Bozeman vs Great Falls: Surgical Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare surgical technologist 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 | $69,142▲ | $65,376 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.24▲ | $31.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,424 | $44,586▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,964 | $53,613▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,929▲ | $82,563 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,328▲ | $100,743 |
| Total Employed | 50▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for surgical technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $3,766 (5.76%). 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 Bozeman spans $63,904,Great Falls spans $56,157. 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, Great Falls ($67,958 effective) pays 0.76% more than Bozeman ($67,449 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 ($69,142/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,328)
- ✓Larger job market (50 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,958)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, surgical technologist salaries in Bozeman grew 7.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 36.5% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$61,330 (2024) → $65,600 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$45,450 (2019) → $62,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays surgical technologists 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 surgical technologist?
What do entry-level surgical technologists earn in Bozeman vs Great Falls?
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