Billings vs Bozeman: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Bozeman, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,956 | $96,344▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $41.80 | $46.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,422 | $65,095▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,209▲ | $78,251 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,290 | $110,457▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,885 | $136,746▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $9,388 (10.80%). Bozeman's median is -5.34% compared to the US national median of $101,775.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $52,463,Bozeman spans $71,651. Bozeman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced speech-language pathologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($100,150 effective) pays 7.72% more than Billings ($92,975 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,344/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($136,746)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $100,150)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, speech-language pathologist salaries in Billings grew 9.7% from 2020 to 2025, compared to -5.8% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$76,210 (2020) → $83,620 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$98,320 (2024) → $92,647 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Billings or Bozeman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?
Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Billings vs Bozeman?
Written by Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 8 years of experience in speech-language pathology. He specializes in pediatric language disorders. He works in a community health clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.99% 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 Jordan Lee, CCC-SLP, a licensed speech-language pathologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov