Billings vs Helena: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner 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 | $143,847▲ | $141,126 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.16▲ | $67.85 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,353 | $118,233▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,157 | $139,316▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,730 | $159,954▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,979 | $172,596▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $2,721 (1.93%). Billings's median is +5.10% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $64,626,Helena spans $54,363. 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 ($153,804 effective) pays 4.27% more than Helena ($147,506 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 ($143,847/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,804)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($172,596)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Billings grew 18.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 6.1% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$117,830 (2019) → $139,050 (2025)
Helena, MT
$128,590 (2024) → $136,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov