Billings vs Helena: Nuclear Medicine Technologist Salary (2026)
Compare nuclear medicine technologist salaries between Billings, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $99,136▲ | $92,069 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.66▲ | $44.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,581 | $74,926▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,027▲ | $80,901 |
| 75th Percentile | $114,385▲ | $107,217 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,729▲ | $118,602 |
| Total Employed | 26▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for nuclear medicine technologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Helena.
The salary gap between Billings and Helena is $7,067 (7.68%). Billings's median is -6.83% compared to the US national median of $106,398.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $56,148,Helena spans $43,676. 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 ($103,052 effective) pays 7.68% more than Helena ($95,706 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 ($99,136/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,729)
- ✓Larger job market (26 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,052)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, nuclear medicine technologist salaries in Billings grew 8.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.2% growth in Helena over the same period.
Billings, MT
$87,291 (2024) → $94,451 (2025)
Helena, MT
$81,069 (2024) → $87,718 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in nuclear medicine. She specializes in PET imaging at a community hospital. She analyzes trends in the nuclear medicine job market.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.96% 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 Alexandra Chen, MS, CNMT, a licensed nuclear medicine technologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov