Great Falls vs Missoula: Data Analyst Salary (2026)
Compare data analyst salaries between Great Falls, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,365 | $60,749▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.74 | $29.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,632 | $41,096▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,543 | $44,406▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,186 | $90,658▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,515 | $111,769▲ |
| Total Employed | 12 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for data analysts, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Missoula is $11,384 (23.06%). Missoula's median is -24.44% compared to the US national median of $80,394.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $47,883,Missoula spans $70,673. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced data analysts.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($62,988 effective) pays 22.75% more than Great Falls ($51,315 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,749/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,769)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,988)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, data analyst salaries in Great Falls grew -45.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -31.3% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$86,348 (2024) → $47,248 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$84,668 (2024) → $58,144 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays data analysts more: Great Falls or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Missoula as a data analyst?
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Written by Aisha Patel, MA, Certified Data Analyst
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience in data analysis. She specializes in business intelligence and works at a tech consulting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.48% 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, MA, Certified Data Analyst, a licensed data analyst with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov