Billings vs Great Falls: Dental Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare dental assistant 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 | $49,043▲ | $47,816 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.58▲ | $22.99 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,492▲ | $39,296 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,348 | $45,196▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,221▲ | $48,909 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,008▲ | $57,449 |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for dental assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $1,227 (2.57%). Billings's median is -1.08% compared to the US national median of $49,579.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $23,516,Great Falls spans $18,153. 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 ($52,438 effective) pays 6.21% more than Great Falls ($49,374 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 ($49,043/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,008)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,438)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental assistant salaries in Billings grew 23.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.5% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$38,590 (2019) → $47,550 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$36,070 (2019) → $46,360 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH
Career Analyst
Maria Gonzalez has over 10 years of experience in dental assisting. She specializes in pediatric dentistry. She works in a private dental practice.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.14% 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 Maria Gonzalez, CDA, RDH, a licensed dental assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov