Bozeman vs Missoula: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Bozeman, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,795▲ | $78,746 |
| Hourly Rate | $42.21▲ | $37.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,019▲ | $39,244 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,795▲ | $56,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $109,312 | $151,768▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,807 | $218,387▲ |
| Total Employed | N/A | 100 |
Verdict
Bozeman and Missoula are closely matched on overall financial advisor compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Missoula is $9,049 (11.49%). Bozeman's median is -19.11% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $99,788,Missoula spans $179,143. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced financial advisors.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($85,645 effective) pays 4.89% more than Missoula ($81,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($87,795/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,645)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($218,387)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Bozeman grew -10.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -24.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$95,160 (2024) → $84,990 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$101,140 (2021) → $76,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Missoula, 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