Billings vs Helena: Registered Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare registered nurse 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 | $86,670 | $103,930▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.67 | $49.97▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,843 | $82,795▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $84,469▲ | $84,111 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,331 | $112,102▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $122,802 | $133,112▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,550▲ | 990 |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for registered nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $17,260 (19.91%). Helena's median is +1.17% compared to the US national median of $102,730.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $48,959,Helena spans $50,317. Helena has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced registered nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($108,628 effective) pays 17.22% more than Billings ($92,669 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 (2,550 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,930/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($133,112)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,628)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, registered nurse salaries in Billings grew 13.4% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 12.6% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$72,570 (2020) → $82,300 (2025)
Helena, MT
$87,630 (2024) → $98,690 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, RN, BSN
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience as a registered nurse. Their specialty is pediatric nursing in a community hospital. They analyze nursing workforce trends and salary data.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.31% 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, RN, BSN, a licensed registered nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov