Helena vs Missoula: Accountant Salary (2026)
Compare accountant 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 | $78,702▲ | $74,823 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.83▲ | $35.98 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,592▲ | $49,109 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,609▲ | $60,386 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,677▲ | $91,046 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $108,654 | $116,986▲ |
| Total Employed | 580 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Helena and Missoula are closely matched on overall accountant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $3,879 (5.18%). Helena's median is -8.34% compared to the US national median of $85,864.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Helena spans $57,062,Missoula spans $67,877. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced accountants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($82,260 effective) pays 6.03% more than Missoula ($77,581 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 ($78,702/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,260)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,986)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, accountant salaries in Helena grew 5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$72,550 (2024) → $76,700 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$62,200 (2019) → $72,920 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Sofia Patel, CPA
Career Analyst
Sofia Patel has over 10 years of experience in financial analysis. She specializes in tax preparation for small businesses. She has worked in both corporate and public accounting environments.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.61% 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 Sofia Patel, CPA, a licensed accountant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov