Helena vs Missoula: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer 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 | $103,359▲ | $86,640 |
| Hourly Rate | $49.69▲ | $41.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,855▲ | $69,634 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,232▲ | $78,789 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,359 | $105,658▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $128,790▲ | $128,462 |
| Total Employed | 360▲ | 290 |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Helena and Missoula is $16,719 (19.30%). 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 Helena spans $50,935,Missoula spans $58,828. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($108,031 effective) pays 20.26% more than Missoula ($89,834 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 ($103,359/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($128,790)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,031)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Helena grew 20.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 9.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Helena, MT
$83,740 (2024) → $100,710 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$77,020 (2019) → $84,420 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Missoula, 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