Billings vs Missoula: Electrical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare electrical engineer 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 | $106,998▲ | $92,010 |
| Hourly Rate | $51.44▲ | $44.24 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $80,401▲ | $66,927 |
| 25th Percentile | $84,226▲ | $76,535 |
| 75th Percentile | $135,211▲ | $108,822 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $155,993▲ | $134,900 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for electrical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Billings and Missoula is $14,988 (16.29%). Billings's median is -14.42% compared to the US national median of $125,033.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $75,592,Missoula spans $67,973. 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 ($114,405 effective) pays 19.92% more than Missoula ($95,402 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 ($106,998/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($155,993)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $114,405)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrical engineer salaries in Billings grew 13.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 83.4% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Billings, MT
$90,750 (2019) → $103,230 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$48,410 (2019) → $88,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Amina Patel, MEng, PE
Career Analyst
Amina has over 10 years of experience in power systems engineering. She works at a utility company specializing in renewable energy integration.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.65% 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 Amina Patel, MEng, PE, a licensed electrical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov