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Military Enlisted Salary in Billings, MT β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Billings's cost of living (index: 96). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Military Enlisted Salary in Billings β€” Key Numbers

$39,360
Median Salary
$28,320
25th Percentile
$54,528
75th Percentile
$71,040
90th Percentile
National median (Military Enlisted)$41,000
vs. National median-4.0%
Billings median household income$62,400
vs. City household income-36.9%

Cost of Living in Billings

Cost of Living Index
96(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,150/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio35.1%
Annual rent cost$13,800
Median Home Price$335,000
Home Price / Salary8.5Γ—
20% Down Payment$67,000
Years to save (20% rate)8.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Billings

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
185,000
Metro Population
17 min
Avg Commute
36.6
Median Age

Billings has a metro population of 185,000, offering a growing job market with opportunities especially in established local industries. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Military Enlisted make in Billings, MT?

The estimated median salary for a Military Enlisted in Billings is $39,360 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $41,000 adjusted by Billings's cost of living index (96). The typical salary range runs from $28,320 (25th percentile) to $54,528 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $71,040.

Is Billings affordable for a Military Enlisted?

On a $39,360 annual salary, a Military Enlisted in Billings would spend approximately 35.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,150/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Military Enlisteds in Billings may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $335,000 is 8.5Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Military Enlisted's salary compare to Billings's overall income?

Billings's median household income is $62,400. A Military Enlisted earning the city-adjusted median of $39,360 earns 36.9% less than the typical Billings household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Billings has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.