Butte vs Helena: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent 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 | $50,131 | $80,286▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.11 | $38.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,530 | $58,606▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,863 | $63,356▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $64,167 | $91,888▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,703 | $135,858▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 30▲ |
Verdict
Helena, MT offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Helena is $30,155 (60.15%). Helena's median is +49.73% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $47,173,Helena spans $77,252. Helena has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Helena ($83,915 effective) pays 61.03% more than Butte ($52,111 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 Helena if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,286/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($135,858)
- ✓Larger job market (30 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,915)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Butte grew -14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 38.5% growth in Helena over the same period.
Butte, MT
$57,963 (2024) → $49,390 (2025)
Helena, MT
$57,116 (2024) → $79,100 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Helena, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Butte or Helena?
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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.
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