Helena vs Missoula: Nurse Anesthetist Salary (2026)
Compare nurse anesthetist salaries between Helena, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Helena, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $221,027 | $225,713▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $106.26 | $108.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $153,883▲ | $153,558 |
| 25th Percentile | $198,325 | $199,620▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $276,715 | $282,129▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $307,910 | $324,416▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse anesthetists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $4,686 (2.12%). Missoula's median is -9.31% compared to the US national median of $248,893.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $154,027,Missoula spans $170,858. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced nurse anesthetists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($234,629 effective) pays 2.12% 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 Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($225,713/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($324,416)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $234,629)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse anesthetist salaries in Helena grew 4.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$200,829 (2024) → $210,102 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$205,086 (2024) → $214,556 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse anesthetists more: Helena or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Helena and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Helena to Missoula as a nurse anesthetist?
What do entry-level nurse anesthetists earn in Helena 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