Billings vs Helena: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist 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 | $44,628 | $57,093▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.46 | $27.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,263 | $35,002▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $27,250 | $43,698▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,727 | $73,079▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,451▲ | $88,494 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings and Helena are closely matched on overall massage therapist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $12,465 (27.93%). Helena's median is -7.88% 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,Helena spans $53,492. 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, Helena ($59,348 effective) pays 24.37% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,451)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,093/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,348)
- ✓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 Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$33,070 (2019) → $42,090 (2025)
Helena, MT
$49,747 (2024) → $53,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Billings or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Helena?
Should I relocate from Billings to Helena 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