Bozeman vs Great Falls: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant 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 | $49,224▲ | $41,886 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.66▲ | $20.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,559▲ | $39,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,242▲ | $41,886 |
| 75th Percentile | $50,172▲ | $49,097 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,612▲ | $50,609 |
| Total Employed | 340 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $7,338 (17.52%). Bozeman's median is +9.37% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $20,053,Great Falls spans $11,289. 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, Bozeman ($48,019 effective) pays 11.02% more than Great Falls ($43,251 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,224/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($63,612)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,019)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, certified nursing assistant salaries in Bozeman grew 0.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 37.2% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$45,920 (2024) → $46,220 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$28,660 (2019) → $39,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants 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 certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Bozeman vs Great Falls?
Written by Emily Chen, BSN, RN
Career Analyst
Emily has over 10 years of experience in nursing. She focuses on workforce trends in nursing. Emily has worked in various healthcare settings, including hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 6.50% 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 Emily Chen, BSN, RN, a licensed certified nursing assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov