Billings vs Great Falls: School Counselor Salary (2026)
Compare school counselor 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 | $80,147▲ | $61,116 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.53▲ | $29.38 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,183▲ | $36,683 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,084 | $45,744▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $102,689▲ | $76,507 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $102,689▲ | $79,867 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for school counselors, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $19,031 (31.14%). Billings's median is +24.58% compared to the US national median of $64,335.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $63,506,Great Falls spans $43,184. 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 ($85,695 effective) pays 35.79% more than Great Falls ($63,107 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 ($80,147/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,689)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,695)
- ✓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, school counselor salaries in Billings grew 105.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.2% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Billings, MT
$38,200 (2019) → $78,537 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$43,340 (2019) → $59,888 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, M.Ed.
Content Lead
Maria has over 10 years of experience in school counseling. She specializes in academic and emotional support for high school students. She works at a public high school in California.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.05% 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, M.Ed., a licensed school counselor with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov