Billings vs Bozeman: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor 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 | $103,186▲ | $87,795 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.61▲ | $42.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,075 | $66,019▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,355 | $87,795▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $224,285▲ | $109,312 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $421,195▲ | $165,807 |
| Total Employed | 90 | N/A |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bozeman.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $15,391 (17.53%). Billings's median is -4.93% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $363,120,Bozeman spans $99,788. 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 ($110,329 effective) pays 28.82% more than Bozeman ($85,645 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 ($103,186/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($421,195)
- ✓Larger job market (90 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $110,329)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Billings grew -6.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -10.7% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$106,560 (2021) → $99,890 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$95,160 (2024) → $84,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Lee, CFP
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in financial planning. They specialize in retirement planning for individuals. They work at a financial services firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.30% 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, CFP, a licensed financial advisor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov