Billings vs Missoula: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Billings, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,321▲ | $102,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.15▲ | $49.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,574 | $84,634▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,398 | $100,071▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,931▲ | $104,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,505▲ | $107,815 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 130 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Billings and Missoula is $1,427 (1.39%). Billings's median is +1.34% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $25,931,Missoula spans $23,181. 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, Billings ($111,542 effective) pays 4.55% more than Missoula ($106,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($104,321/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,505)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,542)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Billings grew 28.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Billings, MT
$77,690 (2020) → $99,410 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$80,650 (2020) → $98,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Billings or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Billings to Missoula as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Billings vs Missoula?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov