Great Falls vs Missoula: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Great Falls, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,441 | $66,728▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.51 | $32.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,744 | $53,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,118 | $62,913▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,185 | $71,189▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,897 | $79,465▲ |
| Total Employed | 130 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Missoula is $3,287 (5.18%). 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 Great Falls spans $24,153,Missoula spans $25,579. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($69,188 effective) pays 5.62% 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 Great Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,728/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,465)
- ✓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 Great Falls grew 32.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$45,200 (2019) → $60,020 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$47,680 (2019) → $63,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Great Falls or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Missoula as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Great Falls 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