Registered Nurse Salary in Great Falls, MT: $69,849 (2026)

Registered Nurse Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median registered nurse salary of $69,849, which is $5,686 below the Montana state average of $75,535. Compared to the national median of $81,220, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $69,849 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,374 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for registered nurses seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for registered nurses in Great Falls spans from $49,364 at the 10th percentile to $103,888 at the 90th percentile — a $54,524 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $49,880, while senior registered nurses with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $98,900. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Registered Nurse Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level registered nurse earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $98,900 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$49,880

$-8,120 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$70,520

$-11,480 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$98,900

$-16,100 vs national

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$49,364	$53,382	$57,400
25th Percentile	$57,448	$62,124	$66,800
Median (50th)	$69,849	$75,535	$81,220
75th Percentile	$86,946	$94,023	$101,100
90th Percentile	$103,888	$112,344	$120,800

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$49,364

25th Percentile

$57,448

Median (50th)

$69,849

75th Percentile

$86,946

90th Percentile

$103,888

How to Become a Registered Nurse in Great Falls

Education

Most registered nurse positions require a bachelor's degree. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Patient AssessmentMedication AdministrationCritical ThinkingCommunicationEMR SystemsBLS/ACLS

Job Outlook

Nationally, registered nurse employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Registered Nurse Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Registered Nurse make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median registered nurse salary in Great Falls, Montana is $69,849 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $81,220. Salaries range from $49,364 (10th percentile) to $103,888 (90th percentile).

How much does a Registered Nurse make per hour in Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $69,849, a registered nurse in Great Falls earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for registered nurse pay? ▼

Great Falls's median registered nurse salary of $69,849 is 7.5% below the Montana state average of $75,535. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a registered nurse salary of $69,849 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a registered nurse in Great Falls? ▼

Most registered nurse positions in Great Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Patient Assessment, Medication Administration, Critical Thinking, Communication. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.

Registered Nurse Salary in Great Falls, Montana