Great Falls vs Kalispell: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Great Falls, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,826▲ | $134,755 |
| Hourly Rate | $64.82▲ | $64.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $112,098▲ | $107,635 |
| 25th Percentile | $127,171▲ | $121,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $139,430 | $152,055▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $167,537▲ | $161,717 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Kalispell is $71 (0.05%). Great Falls's median is -1.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $55,439,Kalispell spans $54,082. 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, Kalispell ($140,078 effective) pays 0.62% more than Great Falls ($139,218 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 ($134,826/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($167,537)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,078)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Great Falls grew 29.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$100,420 (2019) → $130,330 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$114,821 (2024) → $130,261 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Great Falls or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Kalispell as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Great Falls vs Kalispell?
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