Billings vs Kalispell: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Billings, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $143,847▲ | $134,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.16▲ | $64.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,353 | $107,635▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $120,157 | $121,761▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $145,730 | $152,055▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,979▲ | $161,717 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $9,092 (6.75%). 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,Kalispell spans $54,082. 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 9.80% more than Kalispell ($140,078 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)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,979)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $153,804)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓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 13.4% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$117,830 (2019) → $139,050 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$114,821 (2024) → $130,261 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Billings or Kalispell?
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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