Butte vs Missoula: Dietitian and Nutritionist Salary (2026)
Compare dietitian and nutritionist salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,212 | $74,677▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.68 | $35.90▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,607 | $49,785▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $62,636▲ | $62,450 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,128 | $87,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $99,921 | $101,554▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for dietitians and nutritionists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $465 (0.63%). 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 Butte spans $53,314,Missoula spans $51,769. Butte 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 ($77,627 effective) pays 0.63% more than Butte ($77,143 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,677/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,554)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $77,627)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dietitian and nutritionist salaries in Butte grew 19.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.0% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$59,833 (2024) → $71,426 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$54,450 (2022) → $71,874 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dietitian and nutritionists more: Butte or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Butte and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Butte to Missoula as a dietitian and nutritionist?
What do entry-level dietitian and nutritionists earn in Butte vs Missoula?
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