Bozeman vs Great Falls: Graphic Designer Salary (2026)
Compare graphic designer salaries between Bozeman, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,156▲ | $50,801 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.92▲ | $24.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,995▲ | $39,215 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,037▲ | $45,964 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,690▲ | $62,864 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,748 | $106,802▲ |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 40 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for graphic designers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $9,355 (18.41%). Bozeman's median is -7.56% compared to the US national median of $65,075.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $59,753,Great Falls spans $67,587. Great Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced graphic designers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($58,683 effective) pays 11.87% more than Great Falls ($52,456 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,156/year)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,683)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,802)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, graphic designer salaries in Bozeman grew -5.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 34.7% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$61,260 (2024) → $58,200 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$36,500 (2019) → $49,150 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays graphic designers more: Bozeman or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Great Falls as a graphic designer?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MFA
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has 10 years of experience in graphic design. They specialize in branding and visual identity. Their work includes freelance projects for small businesses.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.36% 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, MFA, a licensed graphic designer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov