Registered Nurse License Cost in Montana 2026: $405 Fees, $76K Salary
Getting a Registered Nurse license in Montana costs $405 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.1 months.
Registered Nurse License in Montana — Key Numbers
$405
Upfront Cost
$76K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$110
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.1 mo
Payback Period
Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.
Registered Nurse License Cost Breakdown — Montana
Exam fee
$200
Application fee
$130
Initial license fee
$75
Total upfront
$405
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs)
$110
CE hours required per cycle
30 hours
Salary without license (Montana)
$36,960/yr
Salary with license (Montana)
$75,680/yr
5-year net ROI
$193K
Licensing body: Montana Board of Nursing. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.
Registered Nurse License in Montana — What to Know
Montana nursing demand is steady across hospitals, long-term care facilities, and public health. The $76K median is below coastal averages but represents strong purchasing power at Montana's cost of living. Rural healthcare is a growing area of demand in Montana, where RN shortages are acute in remote counties. Travel nursing contracts to higher-paying states are common for Montana-licensed nurses. The upfront licensing cost — NCLEX plus state fees — typically runs $400–$500.