Helena vs Missoula: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Helena, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Helena, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,051▲ | $102,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.54▲ | $49.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $84,739▲ | $84,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $100,847▲ | $100,071 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,055▲ | $104,153 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $106,661 | $107,815▲ |
| Total Employed | 80 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Helena and Missoula are closely matched on overall dental hygienist compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $157 (0.15%). Helena's median is +0.10% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $21,922,Missoula spans $23,181. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dental hygienists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($107,709 effective) pays 0.96% more than Missoula ($106,687 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,051/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,709)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,815)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Helena grew 30.8% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 21.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$75,087 (2020) → $98,200 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$80,650 (2020) → $98,050 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Helena or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Helena and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Helena to Missoula as a dental hygienist?
What do entry-level dental hygienists earn in Helena vs Missoula?
Written by Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH
Dental Career Analyst
Sarah Chen is a registered dental hygienist with over 12 years of clinical experience. She specializes in salary benchmarking and career strategy, helping dental professionals make data-driven career decisions using official BLS statistics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.94% 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 Sarah Chen, RDH, BSDH, a licensed dental hygienist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov