Great Falls vs Kalispell: Physical Therapist Assistant Salary (2026)
Compare physical therapist assistant salaries between Great Falls, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,590 | $64,527▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.57 | $31.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,855▲ | $46,894 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,796 | $57,171▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,785 | $70,697▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,215▲ | $76,870 |
| Total Employed | 30▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Great Falls and Kalispell are closely matched on overall physical therapist assistant compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Kalispell is $937 (1.47%). Kalispell's median is -8.14% compared to the US national median of $70,247.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $29,360,Kalispell spans $29,976. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced physical therapist assistants.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kalispell ($67,076 effective) pays 2.15% more than Great Falls ($65,662 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,215)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($64,527/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,076)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, physical therapist assistant salaries in Great Falls grew 23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.3% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$50,290 (2019) → $61,900 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$56,951 (2024) → $62,812 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays physical therapist assistants more: Great Falls or Kalispell?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Kalispell?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Kalispell as a physical therapist assistant?
What do entry-level physical therapist assistants earn in Great Falls vs Kalispell?
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