Butte vs Helena: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Butte, MT and Helena, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Helena, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,548 | $77,738▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.32 | $37.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,957 | $62,300▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,108 | $65,350▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $96,701▲ | $79,562 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,930▲ | $80,407 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 200▲ |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Helena is $2,190 (2.90%). 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 Butte spans $66,973,Helena spans $18,107. 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, Helena ($81,252 effective) pays 3.46% more than Butte ($78,532 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,930)
- ✓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 Butte grew 26.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Helena over the same period.
Butte, MT
$57,963 (2024) → $73,305 (2025)
Helena, MT
$73,820 (2024) → $75,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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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