Billings vs Great Falls: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Billings, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,628 | $59,461▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.46 | $28.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,263 | $34,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,250 | $42,812▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,727 | $76,109▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,451 | $92,163▲ |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $14,833 (33.24%). Great Falls's median is -4.06% 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,Great Falls spans $57,676. 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, Great Falls ($61,810 effective) pays 29.53% 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…
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,461/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,163)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,810)
- ✓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 8.2% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$33,070 (2019) → $42,090 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$51,809 (2024) → $56,079 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Billings or Great Falls?
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Should I relocate from Billings to Great Falls as a massage therapist?
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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