Billings vs Kalispell: Pharmacist Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacist salaries between Billings, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $144,680▲ | $138,148 |
| Hourly Rate | $69.56▲ | $66.41 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $126,381▲ | $101,328 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,719▲ | $128,579 |
| 75th Percentile | $166,645▲ | $151,076 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $166,787▲ | $155,153 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for pharmacists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $6,532 (4.73%). Billings's median is +0.83% compared to the US national median of $143,489.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $40,406,Kalispell spans $53,825. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced pharmacists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($154,695 effective) pays 7.72% more than Kalispell ($143,605 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 ($144,680/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($166,787)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $154,695)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacist salaries in Billings grew 15.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 15.4% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$122,700 (2019) → $142,080 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$117,577 (2024) → $135,665 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Chen, PharmD
Career Analyst
Sofia Chen has 10 years of experience in community pharmacy. She specializes in medication therapy management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.83% 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 Sofia Chen, PharmD, a licensed pharmacist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov