Billings vs Great Falls: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Billings, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,886 | $65,376▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.83 | $31.43▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,725 | $44,586▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,813 | $53,613▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,258 | $82,563▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,476 | $100,743▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $7,490 (12.94%). Great Falls's median is -4.06% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $42,751,Great Falls spans $56,157. Great Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Great Falls ($67,958 effective) pays 9.80% more than Billings ($61,893 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 (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,376/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($100,743)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,958)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Billings grew 27.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$43,080 (2020) → $54,920 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$45,450 (2019) → $62,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Billings or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Billings to Great Falls as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Billings vs Great Falls?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov