Helena vs Missoula: Dialysis Technician Salary (2026)
Compare dialysis technician 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 | $36,741 | $43,312▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $17.67 | $20.83▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,481 | $35,453▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,136 | $36,472▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $47,028 | $55,631▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $56,948 | $66,302▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 60▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for dialysis technicians, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $6,571 (17.88%). Missoula's median is -4.43% compared to the US national median of $45,322.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $27,467,Missoula spans $30,849. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced dialysis technicians.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($44,908 effective) pays 17.59% 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 Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,312/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($66,302)
- ✓Larger job market (60 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $44,908)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dialysis technician salaries in Helena grew -7.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.4% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$38,692 (2024) → $35,876 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$37,290 (2021) → $42,293 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dialysis technicians more: Helena or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Helena and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Helena to Missoula as a dialysis technician?
What do entry-level dialysis technicians earn in Helena vs Missoula?
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