Billings vs Helena: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,319 | $126,516▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.27 | $60.82▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $58,786 | $76,603▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,542 | $101,455▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $129,607 | $161,941▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $176,011 | $196,100▲ |
| Total Employed | 90▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for veterinarians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $28,197 (28.68%). Helena's median is -7.88% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $117,225,Helena spans $119,497. Helena has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced veterinarians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($131,514 effective) pays 25.10% more than Billings ($105,125 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 (90 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($126,516/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($196,100)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $131,514)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Billings grew -0.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$93,540 (2019) → $93,140 (2025)
Helena, MT
$105,021 (2024) → $119,852 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Billings or Helena?
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Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov