Radiography Tech Salary

Billings vs Great Falls: Radiologic Technologist and Technician Salary (2026)

Compare radiologic technologist and technician salaries between Billings, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Billings, MT
$81,147
$39.01/hr
Great Falls, MT
$75,040
$36.07/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBillings, MTGreat Falls, MT
Median Salary$81,147$75,040
Hourly Rate$39.01$36.07
Entry Level (P10)$53,203$64,606
25th Percentile$69,449$64,606
75th Percentile$86,780$83,537
Top Earner (P90)$100,963$83,537
Total Employed18060
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Billings ($81,147) and Great Falls ($75,040) radiologic technologist and technician salaries.BillingsGreat FallsMedian Salary$81,147$75,040Entry Level (P10)$53,203$64,606Top Earner (P90)$100,963$83,537US Median $84,348

Verdict

Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for radiologic technologists and technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.

The salary gap between Billings and Great Falls is $6,107 (8.14%). Billings's median is -3.79% compared to the US national median of $84,348.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $47,760,Great Falls spans $18,931. Billings has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Billings
P10 (Entry)$53,203
P25$69,449
Median$81,147
P75$86,780
P90 (Top)$100,963
Great Falls
P10 (Entry)$64,606
P25$64,606
Median$75,040
P75$83,537
P90 (Top)$83,537

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($86,764 effective) pays 11.98% more than Great Falls ($77,485 effective).

Billings
Nominal: $81,147
CoL Index: 93.526
Adjusted: $86,764
Great Falls
Nominal: $75,040
CoL Index: 96.845
Adjusted: $77,485

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Billings if…

  • Higher median salary ($81,147/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($100,963)
  • Larger job market (180 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $86,764)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Choose Great Falls if…

  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, radiologic technologist and technician salaries in Billings grew 40.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.8% growth in Great Falls over the same period.

Billings, MT

+40.3%

$54,940 (2019) → $77,070 (2025)

Great Falls, MT

+35.8%

$52,470 (2019) → $71,270 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays radiologic technologist and technicians more: Billings or Great Falls?

Billings has a higher median radiologic technologist and technician salary at $81,147/year, compared to Great Falls at $75,040/year — a difference of $6,107 (8.14%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Great Falls?

Billings radiologic technologist and technicians earn $39.01/hr while Great Falls hygienists earn $36.07/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Billings to Great Falls as a radiologic technologist and technician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Billings and Great Falls. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Billings = $86,764, Great Falls = $77,485), job availability (180 vs 60 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level radiologic technologist and technicians earn in Billings vs Great Falls?

Entry-level (10th percentile) radiologic technologist and technicians earn $53,203 in Billings and $64,606 in Great Falls. The Great Falls area offers higher starting salaries.
JL

Written by Jordan Lee, RT(R), RT(TM)

Career Analyst

Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in radiologic technology. They specialize in mammography and work in an outpatient imaging center.

Clinically reviewed by Marisol Patel, RT(R), BSData verified by Samuel Kim, RT(R)(CT), MHA

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.29% 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 Lee, RT(R), RT(TM), a licensed radiologic technologist and technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov