Bozeman vs Great Falls: Veterinarian Salary (2026)
Compare veterinarian salaries between Bozeman, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,847 | $131,761▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.44 | $63.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,770 | $76,421▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $81,524 | $99,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $139,255 | $168,654▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $205,747▲ | $204,230 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Bozeman and Great Falls are closely matched on overall veterinarian compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $28,914 (28.11%). Great Falls's median is -4.06% compared to the US national median of $137,334.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $137,977,Great Falls spans $127,809. Bozeman 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, Great Falls ($136,966 effective) pays 36.52% more than Bozeman ($100,329 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($205,747)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($131,761/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $136,966)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, veterinarian salaries in Bozeman grew 8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 100.7% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$89,450 (2024) → $97,430 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$62,190 (2019) → $124,821 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays veterinarians more: Bozeman or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Great Falls as a veterinarian?
What do entry-level veterinarians earn in Bozeman vs Great Falls?
Written by Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM
Career Analyst
Dr. Alice Nguyen has 10 years of experience in veterinary medicine. She specializes in small animal surgery. She currently works at a suburban veterinary clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.56% 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 Dr. Alice Nguyen, DVM, a licensed veterinarian with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov