Butte vs Missoula: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $64,848 | $66,728▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.18 | $32.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,406 | $53,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,692 | $62,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,852▲ | $71,189 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,417▲ | $79,465 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $1,880 (2.90%). Missoula's median is -1.97% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $34,011,Missoula spans $25,579. Butte 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, Missoula ($69,188 effective) pays 2.64% more than Butte ($67,410 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,417)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,728/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,188)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Butte grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$52,354 (2024) → $61,351 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$47,680 (2019) → $63,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Butte or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Butte and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Butte to Missoula as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Butte vs Missoula?
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