Billings vs Bozeman: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist 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 | $104,321 | $109,820▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $50.15 | $52.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,574 | $105,905▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $96,398 | $108,141▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $107,931 | $110,449▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,505 | $117,942▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 110 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $5,499 (5.27%). Bozeman's median is +6.68% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $25,931,Bozeman spans $12,037. 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 ($111,542 effective) pays 4.12% more than Bozeman ($107,131 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 (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,542)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($109,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,942)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Billings grew 28.0% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 35.6% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$77,690 (2020) → $99,410 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$77,157 (2020) → $104,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Billings or Bozeman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?
Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Billings vs Bozeman?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov