Billings vs Butte: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Billings, MT and Butte, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Butte, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,561▲ | $84,509 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.87▲ | $40.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $62,163▲ | $56,052 |
| 25th Percentile | $78,758▲ | $68,495 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,950▲ | $108,171 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,581▲ | $130,989 |
| Total Employed | 400▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Billings and Butte is $15,052 (17.81%). Billings's median is -3.80% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $76,418,Butte spans $74,937. 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 ($106,453 effective) pays 21.18% more than Butte ($87,847 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 ($99,561/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($138,581)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $106,453)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Butte if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Billings grew 12.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.4% growth in Butte over the same period.
Billings, MT
$86,050 (2019) → $97,010 (2025)
Butte, MT
$76,661 (2024) → $82,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% 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 Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov