Carpenter in Great Falls, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

If you're a carpenter looking at Great Falls, the first question is always about the money. Let's get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a carpenter in the Great Falls metro area is $55,656 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.76. It's important to understand that this is a median, meaning half of the carpenters in the area earn more, and half earn less. This figure sits just slightly below the national average for carpenters, which is $56,920 per year. The local market is tight, with only about 120 jobs for carpenters in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is modest at 5%, which indicates steady, stable demand rather than a boom. This stability is a key feature of the Great Falls construction market, which is less volatile than in larger, rapidly growing cities.

To give you a clearer picture of what to expect as you gain experience, here’s a breakdown of typical salary ranges in the area:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Great Falls)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000
Mid-Career	2-8 years	$48,000 - $62,000
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$62,000 - $75,000
Expert/Foreman	15+ years	$75,000 - $85,000+

When you stack Great Falls up against other Montana cities, it's a solid mid-tier option. Bozeman and Missoula, with their booming housing markets and universities, often see slightly higher median wages, sometimes edging past $60,000, but they also come with significantly higher housing costs—rent in those cities can be double what it is here. Billings, the state's largest city, has a similar cost of living to Great Falls but may offer more variety in large-scale commercial projects. Great Falls offers a balance: a lower cost of living and a steady, year-round construction climate that isn't overly dependent on a single industry.

Insider Tip: Don't just focus on the base salary. Many local contractors, especially in the commercial sector, offer a total compensation package that includes health insurance, retirement contributions (like a Simple IRA), and paid time off. These benefits can add the equivalent of $8,000 - $12,000 in value annually. Always ask about the full package during hiring.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Understanding the median salary is one thing; living on it is another. Great Falls is known for its affordability, which is a major draw for skilled tradespeople. Let's break down a monthly budget for a single carpenter earning the median salary of $55,656.

After federal, state, and FICA taxes, a single filer with no dependents can expect a take-home pay of approximately $3,850 per month (this is an estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on your specific tax situation). The City of Great Falls has an average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment of $745 per month, which is a key to affordability. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,850
• Rent (1BR): -$745
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): -$200
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Transportation (Fuel, Maintenance, Insurance): -$350
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): -$250
• Tools & Work Gear: -$100 (Replacement blades, safety gear, etc.)
• Savings/Retirement Contribution: -$500
• Miscellaneous/Entertainment: -$300
• Remaining Buffer: $1,005

This budget is tight but very doable, leaving a healthy buffer for savings, debt repayment, or unexpected expenses. The key is the low housing cost. With rent at $745, you're spending only about 19% of your take-home pay on housing, well below the recommended 30% threshold.

The big question: can you afford to buy a home? With the median home price in Great Falls hovering around $285,000 and the median salary of $55,656, the math is challenging but possible. A 20% down payment would be $57,000, a significant sum. However, many first-time homebuyer programs exist, including those from the Montana Department of Commerce (www.mt.gov/housing). A more common path for local tradespeople is to purchase a smaller, older home (often in the $150,000 - $200,000 range) in a neighborhood like Black Eagle or Sun River. With a 10% down payment, your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be in the $1,100 - $1,300 range, which, while higher than rent, is still manageable on the median salary with careful budgeting.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The Great Falls construction market is a mix of residential, commercial, and institutional work. Unlike larger cities dominated by a few mega-developers, the local scene is built on a foundation of mid-sized, reputable contractors. Here are the primary employers and sectors you should be targeting:

1. Malmstrom Air Force Base: This is the economic heart of the city. Malmstrom is a constant source of work for carpenters, from barracks and facility renovations to new construction projects. The jobs often come through government contractors. Knowing someone with a security clearance or experience with federal projects is a huge plus. Hiring is steady and often tied to the federal fiscal year.

2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The school district maintains over 30 buildings and is in a constant state of maintenance and periodic renovation. Carpenters with experience in institutional work—framing, trim, cabinetry, and specialty finishes—are highly sought after for these projects. These jobs are often posted on the district's website.

3. Logan Health (Formerly CMC): As the city's primary hospital system, Logan Health undergoes frequent updates and expansions. These projects require carpenters who can work in a sterile, sensitive environment. The work is often on a tight schedule and requires a high degree of precision and cleanliness.

4. Residential Builders & Remodelers: The local housing market is active. Companies like TLC Homes and Bridger Builders are key players in new home construction. For remodels, look to firms like Kerr Home Improvements and Great Falls Home Improvement. These are often smaller shops where you can wear many hats and learn the full scope of the trade.

5. Commercial Contractors: Firms like Atlas Refinery (construction division) and KLJ Engineering (which oversees projects) are involved in larger industrial and infrastructure work. These jobs can be less frequent but often pay a premium due to the scale and complexity, requiring experience with steel framing, commercial-grade finishes, and blueprint reading.

6. City of Great Falls & Cascade County: Municipal projects are a reliable source of work. This includes everything from park shelters and community centers to public works facilities. The hiring process for these can be bureaucratic, but the work is dependable.

Hiring Trends: The market is not in a frenzy, but it's stable. Most hiring is done through word-of-mouth and local reputation. However, online job boards like Indeed and LinkedIn are increasingly used by mid-sized firms. The biggest trend is a growing need for carpenters who are cross-trained in other trades, like basic electrical or plumbing, especially for residential remodels.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has a straightforward licensing process for carpenters, but it's crucial to get it right. The state does not have a standalone "carpenter's license." Instead, it uses a Contractor's License for anyone who will be leading their own jobs or running a business.

• For a Journeyman Carpenter: You do not need a state license to work as an employee for a licensed contractor. Your qualifications are based on your experience and completion of an apprenticeship program. The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (www.dli.mt.gov) is the authority here. Most employers will want to see proof of your hours and skills.
• To Run Your Own Business (Contractor's License): If you plan to work for yourself, you need a Class B Residential Building Contractor license (for residential projects under $125,000) or a Class A General Contractor license (for projects over $125,000). The requirements include:
  • Proof of 4 years (8,000 hours) of journeyman-level experience.
  • Passing a business and law exam (cost: ~$150).
  • Proof of financial responsibility (bonding and insurance). A surety bond is typically around $10,000.
  • Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: $2,000 - $5,000 (exam, bonding, insurance, business registration).
  • Timeline: The process can take 2-4 months once you have your experience documented.

Insider Tip: The Montana State Apprenticeship Council (www.mt.gov/apprenticeship) is your best resource. They can connect you with registered apprenticeship programs, which provide structured training and are recognized by all major employers. Completing a program is the fastest way to build the documented hours needed for a future contractor's license.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your budget. Great Falls is a compact city, and most neighborhoods are within a 15-20 minute drive of each other. Here are the top choices for a carpenter:

1. Sun River (East Side): This is a classic, established neighborhood with older homes (1950s-1970s). It's close to the Central Ave corridor, giving you easy access to the airport, Malmstrom AFB, and the city's industrial parks. The vibe is quiet, residential, and very affordable. You can find 1BR apartments for $650-$750/month and small houses for under $200,000. The commute to most job sites is under 15 minutes.

2. Black Eagle (North): This historic, working-class neighborhood is literally defined by the Black Eagle Falls and the old mill. It has a gritty, authentic feel and a tight-knit community. You'll find a mix of older, well-maintained bungalows and smaller rental properties. It's ideal for someone who wants character and doesn't mind a short commute (10-20 minutes to most sites). Rent is similar to Sun River, in the $700-$800/month range.

3. West Side (Near 10th Ave South): This is one of the more affordable neighborhoods right in the heart of the city. It's close to the Great Falls College MSU and C.M. Russell High School. The housing stock is varied, from small apartments to larger, older homes. It's a great central location, making it easy to get to any part of town. You can find 1BR apartments for $700-$850/month.

4. Riverview (Southwest): If you have a family or are looking for more space, Riverview is a good option. It's a quieter, more suburban neighborhood with parks and decent schools. The commute is a bit longer (15-25 minutes), but the trade-off is more modern homes and larger lots. Rent for a 1BR is closer to $850-$950/month, but buying a family home here is often more feasible than in other mid-sized cities.

Insider Tip: If you're looking for extra income, consider renting a room in a larger house in a neighborhood like West Side or Sun River. Many older homes have finished basements or extra bedrooms that are perfect for a single tradesperson, and you can often find a room for $400-$500/month, drastically increasing your savings potential.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Great Falls long-term as a carpenter requires a strategic approach. The 10-year job growth of 5% means you have to be proactive to advance.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest-paid carpenters are specialists. In Great Falls, the most valuable specialties are:

  • Finish Carpentry & Cabinet Making: Custom cabinetry for high-end homes and commercial spaces can command rates 15-25% above standard carpentry.
  • Commercial Millwork: Expertise in installing complex architectural woodwork for offices and institutions is rare and in demand.
  • Formwork for Concrete: With ongoing infrastructure projects, skilled formwork carpenters are always needed and can earn a significant premium.

• Advancement Paths: The most common path is from Apprentice → Journeyman → Lead Carpenter → Foreman/Project Manager. To make the jump to foreman, you'll need to develop strong skills in blueprint reading, cost estimation, and personnel management. Many foremen in the area earn $70,000 - $90,000. Another path is Specialization → Estimator. If you have a knack for detail, moving into a project estimator role can be lucrative and less physically demanding.

• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable. The demand will be driven by three factors: 1) Replacement of aging infrastructure (schools, municipal buildings), 2) Remodeling of the city's large stock of older housing, and 3) Potential growth at Malmstrom AFB. Carpenters who adapt to new materials and techniques (like advanced insulation systems or sustainable building practices) will have the best long-term prospects. The key to growth in a small market is becoming the go-to expert in a niche.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls offers a unique proposition for a carpenter. It’s not the fastest-growing market, but it’s a deeply stable one with a very low cost of living. It’s a place for building a life, not just chasing a salary.

Here’s a final, honest look at the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Job Market: Only 120 jobs in the metro area.
Stable, Year-Round Work: Less seasonal volatility than tourist areas.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in Bozeman or Billings.
High Quality of Life: Safe, friendly, with incredible access to outdoor recreation.	Limited Specialty Work: Fewer ultra-high-end custom projects.
Strong Community: Networking is easy; reputation is everything.	Isolation: It’s a 2-hour drive to the nearest city (Helena).
Clear Career Path: From apprentice to foreman, the path is well-defined.	Modest Growth: 10-year growth of 5% means slow career advancement.

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for:

• Journeyman carpenters seeking a stable, affordable place to put down roots.
• Specialists (finish carpenters, cabinet makers) who can fill a niche in the local market.
• Those valuing work-life balance and proximity to the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking).

It may be a tougher sell for:

• Rapid career climbers who want to see job titles and salaries jump every two years.
• Those who thrive in the energy of a large city with endless networking events and project types.
• New apprentices with no local connections, as the formal apprenticeship programs are competitive.

If you are a skilled, reliable carpenter who values community and affordability over hustle and bustle, Great Falls could be your perfect fit.

FAQs

1. What's the best way to find a carpentry job in Great Falls?
Start with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's job board, then move to local Facebook groups like "Great Falls, MT Jobs" and "Great Falls Construction Network." The most effective method is still walking into local contractor offices with a resume and work portfolio, especially for residential remodelers.

2. How does the weather affect carpentry work in Great Falls?
It's a factor, but manageable. Winters are cold and snowy, which can slow down exterior work and site prep. However, the construction season is long (April to November), and indoor work, like framing, finish carpentry, and remodels, continues year-round. You'll need to be prepared for all conditions and have appropriate gear.

3. Do I need my own tools to get started?
For an entry-level position, most employers will provide large power tools. However, you are expected to have your own basic hand tools (hammer, tape measure, speed square, utility knife, etc.). Investing in quality tools is a career-long process. A good starting kit will cost $300 - $500.

4. Is it easy to start my own carpentry business in Great Falls?
It's feasible due to the lower startup costs and less competition, but your success hinges on reputation. Start by taking on small side jobs, build a portfolio, and get your Montana contractor's license as soon as your experience qualifies you. Networking with local real estate agents and home inspectors is a proven strategy for generating leads.

5. What is the most common type of carpentry work here?
Residential remodeling and small-to-medium commercial renovations are the bread and butter. You'll do a lot of framing, roofing,