Montana's Minimum Wage Will See Big Changes in 2023

This news might make a difference in other parts of the state, but here in the Gallatin Valley, it doesn't move the needle at all.

The minimum wage debate has been raging for many years and differs from state to state. Here in Montana, the minimum wage has been lower than in many major cities and states due to the low cost of living. Only the cost of living in Montana has risen drastically over the past several years, and the state of Montana is hoping this initiative will help.

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KBZK reports that on January 1st, 2023, Montana will be raising to almost $10 an hour. The new minimum wage will be set at $9.95 and will be the highest increase in Montana's minimum wage in more than a decade.

Photo by Kenny Eliason via Unsplash

In 2006, Montana had to raise the minimum wage by a whole dollar. Since then, the minimum wage has been getting slightly increased year after year to adjust to inflation.

Even though this is fantastic news for many Montanans who deserve to make more money in any job they are working, here in Bozeman, this increase doesn't help anyone.

Photo by Christiann Koepke via Unsplash

If Bozeman had a minimum wage, it would have to be hovering around $20 an hour. Most service jobs in Bozeman, from fast food to retail, are offering around $20 an hour for full-time or part-time jobs.

I'm glad the minimum wage is getting fixed in Montana, and I hope this is the start of the state also figuring out affordable housing for many of the hardworking folks in every large city. The good folks deserve to earn a wage and afford to live wherever they want.

For more details, check out KBZK.

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