Bozeman vs Helena: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Bozeman, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,594 | $77,738▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.82 | $37.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $64,175▲ | $62,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,420▲ | $65,350 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,763▲ | $79,562 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,763▲ | $80,407 |
| Total Employed | 180 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bozeman.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Helena is $1,144 (1.49%). Helena's median is -1.02% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $31,588,Helena spans $18,107. 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, Helena ($81,252 effective) pays 8.74% more than Bozeman ($74,719 effective).
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 ($95,763)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,738/year)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $81,252)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Bozeman grew -0.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Helena over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$74,980 (2024) → $74,320 (2025)
Helena, MT
$73,820 (2024) → $75,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Bozeman or Helena?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Helena?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov