Great Falls vs Missoula: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Great Falls, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $230,191▲ | $225,713 |
| Hourly Rate | $110.67▲ | $108.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $144,466 | $153,558▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $195,184 | $199,620▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $293,140▲ | $282,129 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $339,876▲ | $324,416 |
| Total Employed | 12 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Missoula is $4,478 (1.98%). Great Falls's median is -7.51% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $195,410,Missoula spans $170,858. Great Falls 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, Great Falls ($239,284 effective) pays 1.98% 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 Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($230,191/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($339,876)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $239,284)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Great Falls grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$209,155 (2024) → $218,813 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$205,086 (2024) → $214,556 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Great Falls or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Missoula as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Great Falls 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