Billings vs Missoula: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Billings, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,579 | $74,677▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.86 | $35.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,002▲ | $49,785 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,852▲ | $62,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,315 | $87,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,268 | $101,554▲ |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Missoula is $98 (0.13%). Missoula's median is -5.92% compared to the US national median of $79,380.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $30,266,Missoula spans $51,769. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dietitian and nutritionists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($79,741 effective) pays 2.72% more than Missoula ($77,627 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 (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,741)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,677/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,554)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Billings grew 19.3% from 2022 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Billings, MT
$60,180 (2022) → $71,780 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$54,450 (2022) → $71,874 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Billings or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Billings to Missoula as a dietitian and nutritionist?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MS, RD
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a nutrition consultant. She specializes in sports nutrition. Aisha works with professional athletes and teams.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.90% 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 Aisha Patel, MS, RD, a licensed dietitian and nutritionist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov