Construction Manager in Billings, MT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering a move to Billings, Montana.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Billings offers a compelling salary-to-cost-of-living ratio, especially for skilled trades and management. The median salary for Construction Managers here is $104,833/year. That translates to a solid hourly rate of $50.4/hour, making it a stable, well-compensated career path in the Magic City.

To put that in perspective, the national average for the role is $108,210/year. While Billings is slightly below the national figure, the local cost of living more than makes up for it. The Billings metro area has a cost of living index of 89.6, significantly lower than the U.S. average of 100. This means your $104,833 salary in Billings stretches much further than the same amount in a major coastal city.

The job market is active but not oversaturated. The metro area supports approximately 241 jobs for Construction Managers, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 8%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates steady, sustainable demand. Billings is a major healthcare, energy, and agricultural hub, and that infrastructure requires constant upkeep, renovation, and new construction, which keeps skilled managers in demand.

Here’s a breakdown of salary by experience level. Keep in mind, these are estimates based on local market rates and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Billings
Entry-Level (0-4 yrs)	$75,000 - $92,000	Project assistant, field supervisor, estimating support. Often starts on commercial remodels or small residential projects.
Mid-Career (5-9 yrs)	$104,833 (Median)	Full project management. Running mid-sized commercial builds, healthcare renovations, or multi-family residential.
Senior (10-15 yrs)	$125,000 - $145,000	Managing large-scale projects ($10M+), complex commercial builds, or public works. Involves significant subcontractor and client relations.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$150,000+	Senior executive, company owner, or specialist in high-complexity projects (e.g., energy sector facilities, major hospital expansions).

Local Insight: The jump from mid-career to senior in Billings is often where you see the most significant pay increases, especially if you can secure a role with a major general contractor or a specialized firm in the energy sector. The 8% growth is concentrated in these higher-value projects.

Comparison to Other MT Cities

While Billings is the state's largest city, it's not the most expensive. Here’s how it stacks up against other key Montana cities for Construction Managers.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index	Key Market Notes
Billings	$104,833	89.6	Largest metro, most diverse construction market (healthcare, energy, commercial).
Bozeman	$110,000+	~110	High growth, tourism, and tech-driven construction. Highest rents in the state.
Missoula	$102,000	~105	University and healthcare-driven market. Smaller project scale than Billings.
Great Falls	$98,000	~92	Government (Malmstrom AFB) and agriculture focus. Smaller market, fewer large projects.

The Billings Advantage: You get a major metro job market with a cost of living that’s lower than Bozeman, Missoula, and the national average. For a Construction Manager, this is the sweet spot for financial stability.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. The median salary of $104,833 sounds great, but what does monthly life look like? We'll estimate take-home pay after taxes and rent.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Salary: $104,833 / 12 = $8,736
• Taxes: Using a conservative estimate for federal, state (Montana has a progressive income tax), FICA, and local taxes, take-home pay is approximately $6,800/month. This is a pre-tax deduction, and actual withholdings will vary.
• Rent: The average 1BR rent in Billings is $874/month. We'll use this as our baseline.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Person, No Kids)

Category	Amount	Notes
Gross Income	$8,736
Estimated Take-Home	$6,800	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	-$874	A comfortable 1BR in a safe neighborhood.
Utilities	-$200	Includes electricity, gas, internet, trash. (Winters are cold; heating costs are a factor).
Groceries & Household	-$400	Billings has several major grocery chains (Albertsons, Safeway, Super 1 Foods).
Transportation	-$400	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Public transit is limited (MET Transit), so a car is almost essential.
Healthcare/Insurance	-$300	Employer plans vary, but this covers premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Retirement/Savings	-$1,000	Aim for 15% of gross. This is feasible on this salary.
Discretionary Spending	-$3,626	This includes everything else: dining out, entertainment, hobbies, travel, and personal care.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a take-home pay of $6,800 and a median rent of $874, the savings potential is high. The median home price in Billings is around $350,000 (as of early 2024). A 20% down payment ($70,000) is substantial, but with the discretionary spending shown above, a dedicated savings plan could reach that in 2-3 years. A 30-year fixed mortgage at 7% on a $280,000 loan (after a $70,000 down payment) would be roughly $1,860/month (including taxes/insurance). This would be about 27% of your take-home pay, solidly within the "affordable" range. Many managers in Billings live in the suburbs (like the Heights or West End) where homes are more affordable.

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Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

Billings' economy is a trifecta of healthcare, energy, and logistics. Construction Managers will find opportunities with general contractors, subcontractors, and large institutions that manage their own capital projects.

1. Billings Clinic / St. Vincent Healthcare (SCL Health): The two largest healthcare systems are in constant growth mode. They manage massive internal capital projects—new patient wings, surgical centers, clinic renovations, and seismic retrofits. These are long-term, complex projects requiring meticulous planning and coordination with medical staff. Hiring trends are stable, with a focus on managers experienced in healthcare construction (ICRA, infection control).

2. Energy Companies (ExxonMobil, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.): While the specific oil companies have a larger presence in Eastern Montana, Billings is the commercial and support hub. Montana-Dakota Utilities, a major natural gas distributor, has a significant presence and manages infrastructure projects. The broader energy sector supports many local general contractors specializing in industrial and pipeline facilities. Insider Tip: Experience with DOT (Department of Transportation) permits and environmental compliance is highly valued here.

3. General Contractors (Local & Regional Firms): Companies like Larson • Loberg (Larson Design Group), Dick Anderson Construction, Sletten Construction, and JTL Group are major players. They handle everything from commercial retail and office buildings (look at buildings on the West End or downtown) to large school and public projects. These firms are the primary source of project-based hiring.

4. City of Billings & Yellowstone County: Public works projects are a steady source of employment. This includes road construction (like the ongoing work on King Ave W or 24th St W), water/sewer upgrades, and public building renovations (e.g., the library, fairgrounds). These jobs offer stability and excellent benefits.

5. Montana State University Billings (MSUB): The university is a growing entity with ongoing facility improvements, new construction (like the new science building), and dormitory renovations. They employ in-house project managers and work with external GCs.

6. Brewery & Restaurant Sector: Billings has a booming craft beer and dining scene (think Montana Brewing Co., Angry Hank's, Fieldhouse). While smaller in scale, these projects require skilled managers for interior build-outs and renovations, often on tight timelines in occupied buildings.

Hiring Trend: There's a noticeable shift toward sustainable and energy-efficient building, driven by both client demand and state incentives. Managers with LEED AP or similar credentials have an edge, especially on public and institutional projects.

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Getting Licensed in MT

Montana does not have a state-specific "Construction Manager" license. However, the field is regulated through related licenses and certifications. Here’s the practical path:

1. General Contractor License (Required for Independent Work): If you plan to manage projects as a prime contractor, you'll need a Montana General Contractor License from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). This requires:

   • Proof of financial stability (bonding, line of credit).
   • Passing an exam (business and law).
   • Cost: Application fee ($225) + exam fee ($100). Bonding costs vary by project size but can be $5,000 - $25,000.
   • Timeline: 2-4 months to gather paperwork, study, and take the exam.

2. Professional Engineer (PE) License (For Specialized Roles): If you're managing civil or structural projects, a PE license is invaluable and sometimes required. This requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the FE and PE exams, and 4 years of progressive experience. Cost: Exams and fees are ~$500-$800. Timeline: 4-6 years total.

3. Certifications (Highly Recommended):

   • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by CMAA. This is the gold standard and strongly respected, especially for large commercial/public projects.
   • LEED AP: For sustainable building. Increasingly required for public projects.
   • OSHA 30-Hour: Standard safety certification. Expected for any field role.

Insider Tip: For most salaried positions with a GC, the company's license covers you. Your value is your experience, project portfolio, and certifications. If you're moving from another state, start the CCM or LEED process before you arrive; it shows serious intent.

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Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in Billings depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local breakdown.

1. The West End: The most affluent and rapidly developing area. Home to major retail, restaurants, and new commercial builds (like the Shiloh corridor). Commute to most job sites is 10-20 minutes.

   • Rent (2BR Apt): $1,200 - $1,600/month
   • Vibe: Family-friendly, modern, convenient. Best for managers working on commercial projects on the west side.

2. The Heights: A large, master-planned community east of the Rims. It has its own shopping center and is a major residential hub. Commute is easy via I-90 or 24th St.

   • Rent (2BR Apt): $1,100 - $1,500/month
   • Vibe: Affordable, growing, slightly more suburban. Great for managers who want newer housing stock and don't mind a 15-25 minute commute to downtown.

3. Downtown (State Ave / Downtown Core): Historic, walkable, and vibrant. You'll be near breweries, restaurants, and the "Art Walk." Older buildings, but full of character.

   • Rent (1BR/Loft): $900 - $1,300/month
   • Vibe: Urban, professional, social. Perfect for a single manager who wants to be in the heart of the action and can walk to work on some downtown projects.

4. Lockwood (East Billings): A more industrial and blue-collar area east of downtown, with easy access to I-90. It's close to the Yellowstone River and has more affordable housing. Commutes can be quick if you work east.

   • Rent (2BR House): $1,000 - $1,300/month
   • Vibe: Practical, no-frills, convenient for east-side job sites (e.g., energy facilities, industrial parks).

5. South Side (Terry Ave / 24th St): A mix of older homes, apartments, and businesses. Offers easy access to downtown and the interstate. It's a solid, central option.

   • Rent (2BR Apt): $1,000 - $1,400/month
   • Vibe: Central, diverse, convenient. A good balance for someone who works all over town.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth for a Construction Manager isn't just about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about specialization and reputation.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare Construction (ICRA/Infection Control): Managers with this specialty can command a 10-15% premium over the median. The rules are complex, and hospitals pay for expertise to avoid costly delays.
• Energy/Industrial: Experience with high-voltage facilities, pipelines, or hazardous environments can also boost earning potential, especially with firms like Montana-Dakota Utilities or their contractors.
• Project Management Software (Procore, MS Project): Mastery of modern software is non-negotiable. It's a baseline skill that keeps you competitive.

Advancement Paths:

1. From Field to Office: Start as a Superintendent or Field Engineer, move to Project Manager, then to Senior PM or Project Executive.
2. From GC to Owner's Rep: Many managers leave GCs to work directly for large clients (like Billings Clinic or MSUB) managing their portfolios. This can offer better work-life balance and a broader strategic view.
3. Entrepreneurship: Given the steady 8% growth and the need for specialized subcontractors (e.g., healthcare MEP, seismic retrofitting), opening a niche firm is a viable long-term goal for experienced managers.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable to positive. Billings isn't a boomtown like Bozeman, but its diversified economy insulates it from major downturns. The 8% growth is reliable, driven by healthcare expansion, school updates, and infrastructure maintenance. The key risk is a downturn in the energy sector, but the healthcare and public sectors provide a strong buffer. For a manager who builds a strong local network and specializes, the long-term prospects in Billings are secure.

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The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Salary-to-Cost-of-Living Ratio. Your $104,833 median salary goes very far.	Limited "Big City" Amenities. It's a regional hub, not a cultural metropolis.
Stable, Diverse Job Market. Healthcare, energy, and public work provide resilience.	Harsh Winters. Long, cold, and snowy winters can be a shock and impact outdoor project schedules.
Short, Easy Commutes. You can live in a neighborhood and be on any work site in 15-25 minutes.	Geographic Isolation. It's a 3-hour drive to Bozeman or a 6-hour drive to a major airport (Denver).
Outdoor Access. The Rims, Yellowstone River, and mountains are minutes away. A huge lifestyle perk.	Small Professional Network. The construction community is tight-knit. A bad reputation spreads quickly.
Lower Stress Pace. Less pressure than in hyper-competitive markets like Seattle or Austin.	Limited Specialization. While diverse, the market isn't large enough for extremely niche specializations.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an outstanding choice for Construction Managers who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and a low-stress environment. It's especially ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or escape the grind of a larger, more expensive city. The $104,833 median salary, combined with a cost of living index of 89.6, creates a powerful financial foundation.

It may not be the best fit for someone seeking the cutting-edge architectural projects of a major coastal city or someone who craves a bustling, 24/7 nightlife. However, for a manager who values real-world project impact, a strong community, and the ability to own a home without being house-poor, Billings, Montana, is a hidden gem in the construction industry.