Billings vs Kalispell: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician 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 | $51,476▲ | $49,444 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.75▲ | $23.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,605 | $40,615▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,880▲ | $41,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,755▲ | $51,394 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,041▲ | $60,073 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $2,032 (4.11%). Billings's median is +6.71% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $21,436,Kalispell spans $19,458. Billings 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, Billings ($55,039 effective) pays 7.09% more than Kalispell ($51,397 effective).
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 ($51,476/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($62,041)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,039)
- ✓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, pharmacy technician salaries in Billings grew 29.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.6% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$37,720 (2019) → $48,820 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$36,743 (2024) → $46,893 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays pharmacy technicians more: Billings or Kalispell?
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Written by Emily Tran, PharmD
Career Analyst
Emily Tran has over 8 years of experience as a pharmacy technician. She specializes in medication therapy management. Her experience includes working in community pharmacies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.44% 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 Tran, PharmD, a licensed pharmacy technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov