Billings vs Helena: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,531▲ | $36,741 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.29▲ | $17.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,562▲ | $29,481 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,592▲ | $33,136 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,642▲ | $47,028 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,728▲ | $56,948 |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $13,790 (37.53%). Billings's median is +11.49% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $37,166,Helena spans $27,467. 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 ($54,029 effective) pays 41.47% more than Helena ($38,192 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 ($50,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,728)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,029)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Billings grew 2.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -7.3% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$48,070 (2021) → $49,342 (2025)
Helena, MT
$38,692 (2024) → $35,876 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Billings or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Billings and Helena?
Should I relocate from Billings to Helena as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Billings vs Helena?
Written by Jessica Tran, CCRN
Career Analyst
Jessica has over 10 years as a dialysis technician. She specializes in chronic kidney disease management. She works at a community hospital.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.41% 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 Jessica Tran, CCRN, a licensed dialysis technician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov