Billings vs Bozeman: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Bozeman, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,729 | $61,195▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.20 | $29.42▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,691▲ | $48,536 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,693 | $52,252▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $75,718▲ | $72,043 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,891▲ | $79,465 |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Billings and Bozeman are closely matched on overall paralegal compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $466 (0.77%). Bozeman's median is -5.99% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $34,200,Bozeman spans $30,929. 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 ($64,933 effective) pays 8.77% more than Bozeman ($59,697 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($82,891)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,933)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,195/year)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Billings grew 13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.8% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$51,630 (2019) → $58,670 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$56,950 (2024) → $59,120 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Billings or Bozeman?
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov