Senior Nurse Practitioner Salary in Billings, MT: $163,979 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of nurse practitioners working in Billings, MT — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $163,979/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 29-1171. Strip back Billings's price premium (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $175,330 in average-cost America. The 14% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, Billings, Montana, offers substantial earning potential for experienced nurse practitioners, with top earners in the 90th percentile making $163,979 annually. This figure places Billings above the national average, where the top nurse practitioner salary reaches $136,864. Those with significant experience—a minimum of seven years—can expect to earn a median of $143,847, highlighting the lucrative opportunities available for senior NPs. Closing the gap to achieve top-tier pay often involves advancing specialized skills, pursuing certifications in high-demand areas such as acute care and psychiatric mental health, and potentially taking on leadership roles within medical settings.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Billings
Experienced nurse practitioners at the top of the pay scale in Billings earn between $145,730 and $163,979 per year (2026 est.). This $64,626 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Billings median of $143,847 sits 5.1% above the US median.
Top NP Salary Comparison
| Level | Billings | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $143,847 | $136,864 |
| 75th Percentile | $145,730 | $162,106 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $163,979 | $180,437 |
In Billings, experienced nurse practitioners (P90) earn 14.00% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Nurse Practitioner Pay in Billings
Advanced Certifications in Montana
MT nurse practitioners with additional specialty certifications within the advanced practice nursing field earn significantly above the $143,847 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Billings employers.
Specialty Focus
Nurse Practitioners focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the advanced practice nursing field in Billings command premium compensation, often reaching the $145,730–$163,979 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Billings metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced nurse practitioners who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured nurse practitioners in Billings with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Nurse Practitioners in Montana who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Nurse Practitioner Career & Wage Growth Path in Billings
Clinical Nurse Practitioner
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Nurse Practitioner
5-10 yearsNurse Practitioner Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBillings ranks #5 of 7 Montana cities for top earner nurse practitioner salary (90th percentile: $163,979).
Top 10% nurse practitioner compensation in Billings ($163,979) is 2.07% below the Montana average P90 ($167,449).
2019 BLS Actual
$137,240
2025 BLS Actual
$158,510
2026 Current Est.
$163,979
2019–2027 Growth
+23.6%
Salary Trajectory for Nurse Practitioners in Billings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.45% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $137,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $143,390 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,900 | Actual |
| 2022 | $137,940 | Actual |
| 2023 | $152,430 | Actual |
| 2024 | $157,810 | Actual |
| 2025 | $158,510 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $163,979 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $169,636 | Projected |
Top-earning nurse practitioners (90th percentile) in Billings saw their compensation grow 15.5% from $137,240 in 2019 to $158,510 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.45% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $169,636 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Billings metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.45% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Maximizing Your Nurse Practitioner Earnings in Billings
Compensation for senior nurse practitioners in Billings varies significantly based on specialization and employment setting. For instance, NPs focused on specialty fields like women's health or pediatric primary care are often compensated at higher rates than their primary care counterparts. Senior practitioners in hospitals or academic settings can expect different pay scales compared to those in urgent care chains or retail clinics, with outpatient clinics often providing competitive salaries paired with productivity bonuses. Additional earnings can be found through telehealth opportunities, which are increasingly popular, especially post-pandemic. To secure higher salaries, advanced credentials are essential; this includes maintaining active RN licenses, obtaining an MSN or DNP, and acquiring national certifications through bodies like the ANCC or AANP. With the state's varying scope-of-practice laws, full-practice authority can further enhance earning potential for those equipped to operate independently and negotiate favorable compensation packages.
More salary data for Billings, MT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced nurse practitioners make in Billings in 2026?
What drives higher nurse practitioner pay in Billings?
What certifications boost nurse practitioner salary in Billings?
Can experienced nurse practitioners make six figures in Billings?
How much does nurse practitioner salary increase over time in Billings?
Related Pages
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $158,510 for nurse practitioners in the Billings metro area. A 3.45% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.45%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for nurse practitioners (SOC 29-1171).
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