New Montana Law Means Bigger Paychecks

Minimum Wage Hike Kicks In January 1, 2026

Montana’s minimum wage will rise to $10.85 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026, which may give workers across the state bigger paychecks.

The CPI-based increase ensures wages keep pace with inflation and will help support small-town economies.

The Montana Department of Labor & Industry confirmed the rate in September after reviewing the Consumer Price Index, ensuring wages keep pace with inflation.

This annual adjustment is part of Montana’s Automatic Inflation Indexing, introduced by voter initiative I-151 in 2006. The Consumer Price Index, published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, measures how prices for everyday goods — like food, fuel, and rent — change each year. When those prices rise, Montana’s minimum wage automatically follows suit.