Billings vs Kalispell: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Billings, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $104,321▲ | $98,398 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.15▲ | $47.31 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $83,574▲ | $78,314 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,398▲ | $84,856 |
| 75th Percentile | $107,931▲ | $103,531 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,505 | $114,992▲ |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $5,923 (6.02%). Billings's median is +1.34% 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,Kalispell spans $36,678. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($111,542 effective) pays 9.05% more than Kalispell ($102,285 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 ($104,321/year)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $111,542)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,992)
- ✓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 25.2% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$77,690 (2020) → $99,410 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$74,870 (2020) → $93,766 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Billings or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Billings to Kalispell as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Billings vs Kalispell?
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