Real Estate Agent Pay

Bozeman vs Missoula: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Bozeman, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Bozeman, MT
$50,760
$24.40/hr
Missoula, MT
$75,993
$36.54/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBozeman, MTMissoula, MT
Median Salary$50,760$75,993
Hourly Rate$24.40$36.54
Entry Level (P10)$33,351$45,239
25th Percentile$39,385$69,477
75th Percentile$64,973$86,265
Top Earner (P90)$78,679$107,925
Total Employed14N/A
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Bozeman ($50,760) and Missoula ($75,993) real estate agent salaries.BozemanMissoulaMedian Salary$50,760$75,993Entry Level (P10)$33,351$45,239Top Earner (P90)$78,679$107,925US Median $53,622

Verdict

Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bozeman.

The salary gap between Bozeman and Missoula is $25,233 (49.71%). Missoula's median is +41.72% compared to the US national median of $53,622.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $45,328,Missoula spans $62,686. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.

Bozeman
P10 (Entry)$33,351
P25$39,385
Median$50,760
P75$64,973
P90 (Top)$78,679
Missoula
P10 (Entry)$45,239
P25$69,477
Median$75,993
P75$86,265
P90 (Top)$107,925

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($78,794 effective) pays 49.33% more than Bozeman ($52,765 effective).

Bozeman
Nominal: $50,760
CoL Index: 96.2
Adjusted: $52,765
Missoula
Nominal: $75,993
CoL Index: 96.445
Adjusted: $78,794

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Bozeman if…

  • Larger job market (14 employed)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Choose Missoula if…

  • Higher median salary ($75,993/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($107,925)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $78,794)
  • You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bozeman grew -14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 90.3% growth in Missoula over the same period.

Bozeman, MT

+-14.8%

$58,691 (2024) → $50,010 (2025)

Missoula, MT

+90.3%

$39,340 (2020) → $74,870 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Bozeman or Missoula?

Missoula has a higher median real estate agent salary at $75,993/year, compared to Bozeman at $50,760/year — a difference of $25,233 (49.71%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Missoula?

Bozeman real estate agents earn $24.40/hr while Missoula hygienists earn $36.54/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Bozeman to Missoula as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Bozeman and Missoula. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Bozeman = $52,765, Missoula = $78,794), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bozeman vs Missoula?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $33,351 in Bozeman and $45,239 in Missoula. The Missoula area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®

Career Analyst

Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.

Clinically reviewed by David Chen, REALTOR®Data verified by Fatima Ali, REALTOR®

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov