Billings vs Kalispell: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Billings, MT and Kalispell, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Billings, MT | Kalispell, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,729▲ | $57,987 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.20▲ | $27.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,691▲ | $42,949 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,693▲ | $46,929 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,718▲ | $70,430 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,891 | $85,700▲ |
| Total Employed | 170▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Billings, MT offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kalispell.
The salary gap between Billings and Kalispell is $2,742 (4.73%). Billings's median is -6.71% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Billings spans $34,200,Kalispell spans $42,751. Kalispell has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Billings ($64,933 effective) pays 7.72% more than Kalispell ($60,278 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Billings if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,729/year)
- ✓Larger job market (170 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,933)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Kalispell if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,700)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Billings grew 13.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Kalispell over the same period.
Billings, MT
$51,630 (2019) → $58,670 (2025)
Kalispell, MT
$47,766 (2024) → $56,021 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Billings, MT
Kalispell, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% 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 Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov