Billings vs Kalispell: Occupational Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare occupational therapist salaries between Billings, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $87,951 | $94,979▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.29 | $45.67▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,822▲ | $70,666 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,820▲ | $79,017 |
| 75th Percentile | $104,132 | $105,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,904 | $113,697▲ |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Kalispell, MT offers better overall compensation for occupational therapists, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Billings.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $7,028 (7.99%). Kalispell's median is -8.14% compared to the US national median of $103,400.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $34,082,Kalispell spans $43,031. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced occupational therapists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kalispell ($98,731 effective) pays 4.99% more than Billings ($94,039 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 (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,979/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($113,697)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $98,731)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, occupational therapist salaries in Billings grew 8.1% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 19.4% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$78,950 (2020) → $85,340 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$77,160 (2024) → $92,159 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays occupational therapists more: Billings or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Billings to Kalispell as a occupational therapist?
What do entry-level occupational therapists earn in Billings vs Kalispell?
Written by Jordan Miller, OTR/L
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in occupational therapy. They specialize in pediatrics and work in a rehabilitation clinic.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Miller, OTR/L, a licensed occupational therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov