Great Falls vs Helena: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Great Falls, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,094 | $66,464▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.41 | $31.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,638 | $47,635▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,654 | $53,070▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $81,876▲ | $70,428 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,329▲ | $82,684 |
| Total Employed | 70 | 170▲ |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Helena is $7,370 (12.47%). Helena's median is +2.10% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $53,691,Helena spans $35,049. Great Falls 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, Helena ($69,469 effective) pays 13.85% more than Great Falls ($61,019 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,329)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,464/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,469)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Great Falls grew 65.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 9.2% growth in Helena over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$34,580 (2019) → $57,090 (2025)
Helena, MT
$58,800 (2024) → $64,210 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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