Data Analyst in Billings, MT

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Data Analysts in Billings, MT.

---

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers, because in Billings, your paycheck goes a long way. The median salary for a Data Analyst here is $80,759 per year, or $38.83 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $83,360, but don't let that fool you. When you factor in Billings' cost of living, which is 89.6 (11.4% lower than the U.S. average), your real purchasing power is significantly higher than in most major metros.

The job market is stable and growing. There are currently about 241 Data Analyst positions in the Billings metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 36%. That's robust growth, fueled by the healthcare, energy, and tech sectors expanding their need for data-driven decision-making.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Billings market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Billings)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $68,000	Basic SQL, Excel, and data visualization (Tableau/Power BI). Often focused on reporting and data cleaning. A bachelor's in a related field is typically required.
Mid-Level	$70,000 - $90,000	Advanced SQL, Python/R for analysis, building dashboards, and providing actionable insights to a department. This is near the median of $80,759.
Senior	$92,000 - $115,000	Leading projects, mentoring junior analysts, complex statistical modeling, and working directly with executive leadership. Often requires 5+ years of experience.
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	Managing a team of analysts, setting data strategy, and deep expertise in a specific domain (e.g., healthcare informatics, predictive modeling for oil & gas).

Local Insight: Compared to other cities in Montana, Billings offers the highest volume of Data Analyst jobs. While Bozeman's tech scene might push top-end salaries slightly higher for certain tech companies, Billings' diverse economy (healthcare, energy, finance) provides more stability and a wider variety of industries to work in.

---

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what's left after life's essentials. Let's break down a monthly budget for a Data Analyst earning the median salary of $80,759.

• Gross Monthly Income: $80,759 / 12 = $6,730
• Estimated Take-Home (Net) Pay: After federal, state, and FICA taxes, your monthly take-home is roughly $4,950 (this is an estimate; use a Montana-specific paycheck calculator for precision).
• Average 1BR Rent: $874/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Income (Net)	$4,950	Post-tax
Housing (Rent)	$874	1BR average; can be lower or higher by neighborhood
Utilities	$180	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet
Groceries	$400	Billings has competitive grocery prices (Albertsons, Safeway, local markets)
Transportation	$250	Gas and insurance; car is essential in Billings
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely by employer plan
Savings/Retirement	$750	Aim for 15-20% of gross income
Discretionary	$2,196	For dining, entertainment, hobbies, and other expenses

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home pay of $4,950 and rent at $874, the rent-to-income ratio is an incredibly low 17.7%. This leaves substantial room for saving for a down payment. The median home price in Billings hovers around $350,000. A 20% down payment is $70,000. With the savings potential here, saving for a down payment is a realistic goal for a mid-career analyst within a few years. The affordable housing market is one of Billings' biggest draws.

---

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

Billings' economy is anchored by a few key industries, each creating a steady demand for data analysts. The job market here is less about startups and more about established institutions that rely on data for efficiency and growth.

1. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare: These are the two major hospital systems and are the largest employers in the city. They need analysts for everything from patient outcome tracking and operational efficiency to financial forecasting and supply chain management. Hiring is consistent, and benefits are typically excellent.

2. Energy Sector (ExxonMobil, CIVEK, Rocky Mountain Energy): Billings is a hub for the region's oil and gas industry. Analysts here work on geological data, production optimization, supply chain logistics, and market analysis. This sector often pays a premium for analysts with domain-specific knowledge.

3. First Interstate Bank: A major regional bank headquartered in Billings. They have a strong need for financial analysts to assess risk, track customer data, detect fraud, and inform marketing strategies. This is a stable, white-collar employer with a strong local presence.

4. Paylocity: This national payroll and HR software company has a significant office in Billings. They hire data analysts to work on their own product, analyzing client usage data, building internal dashboards, and helping to improve their software offerings. This is a great option for analysts who want to work in the tech sector without leaving Montana.

5. Yellowstone County Government & City of Billings: Government agencies use data analysts for everything from urban planning and traffic analysis to public health statistics and budget allocation. These jobs offer great work-life balance and strong benefits.

6. Montana State University Billings: The university employs analysts for institutional research, tracking student success metrics, and operational analysis.

Insider Tip: The Billings Job Service (part of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry) is a surprisingly effective resource for local openings, especially in the public and healthcare sectors. Don't overlook it.

---

Getting Licensed in MT

This is the easy part: There are no state-specific licenses required to be a Data Analyst in Montana. The field is largely credential-based, meaning your skills, experience, and portfolio are what matter.

However, to be competitive and get started, you'll need to focus on the following:

• Education: A bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field is the standard entry requirement. Billings is fortunate to have Montana State University Billings (MSUB), which offers relevant programs. If you're relocating, check if your credits will transfer.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended): While not state-mandated, certifications are the industry standard for proving your skills. Focus on:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (great for entry-level)
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (very in-demand locally)
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist (widely used in healthcare and finance)
  • IBM Data Analyst Professional Certificate
• Cost: Certification courses can range from free (Coursera/Google) to a few hundred dollars. The exam fees for Microsoft or Tableau are typically $100-$200.
• Timeline: You can start applying for entry-level jobs immediately if you have a degree. If you're career-switching, a reputable certification program can be completed in 3-6 months of dedicated study.

Key Resource: The Montana Department of Labor & Industry oversees professional licensing, but for Data Analysts, their website is more useful for understanding general employment trends and wage data.

---

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Billings is a driving city, but neighborhoods have distinct personalities. Your choice will depend on your commute priority and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for a Data Analyst
Downtown	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-15 min commute to most offices.	$950 - $1,200	Perfect for those who want to be near restaurants, breweries, and events. Ideal if you work at a downtown firm like First Interstate or a government office.
West End	Family-friendly, established, quiet. 10-20 min commute.	$850 - $1,050	Great for analysts with families or those seeking a more suburban feel with easy access to parks and retail. Close to St. Vincent Healthcare.
Heights	Growing, modern, convenient. 10-20 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	A popular area for young professionals. Newer developments, great shopping, and a straight shot to downtown. A good balance of cost and convenience.
South Side	Historic, diverse, close to the Yellowstone River. 10-25 min commute.	$750 - $950	Offers more character and older, often more affordable housing. The commute can be longer depending on where your job is located, but it's a scenic drive.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Billings is minimal compared to major cities, but the main arteries (King Avenue West, Grand Avenue, 24th Street West) can get congested during rush hour. When apartment hunting, use Google Maps to test your potential commute during the times you'd actually be driving.

---

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth isn't about jumping to a new company every two years; it's about deepening your expertise within one of the city's core industries.

• Specialty Premiums: Analysts with niche skills command higher salaries. In Billings, the most valuable premiums are:

  • Healthcare Informatics: Knowing EHR systems (like Epic or Cerner) and healthcare metrics can add a 10-15% premium to your salary at Billings Clinic or St. Vincent's.
  • Energy Data: Experience with geological data, GIS software, or production metrics can be very lucrative in the oil and gas sector.
  • Advanced Modeling: Skills in machine learning, predictive analytics, and statistical modeling (using Python/R) are less common in the local market and are highly valued for senior roles.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:

  1. Junior Analyst (focus on reporting and data cleaning)
  2. Data Analyst (owning a department's data needs, building dashboards)
  3. Senior Data Analyst (leading projects, mentoring, complex analysis)
  4. Analytics Manager or Data Scientist (managing a team or focusing on advanced predictive modeling). Note: Pure Data Scientist roles are less common than Analyst roles in Billings; many "Senior Analysts" do similar work.

• 10-Year Outlook (36% Growth): This growth is not just in numbers but in sophistication. As Billings' key industries mature, they will demand more advanced analytics for competitive advantage. The analyst who can move from descriptive analytics ("what happened?") to predictive/prescriptive analytics ("what will happen, and what should we do?") will be in the top tier of the local market. The rise of remote work also means you can compete for higher-paying national roles while enjoying Billings' low cost of living.

---

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Billings offers a compelling value proposition for Data Analysts, but it's not for everyone. It's a city that prioritizes quality of life, affordability, and community over the hustle of a coastal tech hub.

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further, enabling homeownership and savings.	Limited Tech "Scene": Fewer startups, tech meetups, and conferences compared to Seattle or Austin.
Stable & Diverse Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, energy, and finance for consistent employment.	Geographic Isolation: It's a long drive to any other major city (6+ hours to Salt Lake City, Denver, or Bozeman).
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and Big Sky country. Beartooth Mountains are a weekend playground.	Fewer Senior/Expert Roles: The top-end of the market is smaller; you may need to create your own niche.
Manageable Commute: An average commute is 15-20 minutes. You reclaim hours of your week.	Harsh Winters: Be prepared for cold, snow, and wind from November to March.
Strong Community Feel: It's easy to build a network and feel connected.	Cultural Scene is Modest: You'll find great local restaurants and a nice downtown, but it can't match the arts and entertainment of a larger city.

Final Recommendation:

Billings is an excellent choice for Data Analysts who:

• Are early to mid-career and want to maximize their income-to-cost ratio.
• Value work-life balance and outdoor recreation over a bustling urban lifestyle.
• Are interested in stable industries like healthcare, energy, or finance.
• Want to buy a home within a few years of working.

It might not be the right fit for you if:

• You crave the energy of a major tech hub with constant networking events.
• You are a specialist in a niche field (like ad-tech or social media analytics) that isn't represented locally.
• You strongly prefer a car-free lifestyle with extensive public transit.

---

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Billings?
While networking is helpful everywhere, it's not a strict requirement. The Billings job market is less insular than you might think. A strong resume, a portfolio of projects (e.g., on GitHub or Tableau Public), and a targeted cover letter will get you noticed. Attending local tech or business meetups (check Meetup.com or the Billings Chamber of Commerce) can accelerate the process.

2. How is the internet/cell service for remote work?
Major providers like Spectrum and CenturyLink offer high-speed cable and fiber internet in most of the city, making remote work feasible. Cell service from Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile is generally reliable throughout the metro area, though it can be spotty in the mountains outside of town.

3. What's the work culture like?
Generally, it's more traditional and less "startup-casual" than in tech hubs. Business casual attire is common in corporate and healthcare settings. Hours are typically 8-5, and work-life balance is highly valued. Overtime is not the norm for most analyst roles.

4. Is Billings growing?
Yes, slowly and steadily. The metro population is around 120,874 and has been on a gradual upward trend. This growth is primarily driven by natural expansion of its core industries and its appeal as an affordable regional hub, not a mass tech influx.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move?

• Secure a job first. While the market is good, it's always better to have an offer in hand.
• Visit in the winter. If you can, experience a Billings winter before committing. It will give you a true sense of the climate.
• Research the neighborhoods. Drive around during rush hour to understand commute times. The city is spread out, and your daily life will be impacted by where you live.