Great Falls vs Missoula: Construction Manager Salary (2026)
Compare construction manager salaries between Great Falls, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Great Falls, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,395▲ | $103,255 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.68▲ | $49.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $78,475▲ | $73,304 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,368▲ | $78,754 |
| 75th Percentile | $130,981 | $136,473▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $165,906 | $171,181▲ |
| Total Employed | 140 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Great Falls and Missoula are closely matched on overall construction manager compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Great Falls and Missoula is $2,140 (2.07%). Great Falls's median is -11.38% compared to the US national median of $118,923.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Great Falls spans $87,431,Missoula spans $97,877. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced construction managers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Great Falls ($108,829 effective) pays 1.65% more than Missoula ($107,061 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,395/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,829)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,181)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, construction manager salaries in Great Falls grew 37.5% from 2021 to 2025, compared to 31.2% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Great Falls, MT
$74,110 (2021) → $101,910 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$76,120 (2019) → $99,840 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Great Falls, MT
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays construction managers more: Great Falls or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Great Falls and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Great Falls to Missoula as a construction manager?
What do entry-level construction managers earn in Great Falls vs Missoula?
Written by Michael Johnson, MS, CCM
Career Analyst
Michael has 10 years of experience in construction management. He specializes in project scheduling and cost control. He works with a mid-sized general contracting firm.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.42% 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 Michael Johnson, MS, CCM, a licensed construction manager with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov