Bozeman vs Kalispell: Medical Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare medical assistant salaries between Bozeman, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,315▲ | $46,628 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.71▲ | $22.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,166▲ | $38,385 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,646▲ | $39,733 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,104▲ | $47,730 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $58,783▲ | $55,068 |
| Total Employed | 340▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for medical assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Kalispell is $2,687 (5.76%). Bozeman's median is +2.82% compared to the US national median of $47,961.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $12,617,Kalispell spans $16,683. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced medical assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kalispell ($48,470 effective) pays 0.75% more than Bozeman ($48,108 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,315/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($58,783)
- ✓Larger job market (340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,470)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, medical assistant salaries in Bozeman grew -0.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.9% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$47,040 (2024) → $46,980 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$36,743 (2024) → $44,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays medical assistants more: Bozeman or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Kalispell as a medical assistant?
What do entry-level medical assistants earn in Bozeman vs Kalispell?
Written by Emma Chen, CMA
Career Analyst
Emma has over 8 years of experience as a medical assistant. She has worked in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. Her expertise includes patient care and administrative support.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.97% 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 Emma Chen, CMA, a licensed medical assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov