Butte vs Missoula: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,674 | $66,086▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $31.58 | $31.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,021 | $47,743▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $58,709▲ | $58,514 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,893 | $76,425▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,331 | $86,661▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for physical therapist assistants, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $412 (0.63%). Missoula's median is -5.92% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $40,310,Missoula spans $38,918. 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, Missoula ($68,696 effective) pays 0.63% more than Butte ($68,268 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($66,086/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,661)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,696)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Butte grew 10.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$57,963 (2024) → $63,929 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$61,460 (2024) → $64,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Butte or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Butte and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Butte to Missoula as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Butte vs Missoula?
Written by Jordan Lee, DPT
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in outpatient physical therapy. They specialize in orthopedic rehabilitation. Jordan works in a private practice setting.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.73% 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 Lee, DPT, a licensed physical therapist assistant with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov