Billings vs Missoula: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Billings, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $237,994▲ | $225,713 |
| Hourly Rate | $114.42▲ | $108.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $152,437 | $153,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $203,635▲ | $199,620 |
| 75th Percentile | $295,939▲ | $282,129 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $340,092▲ | $324,416 |
| Total Employed | 26▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Billings and Missoula is $12,281 (5.44%). 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,Missoula spans $170,858. 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 5.44% more than Missoula ($234,629 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 Missoula 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 Missoula over the same period.
Billings, MT
$216,244 (2024) → $226,230 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$205,086 (2024) → $214,556 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Billings or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Billings to Missoula as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Billings vs Missoula?
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