Construction Manager in Great Falls, MT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Construction Managers considering Great Falls, Montana.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As a local, I’ll be straight with you: Great Falls offers a solid, stable market for construction management, but it’s not a boomtown like some western hubs. The compensation is competitive when you factor in the low cost of living. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for a Construction Manager in Great Falls is $105,807/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.87/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, a common trade-off for living in a city with a lower cost of living and a slower pace of life.

The job market here is tight but consistent. There are approximately 120 jobs for Construction Managers in the metro area, reflecting a community where experienced professionals are highly valued. The 10-year job growth is projected at 8%, which is steady, if not explosive. It indicates a sustainable demand driven by ongoing civic projects, healthcare expansions, and steady residential development, rather than a volatile surge.

To understand where you might fit in, let’s break it down by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local market trends and can vary by project type (e.g., government vs. private commercial).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Great Falls
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $90,000	Assisting with scheduling, submittals, and site inspections on smaller residential or commercial projects. Often works under a senior PM.
Mid-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	Managing full project cycles for mid-sized builds (e.g., schools, retail centers). Handles budgets, subcontractors, and client relations.
Senior-Level	$115,000 - $135,000	Leading complex, multi-million dollar projects (e.g., hospital additions, large-scale infrastructure). Oversees teams and strategic planning.
Expert/Executive	$135,000+	Director-level roles, overseeing portfolios for major developers or the city. Involves high-level business development and stakeholder management.

Insider Tip: In Great Falls, experience with federal government projects (e.g., Malmstrom AFB contracts) or public works (city/county projects) can command a premium, often pushing mid-career salaries toward the higher end of the bracket.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

Great Falls holds a unique position in Montana’s construction landscape. It’s not a tourist-driven market like Bozeman or a tech influx like Missoula, but it has a more diverse and stable industrial base.

• Bozeman: Salaries can be 10-15% higher, but the cost of living—especially housing—is dramatically higher. The market is volatile, heavily tied to tourism and second-home development.
• Billings: Similar salary range, but with a more industrial and energy-sector focus. The cost of living is slightly higher than Great Falls.
• Missoula: Salaries are competitive, but the housing market is tight and expensive. The economy is more service and education-oriented.

Great Falls offers a "sweet spot" for CMs who value stability, affordability, and a mix of project types, from agricultural facilities to federal buildings.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to the monthly budget. A median salary of $105,807 in Montana is a strong income. After federal taxes, state income tax (a flat 6.75%), and FICA, your net take-home pay is roughly $78,000 to $80,000 annually, or about $6,500 per month.

Now, factor in housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Great Falls is $745/month. This is a massive advantage.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single Construction Manager at the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Take-Home Pay	$6,500	After taxes (federal, MT 6.75%, FICA)
Rent (1BR Average)	$745	Well below the national average
Utilities (Heat/Electric/Water)	$200	High in winter due to heating costs
Groceries & Household	$500	Slightly above national average for fresh goods
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$600	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan typical
Retirement (401k 5%)	$440	Pre-tax deduction
Discretionary Spending	$3,715	This is your surplus.

This surplus is significant. It allows for aggressive savings, investment, or mortgage payments. The Cost of Living Index of 92.6 (US avg = 100) means your dollar goes further here than in most places.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $3,700, a Construction Manager can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Great Falls is around $280,000. A 20% down payment ($56,000) could be saved in under two years with disciplined budgeting. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $224,000 loan would be roughly $1,400-$1,500, which is easily manageable on this income.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is anchored by a mix of public sector, healthcare, and industrial employers. As a Construction Manager, you’ll find the most opportunities with these firms and entities. Hiring trends are stable, with more focus on energy efficiency upgrades (for older buildings) and resilient construction (for harsh weather).

1. Montana Department of Transportation (MDT): The state’s primary employer for public works projects. They manage highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects across the region. Hiring is cyclical, often tied to state legislative funding cycles.
2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): A major driver of local construction. The district regularly undertakes renovations, additions (like the new high school career center), and new facility projects. These are multi-year, well-funded contracts.
3. Cenovus Energy (Baker Refinery): The largest industrial employer in the area. Their maintenance, turnaround, and expansion projects provide steady work for CMs with industrial experience. Pay is often at the top of the local range.
4. Benefis Health System & Alluvian Health (formerly Columbus Hospital): The two major healthcare providers are in constant competition and expansion. Projects range from new outpatient clinics to hospital wings. These are complex, fast-paced builds that look great on a resume.
5. City of Great Falls: The municipal government manages its own capital improvement projects, including water/sewer upgrades, park renovations, and public safety facilities. They often hire CMs for direct public employment or contract with local firms.
6. Malmstrom Air Force Base: As a federal installation, Malmstrom generates a significant amount of construction work through the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and private contractors. Security-cleared CMs can find lucrative opportunities here.
7. Local & Regional Construction Firms: Companies like JTL Group, Inc., Dick Anderson Construction, and S&L Lumber are major players in the commercial and industrial space. They are the primary source of private-sector jobs.

Insider Tip: Most of the large-scale projects are bid through a public process. To get in the door, get registered with the State of Montana Procurement Portal and the City of Great Falls bidding system. Networking with local architects and engineers (like A&E Design or KLJ Engineering) is also critical, as they often know about projects before they’re officially bid.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has clear, straightforward requirements for Construction Managers, though it’s not a licensure-heavy field like architecture or engineering. The state focuses on business licensing and contractor registration.

1. State Contractor Registration: If you are managing projects and your company is acting as the prime contractor, you must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). There are different classifications (General Contractor, Residential Builder, etc.). The fee is $125 for two years. No state exam is required for most CM roles, but you must have a qualifying individual (often the CM themselves) with relevant experience.
2. Business Licensing: You’ll need a local business license from the City of Great Falls and potentially a state business license from the Montana Secretary of State if forming an LLC or corporation. Fees are minimal, typically under $100.
3. Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not required, certifications can significantly boost your credibility and earning potential. The two most valued are:
   • Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute. Cost: ~$555 for members, ~$405 for non-members. Study time: 3-6 months.
   • Certified Construction Manager (CCM): Offered by the Construction Management Association of America (CMAA). Requires a combination of education and experience. Cost: ~$1,195 for the exam. It's the gold standard for CMs.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you have experience and a job offer: You can be fully operational in 2-4 weeks (business registration, contractor license).
• If you're starting a firm: Allow 1-2 months for paperwork, insurance bonding, and establishing accounts with local suppliers and subcontractors.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Great Falls is spread out, and your commute can vary based on where projects are located. Most major construction is concentrated in central and south-side industrial parks, while residential work is city-wide.

1. Sun River / Westside: This is a historic, established neighborhood with a mix of older homes and new infill. It’s close to downtown and the river, offering a walkable lifestyle with great character. Commute to central industrial areas is 10-15 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950/month
2. South Side / 10th Avenue South: The commercial and retail corridor. This area has newer apartment complexes and is minutes from the major shopping centers, Benefis Hospital, and the industrial parks along 10th. Very convenient for work errands.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100/month
3. Northside / 1st Avenue North: An up-and-coming area with more affordable rents and proximity to downtown dining and the historic district. Commutes are easy via Central Avenue. Good for those who want a quiet residential street but easy access to amenities.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850/month
4. Ulm / Southwest Edge: If you prefer a more suburban or rural feel, the areas southwest of town (toward Ulm) offer larger lots and newer construction. The commute is longer (20-30 mins), but the pace is slower. Ideal for homeowners.
   • Rent/Lease Estimate (Houses): $1,200 - $1,800/month
5. Downtown / Central Business District: For the urbanite. You’ll be in walking distance of the best restaurants and the river. Parking can be a challenge, and rents are higher, but the lifestyle is unique for Montana.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,300/month

Insider Tip: When looking for housing, consider proximity to Central Avenue (US-89) and 10th Avenue South. These are the main arteries. Living within 5 minutes of either will cut your commute significantly.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Great Falls, career growth is less about jumping to a new company every few years and more about gaining specialized expertise and managing increasingly complex projects.

Specialty Premiums:

• Heavy Industrial & Energy: CMs with experience in refineries, power plants, or large-scale agricultural facilities can command a 10-15% salary premium. This is the most lucrative niche.
• Federal/Government Work: Security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is a golden ticket for projects at Malmstrom AFB or with federal contractors. It adds a significant value premium and opens doors to a stable, long-term project pipeline.
• Healthcare & High-Tech: Managing projects in occupied healthcare facilities or with complex tech systems (like data centers) requires specialized knowledge and pays at the high end of the market.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path is from Project Engineer → Project Manager → Senior Project Manager → Operations Manager or Director. In Great Falls, many CMs eventually move into ownership roles at local firms or start their own small, niche companies. Given the tight market, the path to senior leadership can be faster than in larger metros if you deliver consistent results.

10-Year Outlook:
The 8% job growth is a realistic forecast. The driver will be the need to replace an aging workforce (many baby boomers are retiring in construction) and ongoing investment in public infrastructure. The push for energy-efficient buildings and resilience against climate impacts (e.g., better insulation, stormwater management) will create new project types. The outlook is stable and secure, not spectacular, which matches the city’s overall economic profile.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls isn’t for everyone. It’s a pragmatic choice for construction managers who value a high quality of life, affordability, and a balanced career over the frantic pace of a booming coastal city.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is easily achievable.	Limited Project Scale: Few skyscrapers or mega-projects. Better for those who prefer manageable, diverse builds.
Strong, Stable Job Market: Anchored by government, healthcare, and energy. Less volatility.	Remote Location: It's a long drive (5+ hours) to a major airport (Bozeman or Billings) or any other large city.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are minutes away. A major lifestyle perk.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and snowy winters can be a challenge for outdoor work and daily life.
Tight-Knit Professional Community: Easy to build a reputation and network.	Limited Cultural/Nightlife: It’s a quiet city. If you crave museums, concerts, and diverse dining, it may feel small.
Low Competition: Fewer CMs than in major metros can mean faster career progression for top performers.	Growth Ceiling: For those seeking to manage billion-dollar projects or work for a global firm, options are limited.

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for mid-career construction managers who are ready to buy a home, start a family, or simply slow down the pace of life without sacrificing professional income or challenge. It’s ideal for those with skills in industrial, healthcare, or government construction. If you’re a young, single CM seeking a dynamic social scene and rapid career hops to the biggest firms in the world, you might find it limiting. But for the right person, it’s a place to build a stable, rewarding career and a life.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers in Great Falls?
It’s moderately competitive but not cutthroat. There are only 120 jobs in the metro, so openings are valued. However, the candidate pool is smaller than in major cities. Having a specialty (industrial, healthcare) or local connections gives you a major edge.

2. Is it feasible to commute from a nearby town like Belt or Black Eagle?
Yes, and many do. From Black Eagle (north of town), it’s a 10-15 minute commute. From Belt (south), it’s 20-25 minutes. The roads are well-maintained, but winter driving can be a factor. The main downside is being further from the core of social and dining options.

3. What is the biggest challenge for a Construction Manager new to Great Falls?
Learning the local subcontractor network and permitting processes. The city and county have their own timelines and relationships. Building trust with local trades (plumbers, electricians, excavators) is critical. It’s a relationship-driven market.

4. Can I work remotely as a Construction Manager here?
Partially. Administrative work can be done from home, but you must be on-site regularly. Most projects are within a 30-minute drive of the city center. The internet infrastructure is decent but not fiber-optic city-wide, so verify connectivity if you need high-speed for remote work.

5. How does the weather impact the construction schedule?
Significantly. The building season effectively runs from May to October. Winter is for planning, bidding, and interior work. A good CM in Great Falls is a master of the schedule, understanding that exterior projects have a hard stop in late fall. This rhythm can be a pro (a defined off-season) or a con (less flexibility).