Billings vs Bozeman: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist salaries between Billings, MT and Bozeman, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Bozeman, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,886 | $69,142▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.83 | $33.24▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,725 | $42,424▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,813 | $52,964▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,258 | $82,929▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,476 | $106,328▲ |
| Total Employed | 140▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Bozeman is $11,256 (19.45%). Bozeman's median is +1.47% compared to the US national median of $68,141.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $42,751,Bozeman spans $63,904. Bozeman has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced surgical technologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($67,449 effective) pays 8.98% more than Billings ($61,893 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Larger job market (140 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($69,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,328)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,449)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Billings grew 27.5% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 7.0% growth in Bozeman over the same period.
Billings, MT
$43,080 (2020) → $54,920 (2025)
Bozeman, MT
$61,330 (2024) → $65,600 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Bozeman, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists more: Billings or Bozeman?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Bozeman?
Should I relocate from Billings to Bozeman as a surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Billings vs Bozeman?
Written by Jessica Thompson, BA, CST
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years of experience as a surgical technologist. She specializes in orthopedic surgical procedures. Jessica works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.40% 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 Jessica Thompson, BA, CST, a licensed surgical technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov