Bozeman vs Kalispell: Physical Therapist Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist salaries between Bozeman, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,796▲ | $82,562 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.98▲ | $39.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $87,501▲ | $64,602 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,079▲ | $70,055 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,062▲ | $92,731 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $126,692▲ | $98,829 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for physical therapists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Kalispell is $17,234 (20.87%). Bozeman's median is -5.22% compared to the US national median of $105,288.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $39,191,Kalispell spans $34,227. Bozeman 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, Bozeman ($97,352 effective) pays 13.43% more than Kalispell ($85,823 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 ($99,796/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($126,692)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $97,352)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist salaries in Bozeman grew 1.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.3% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$96,220 (2024) → $97,400 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$80,834 (2024) → $80,580 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapists more: Bozeman or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Kalispell as a physical therapist?
What do entry-level physical therapists earn in Bozeman vs Kalispell?
Written by Alex Morgan, DPT
Career Analyst
Alex Morgan has over 10 years of experience in physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Alex works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.46% 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 Alex Morgan, DPT, a licensed physical therapist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov