Billings vs Great Falls: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst 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 | $65,048▲ | $49,365 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.27▲ | $23.74 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,469▲ | $28,632 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,469▲ | $35,543 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,013▲ | $63,186 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $113,380▲ | $76,515 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $15,683 (31.77%). Billings's median is -19.09% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $65,911,Great Falls spans $47,883. 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 ($69,551 effective) pays 35.54% more than Great Falls ($51,315 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 ($65,048/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,380)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,551)
- ✓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, data analyst salaries in Billings grew -41.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -45.3% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$106,140 (2024) → $62,259 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$86,348 (2024) → $47,248 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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 Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov