Bozeman vs Helena: Dental Hygienist Salary (2026)
Compare dental hygienist salaries between Bozeman, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $109,820▲ | $103,051 |
| Hourly Rate | $52.80▲ | $49.54 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $105,905▲ | $84,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,141▲ | $100,847 |
| 75th Percentile | $110,449▲ | $105,055 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $117,942▲ | $106,661 |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for dental hygienists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Helena is $6,769 (6.57%). Bozeman's median is +6.68% compared to the US national median of $102,946.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $12,037,Helena spans $21,922. Helena 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 0.54% more than Bozeman ($107,131 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 ($109,820/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,942)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $107,709)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, dental hygienist salaries in Bozeman grew 35.6% from 2020 to 2025, compared to 30.8% growth in Helena over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$77,157 (2020) → $104,650 (2025)
Helena, MT
$75,087 (2020) → $98,200 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays dental hygienists more: Bozeman or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Helena?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Helena as a dental hygienist?
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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