Bozeman vs Missoula: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $69,142▲ | $67,488 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.24▲ | $32.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,424▲ | $38,376 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,964▲ | $51,825 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,929▲ | $77,353 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,328▲ | $97,326 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Missoula is $1,654 (2.45%). Bozeman's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $63,904,Missoula spans $58,950. Bozeman 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, Missoula ($69,976 effective) pays 3.75% more than Bozeman ($67,449 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 ($69,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,328)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,976)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bozeman grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.5% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$61,330 (2024) → $65,600 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$54,950 (2019) → $64,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Bozeman or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Missoula as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bozeman vs Missoula?
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