Great Falls vs Helena: Financial Advisor Salary (2026)
Compare financial advisor salaries between Great Falls, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $135,602▲ | $100,666 |
| Hourly Rate | $65.19▲ | $48.40 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,348 | $60,792▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,152 | $90,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $245,771▲ | $100,666 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $600,338▲ | $117,628 |
| Total Employed | 60 | 120▲ |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for financial advisors, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Helena is $34,936 (34.70%). Great Falls's median is +24.94% compared to the US national median of $108,537.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $544,990,Helena spans $56,836. Great Falls 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, Great Falls ($140,020 effective) pays 33.08% more than Helena ($105,217 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,602/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($600,338)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $140,020)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Larger job market (120 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, financial advisor salaries in Great Falls grew 4.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.0% growth in Helena over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$125,830 (2019) → $131,270 (2025)
Helena, MT
$86,240 (2024) → $97,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Helena, 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