Billings vs Missoula: Speech-Language Pathologist Salary (2026)
Compare speech-language pathologist salaries between Billings, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $86,956▲ | $77,119 |
| Hourly Rate | $41.80▲ | $37.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,422▲ | $54,252 |
| 25th Percentile | $79,209▲ | $62,935 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,290▲ | $86,967 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,885▲ | $100,964 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for speech-language pathologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Billings and Missoula is $9,837 (12.76%). Billings's median is -14.56% 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,Missoula spans $46,712. 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 ($92,975 effective) pays 16.27% more than Missoula ($79,962 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 ($86,956/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,885)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,975)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓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 6.0% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Billings, MT
$76,210 (2020) → $83,620 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$69,930 (2019) → $74,160 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays speech-language pathologists more: Billings or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Billings to Missoula as a speech-language pathologist?
What do entry-level speech-language pathologists earn in Billings vs Missoula?
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