Kalispell vs Missoula: Nurse Practitioner Salary (2026)
Compare nurse practitioner salaries between Kalispell, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kalispell, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $134,755 | $136,192▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $64.79 | $65.47▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $107,635 | $110,247▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $121,761 | $128,526▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $152,055▲ | $143,185 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $161,717▲ | $161,154 |
| Total Employed | 4 | 140▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for nurse practitioners, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Kalispell and Missoula is $1,437 (1.07%). Missoula's median is -0.49% compared to the US national median of $136,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kalispell spans $54,082,Missoula spans $50,907. Kalispell 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, Missoula ($141,212 effective) pays 0.81% more than Kalispell ($140,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,717)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($136,192/year)
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $141,212)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nurse practitioner salaries in Kalispell grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 27.1% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Kalispell, MT
$114,821 (2024) → $130,261 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$103,570 (2019) → $131,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kalispell, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays nurse practitioners more: Kalispell or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kalispell and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Kalispell to Missoula as a nurse practitioner?
What do entry-level nurse practitioners earn in Kalispell vs Missoula?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in adult healthcare. She works in a community health clinic. Her specialty is chronic disease management.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.45% 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 Maria Gonzalez, MSN, NP-C, a licensed nurse practitioner with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov