Butte vs Missoula: Clinical and Counseling Psychologist Salary (2026)
Compare clinical and counseling psychologist salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $98,809 | $99,429▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $47.51 | $47.80▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $57,310 | $57,669▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $73,588▲ | $73,427 |
| 75th Percentile | $126,475 | $127,269▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $153,154 | $154,115▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 16▲ |
Verdict
Missoula, MT offers better overall compensation for clinical and counseling psychologists, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Butte.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $620 (0.63%). Missoula's median is -5.92% compared to the US national median of $105,689.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $95,844,Missoula spans $96,446. Missoula has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced clinical and counseling psychologists.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Missoula ($103,357 effective) pays 0.63% more than Butte ($102,712 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 Missoula if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($99,429/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($154,115)
- ✓Larger job market (16 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $103,357)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, clinical and counseling psychologist salaries in Butte grew 13.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 26.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$82,934 (2024) → $94,032 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$74,750 (2023) → $94,622 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays clinical and counseling psychologists more: Butte or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Butte and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Butte to Missoula as a clinical and counseling psychologist?
What do entry-level clinical and counseling psychologists earn in Butte vs Missoula?
Written by Maria Gonzalez, PhD, LPC
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience in clinical psychology. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy. Maria works at a mental health clinic in Chicago.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.08% 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, PhD, LPC, a licensed clinical and counseling psychologist with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov