Butte vs Missoula: Pharmacy Technician Salary (2026)
Compare pharmacy technician salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,322 | $51,212▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.20 | $24.62▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,115 | $39,783▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,559 | $48,249▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,280▲ | $52,825 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,614▲ | $64,909 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 230▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for pharmacy technicians, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $890 (1.77%). Missoula's median is +6.16% compared to the US national median of $48,239.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $27,499,Missoula spans $25,126. Butte 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, Missoula ($53,100 effective) pays 1.51% more than Butte ($52,310 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,614)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,212/year)
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,100)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, pharmacy technician salaries in Butte grew 27.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 46.0% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$37,396 (2024) → $47,726 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$33,270 (2019) → $48,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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