study materials
$1,000
Total upfront cost
$1,140
Salary without cert (Montana)
$27,140/yr
Salary with CNA (Montana)
$33,322/yr
5-year net ROI
$30K
CNA Job Market in Montana
Montana CNA wages sit near the national median at $33K ($16.02/hr). Nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies are the main employers. Demand is steady — BLS projects nursing assistant openings will remain high through 2032 due to turnover and an aging population. Community college CNA programs in Montana typically cost $800–$1,200 for tuition. The NNAAP exam runs $120–$175. Most hospitals in Montana prefer CNA experience for patient care technician hiring, which pays $2–$4/hr above standard CNA rates. If you're planning to go LPN or RN, CNA work experience counts toward clinical hour requirements at most Montana nursing programs.