Career Guide for Accountants in Billings, Montana

As someone who's watched the accounting scene in Billings for over a decade, I can tell you this isn't the booming metro of Denver or Seattle. It's a steady, practical market with a cost of living that makes a solid salary go far. If you're an accountant considering a move here, you're likely weighing a slower pace of life against your career ambitions. This guide will give you the unvarnished facts, from the local employers who actually hire to the best neighborhoods for your commute.

Billings is a city of about 120,874 people—the largest in Montana—but it feels smaller. It's a hub for eastern Montana, western North Dakota, and northern Wyoming. The economy is tied to agriculture, energy, and healthcare. For accountants, that means a lot of work in corporate finance for regional companies, public accounting for local firms, and government or nonprofit accounting. The job market isn't exploding, but it's stable. With 241 accounting jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 4%, you're not looking at frantic hiring, but you're also not facing a lot of competition from new graduates every year.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Billings, the median salary for Accountants is $83,394 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.09. That's slightly below the national average of $86,080/year. But here's the crucial context: the Cost of Living Index in Billings is 89.6 (US average = 100). That means your dollar goes about 10% further here than it does nationally. When you factor that in, the local salary feels more competitive.

The market here is experience-driven. Newcomers with a CPA and a few years under their belt can command salaries at or above the median. Those without a CPA or with only a couple of years of experience will start lower.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Level	Typical Years of Experience	Typical Billings Salary Range	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Local CPA firms (e.g., Eide Bailly), smaller businesses, non-profits
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$68,000 - $90,000	Regional corporations (e.g., First Interstate Bank), hospitals, public accounting
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$90,000 - $115,000	Senior roles at major employers, management in public accounting
Expert/Manager	15+ years, CPA required	$115,000+	Partners in CPA firms, Controller/VP Finance at large local companies

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

Billings is the largest city in Montana, but it's not the highest paying. That title often goes to Bozeman, driven by a booming tech and tourism sector, and Missoula, with its university and healthcare presence. However, Bozeman and Missoula have significantly higher housing costs, which can erase the salary advantage.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	1BR Rent Avg.	Cost of Living Index	Job Market Notes
Billings	$83,394	$874	89.6	Largest metro, stable, diverse employer base
Bozeman	~$87,000	~$1,350	95.1	Higher salaries but high competition & cost of living
Missoula	~$84,000	~$1,100	92.3	Strong in healthcare and education sectors
Great Falls	~$78,000	~$800	88.5	Smaller market, more government jobs

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the salary number. A $83,394 salary in Billings with an $874 rent is financially stronger than a $90,000 salary in Bozeman with a $1,350 rent. Always calculate your take-home after local taxes and housing.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's run the numbers for a single accountant earning the median $83,394. We'll estimate federal and state taxes (Montana has a progressive income tax from 1% to 6.75%). For simplicity, we'll assume a 22% effective tax rate (federal + state + FICA), which is a reasonable estimate for this income level.

• Annual Gross Salary: $83,394
• Estimated Taxes (22%): ~$18,347
• Annual Take-Home Pay: $65,047
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,420

Now, let's build a monthly budget using the average Billings 1BR rent of $874.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$874	A decent 1BR in a safe neighborhood
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Can be higher in winter due to heating
Groceries	$400	For one person
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	Assuming a modest car payment; Billings is car-dependent
Health Insurance (if not employer-covered)	$300	Varies widely; many employers offer good plans
Miscellaneous (Entertainment, etc.)	$500	Eating out, hobbies, etc.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,724
Monthly Surplus (Savings/Investing)	$2,696	$5,420 - $2,724

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of nearly $2,700 per month, saving for a down payment is very feasible. The median home price in Billings is around $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000. With your surplus, you could save that in about 26 months. A 30-year mortgage on $280,000 at current rates (~6.5%) would be roughly $1,770 per month, plus taxes and insurance. Your monthly housing cost would increase, but with your surplus, it's manageable, especially if you have dual income.

Insider Tip: Many locals buy homes in the Billings Heights or the West End. These areas offer more space for your money and are popular with young professionals. Get pre-approved with a local credit union like Altana Credit Union or First Interstate Bank; they understand the local market.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market for accountants here is concentrated. You won't find a sprawling tech scene, but you will find stable, long-term employers. Here are the key players:

1. First Interstate Bank: A regional bank headquartered in Billings. They have constant openings for financial accountants, internal auditors, and loan officers. This is a premier employer with strong benefits.
2. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare (SCL Health): The two major healthcare systems. They employ a significant number of accountants in revenue cycle management, billing, and financial reporting. Healthcare accounting is a growing specialty, and these systems are always hiring for experienced staff.
3. Eide Bailly LLP: A major regional CPA firm with a large Billings office. They handle audit, tax, and consulting for local businesses and larger regional clients. This is the go-to firm for public accounting careers. They hire entry-level and experienced CPAs.
4. Yellowstone County Government: The county seat is in Billings. Government accounting is a stable niche with good benefits. Jobs include financial analysts, accountants for the sheriff's department, and work with the county school districts.
5. Simms Fishing Products: A major outdoor gear manufacturer headquartered in Billings. They need accountants for cost accounting, inventory management, and financial planning. A great fit if you're interested in manufacturing.
6. BNSF Railway: While not headquartered in Billings, BNSF has a major operations hub here. They employ accountants in cost accounting, asset management, and financial reporting for their logistics network.
7. Non-Profit Sector: Billings has a strong non-profit community, including the Billings Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County, and Western Sustainability Exchange. These roles often focus on grant accounting and budgeting.

Hiring Trend: The demand is most consistent for staff accountants with 2-5 years of experience and senior accountants who are either CPAs or have strong industry experience (e.g., in healthcare or banking). The market for fresh graduates is smaller; you'll likely need to start at a public accounting firm or a smaller business to get your foot in the door.

Getting Licensed in MT

If you plan to advance to senior or expert levels, a CPA license is essential. Montana's requirements are straightforward but strict.

Requirements (from the Montana Board of Accountancy):

1. Education: A bachelor's degree (120 semester hours) with 24 semester hours in upper-division accounting and 24 semester hours in business courses. To sit for the exam, you need 120 hours. To be licensed, you need 150 semester hours. Most aspiring CPAs in Billings get their 150 hours through a master's program (like the one at Montana State University Billings) or by taking additional courses online.
2. Exam: Pass all four sections of the Uniform CPA Exam (AUD, BEC, FAR, REG).
3. Experience: One year of experience (or 2,000 hours) under the supervision of a licensed CPA. This can be in public accounting, industry, or government.
4. Ethics Exam: Pass the AICPA Professional Ethics Exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• CPA Exam Fees: ~$1,500 total for all four sections (state fees vary).
• Review Course: $1,500 - $3,000 (Becker, Roger, etc.).
• Total Upfront Cost: $3,000 - $4,500.
• Timeline: 12-18 months is typical for a dedicated candidate: 6-9 months to study and pass the exam, plus 1 year of qualifying experience.

Insider Tip: The networking is just as important as the license. Join the Montana Society of CPAs. The Eastern Montana Chapter meets in Billings and is invaluable for job leads and mentorship. Many firms, like Eide Bailly, will help pay for your review course and exam fees if you commit to working for them.

Best Neighborhoods for Accountants

Where you live in Billings heavily influences your commute and lifestyle. The city is spread out, and traffic is minimal, so commutes are short (10-25 minutes) almost everywhere. Here are the top neighborhoods for professionals:

1. Downtown & The Rims: This is the urban core. You'll find some renovated loft apartments and older homes. It's walkable, with restaurants and the art scene. Commute to major employers is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,200. Best for those who want a short walk to coffee shops and want to avoid driving.
2. The West End: A popular area for young professionals and families. It's home to Albertsons corporate headquarters and is close to shopping centers like the West End Mall. The homes are modest, and the area is very convenient. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $950. A great blend of affordability and accessibility.
3. The Billings Heights: Located in the northwest part of the city. This is a quieter, more residential area with newer subdivisions. It's a 15-minute drive to downtown, but you get more house for your money. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $900. Ideal if you're looking to buy a starter home.
4. Southside: An older, established neighborhood with a lot of character. It's close to Billings Clinic and has a mix of rentals and owned homes. The commute to downtown is short. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850. A budget-friendly option with charm.
5. Lockwood: Technically its own community east of the Yellowstone River, but part of the Billings metro. It's more rural, with larger lots and lower rents. The commute is about 15-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $650 - $800. Best for those who want space and don't mind a short drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth is less about rapid promotions and more about strategic moves and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in healthcare revenue cycle (working at Billings Clinic or St. Vincent) and financial regulation (working at First Interstate Bank or for a state agency). These roles can pay 10-15% above the median. Forensic accounting is a niche with very few practitioners but a steady demand from legal firms and government.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is: Staff Accountant → Senior Accountant → Accounting Manager → Controller/VP of Finance. In Billings, the Controller role is often the ceiling at most companies. To reach CFO level, you typically need to work for the largest employers (First Interstate, BNSF, or the major hospital systems). Another path is to stay in public accounting and become a Partner at a firm like Eide Bailly, which offers the highest earning potential in the region.
• 10-Year Outlook (4% Growth): The 4% job growth is modest but steady. It will be driven by retirements from the baby boomer generation and the continued need for accountants in healthcare and banking. The growth won't be in new industries but in replacing existing roles. This means opportunities will be there for those who are qualified and networked. The key is to get your CPA and specialize in a high-demand area like healthcare or government finance.

Insider Tip: Billings is a city where long-term relationships matter. Staying with an employer for 3-5 years is common and valued. Jumping jobs too frequently can hurt your reputation in the small professional community. Build your expertise, get your CPA, and then you'll have the leverage to move into senior roles.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

The decision to move to Billings isn't just about accounting; it's about lifestyle. You trade the high-energy, high-cost environment of a major coastal city for stability, affordability, and access to unparalleled outdoor recreation.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $83,394 salary will provide a very comfortable lifestyle.	Limited High-Level Opportunities: The number of CFO or Director-level jobs is small.
Stable, Low-Competition Job Market: Steady demand, less churn than major metros.	Isolation: Billings is a 2+ hour drive from another major city. Airline options are limited.
Unbeatable Outdoor Access: World-class fishing, hiking, and skiing at your doorstep.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be harsh. Summers are hot and dry.
Strong Sense of Community: It's easy to get involved and build a network.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Limited high-end dining, theater, and concerts compared to big cities.
Short Commutes & Easy Parking: Stress-free daily life.	Homogeneous Population: Less diversity than major metropolitan areas.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for accountants who prioritize work-life balance and financial stability over chasing the highest possible salary. It's ideal for those who love the outdoors, are starting a family (the schools in Billings Heights and West End are good), or are planning for a long-term career in a stable industry. If you're a CPA with 5+ years of experience, you can thrive here. If you're a brand-new graduate looking for a fast-paced, high-growth environment to test multiple industries, you might find the options limiting.

FAQs

1. Is a CPA necessary to get a good job in Billings?
Not for an entry-level or mid-level staff accountant role. Many good jobs are available with just a bachelor's degree and experience. However, to reach senior, manager, or partner level, a CPA is almost always required. It's the key to unlocking the highest salaries and top-tier positions.

2. What's the best way to find an accounting job in Billings?
While Indeed and LinkedIn are used, many jobs are filled through local networks. Personal Insight: I've seen more jobs filled through the Montana Society of CPAs and personal referrals than through online postings. Contact local firms directly (Eide Bailly, Draudt & Associates, etc.). For corporate jobs, check the career pages of First Interstate Bank, Billings Clinic, and BNSF Railway.

3. How do winters really affect life in Billings?
They are significant. You'll need a reliable car with winter tires. Temperatures can stay below freezing for weeks. However, the sun is often out, which helps. The city is well