Electrician Salary

Bozeman vs Helena: Electrician Salary (2026)

Compare electrician salaries between Bozeman, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bozeman, MT
$79,888
$38.41/hr
Helena, MT
$80,430
$38.67/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBozeman, MTHelena, MT
Median Salary$79,888$80,430
Hourly Rate$38.41$38.67
Entry Level (P10)$52,868$50,611
25th Percentile$63,212$62,845
75th Percentile$88,620$82,870
Top Earner (P90)$94,104$84,096
Total Employed440240
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bozeman ($79,888) and Helena ($80,430) electrician salaries.BozemanHelenaMedian Salary$79,888$80,430Entry Level (P10)$52,868$50,611Top Earner (P90)$94,104$84,096US Median $64,530

Verdict

Bozeman and Helena are closely matched on overall electrician compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Bozeman and Helena is $542 (0.68%). Helena's median is +24.64% compared to the US national median of $64,530.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $41,236,Helena spans $33,485. Bozeman has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Bozeman
P10 (Entry)$52,868
P25$63,212
Median$79,888
P75$88,620
P90 (Top)$94,104
Helena
P10 (Entry)$50,611
P25$62,845
Median$80,430
P75$82,870
P90 (Top)$84,096

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($84,066 effective) pays 7.87% more than Bozeman ($77,932 effective).

Bozeman
Nominal: $79,888
CoL Index: 102.51
Adjusted: $77,932
Helena
Nominal: $80,430
CoL Index: 95.675
Adjusted: $84,066

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bozeman if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($94,104)
  • Larger job market (440 employed)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Choose Helena if…

  • Higher median salary ($80,430/year)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,066)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, electrician salaries in Bozeman grew 17.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.3% growth in Helena over the same period.

Bozeman, MT

+17.2%

$66,760 (2024) → $78,230 (2025)

Helena, MT

+25.3%

$62,880 (2024) → $78,760 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays electricians more: Bozeman or Helena?

Helena has a higher median electrician salary at $80,430/year, compared to Bozeman at $79,888/year — a difference of $542 (0.68%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Helena?

Bozeman electricians earn $38.41/hr while Helena hygienists earn $38.67/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bozeman to Helena as a electrician?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bozeman and Helena. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bozeman = $77,932, Helena = $84,066), job availability (440 vs 240 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level electricians earn in Bozeman vs Helena?

Entry-level (10th percentile) electricians earn $52,868 in Bozeman and $50,611 in Helena. The Bozeman area offers higher starting salaries.
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst

Career Analyst

Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.12% 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 Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov