Great Falls vs Kalispell: Certified Nursing Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare certified nursing assistant salaries between Great Falls, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,886▲ | $39,995 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.14▲ | $19.22 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,320▲ | $33,526 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,886▲ | $35,719 |
| 75th Percentile | $49,097▲ | $42,530 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $50,609▲ | $44,676 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Great Falls, MT offers better overall compensation for certified nursing assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Kalispell is $1,891 (4.73%). Great Falls's median is -6.93% compared to the US national median of $45,007.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $11,289,Kalispell spans $11,150. Great Falls 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 ($43,251 effective) pays 4.03% more than Kalispell ($41,575 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($41,886/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($50,609)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $43,251)
- ✓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, certified nursing assistant salaries in Great Falls grew 37.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.6% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$28,660 (2019) → $39,330 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$33,068 (2024) → $37,554 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays certified nursing assistants more: Great Falls or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Kalispell as a certified nursing assistant?
What do entry-level certified nursing assistants earn in Great Falls vs Kalispell?
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