Bozeman vs Great Falls: Massage Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare massage therapist salaries between Bozeman, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $90,836▲ | $59,461 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.67▲ | $28.59 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $24,631 | $34,487▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,322▲ | $42,812 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,181▲ | $76,109 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,740▲ | $92,163 |
| Total Employed | 40▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for massage therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $31,375 (52.77%). 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 Bozeman spans $79,109,Great Falls spans $57,676. Bozeman 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, Bozeman ($88,612 effective) pays 43.36% more than Great Falls ($61,810 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($90,836/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,740)
- ✓Larger job market (40 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $88,612)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, massage therapist salaries in Bozeman grew 58.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$53,970 (2024) → $85,670 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$51,809 (2024) → $56,079 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays massage therapists more: Bozeman or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Great Falls?
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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