Billings vs Bozeman: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Bozeman, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,628 | $90,836▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.46 | $43.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,263 | $24,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,250 | $50,322▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,727 | $102,181▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,451 | $103,740▲ |
| Total Employed | 40 | 40 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $46,208 (103.54%). Bozeman's median is +46.57% compared to the US national median of $61,975.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $68,188,Bozeman spans $79,109. Bozeman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced massage therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($88,612 effective) pays 85.70% more than Billings ($47,717 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,836/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,740)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,612)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Billings grew 27.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.7% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$33,070 (2019) → $42,090 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$53,970 (2024) → $85,670 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Billings or Bozeman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?
Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a massage therapist?
What do entry-level massage therapists earn in Billings vs Bozeman?
Written by Jordan Lee, LMT
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in massage therapy. They specialize in sports massage. They work in a wellness center.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.03% 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 Jordan Lee, LMT, a licensed massage therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov