Butte vs Helena: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Butte, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $84,509 | $103,359▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $40.63 | $49.69▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $56,052 | $77,855▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $68,495 | $81,232▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $108,171▲ | $103,359 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,989▲ | $128,790 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Helena is $18,850 (22.31%). Helena's median is -0.13% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $74,937,Helena spans $50,935. Butte 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, Helena ($108,031 effective) pays 22.98% 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 Butte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,989)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,359/year)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,031)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Butte grew 7.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Helena over the same period.
Butte, MT
$76,661 (2024) → $82,343 (2025)
Helena, MT
$83,740 (2024) → $100,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, 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