Bozeman vs Great Falls: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse 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 | $67,426▲ | $63,441 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.42▲ | $30.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,343 | $52,744▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,122▲ | $54,118 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,366▲ | $65,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,863▲ | $76,897 |
| Total Employed | 110 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $3,985 (6.28%). Bozeman's median is -0.95% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $26,520,Great Falls spans $24,153. 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 ($65,775 effective) pays 0.41% more than Great Falls ($65,508 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 ($67,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,863)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,775)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Bozeman grew 3.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.8% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$61,630 (2024) → $63,790 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$45,200 (2019) → $60,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Bozeman or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Great Falls as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Bozeman vs Great Falls?
Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% 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 Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov