Billings vs Helena: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,994▲ | $221,027 |
| Hourly Rate | $114.42▲ | $106.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,437 | $153,883▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $203,635▲ | $198,325 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,939▲ | $276,715 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $340,092▲ | $307,910 |
| Total Employed | 26▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $16,967 (7.68%). Billings's median is -4.38% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $187,655,Helena spans $154,027. Billings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($247,395 effective) pays 7.68% more than Helena ($229,758 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($237,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($340,092)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $247,395)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Billings grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$216,244 (2024) → $226,230 (2025)
Helena, MT
$200,829 (2024) → $210,102 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Billings or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Helena?
Should I relocate from Billings to Helena as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Billings vs Helena?
Written by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA
Career Analyst
Alexandra Johnson has 10 years of experience as a nurse anesthetist. She specializes in anesthesia for orthopedic surgeries. She works in a regional medical center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.20% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Johnson, MSN, CRNA, a licensed nurse anesthetist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov