Data Analyst in Great Falls, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

Let's cut straight to the numbers, because that's what you're here for. For a Data Analyst in Great Falls, the median salary is $81,509/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.19/hour. That's a solid starting point, especially when you factor in the local cost of living.

How does this stack up? Nationally, the average Data Analyst pulls in $83,360/year. So, Great Falls is right on par, just about 1.9% below the national average. This is a key point: you're not taking a major pay cut to live here, which is rare for a city of this size and location.

For context within Montana, Great Falls is a competitive market. It's significantly higher than smaller rural towns but trails the state's tech hub, Bozeman, where salaries can be inflated by the tech startup scene. Helena, the state capital, often has a higher concentration of government and administrative data roles, which can push salaries up slightly, but the trade-off is often a smaller job market.

To give you a clearer picture of the progression, here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the local market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys for the Great Falls metro area.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Great Falls, MT)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$72,000 - $90,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$90,000 - $110,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$110,000 - $135,000+

Insider tip: The jump from Mid to Senior is where you'll see the most significant salary increase in this market. Companies here value seasoned analysts who can manage projects independently and train junior staff. If you're an expert in specific tools like Tableau, Power BI, or advanced SQL, you can command a premium, even in a smaller market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to what your paycheck actually means for your life in Great Falls. We'll use the median salary of $81,509/year for this breakdown.

First, taxes. For a single filer with no dependents, you can expect to lose roughly 22-25% of your gross income to federal, state (Montana has a progressive income tax), Social Security, and Medicare. Let's be conservative and use a 24% effective tax rate.

• Annual Gross: $81,509
• Estimated Annual Taxes (24%): ~$19,562
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$61,947
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$5,162

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Great Falls is $745/month. The Cost of Living Index for Great Falls is 92.6, meaning it's about 7.4% cheaper than the U.S. average.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single person living on that take-home pay:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$745	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Trash)	$150	Higher in winter due to heating
Internet/Cell Phone	$120	Standard bundle
Groceries	$350	Consistent with national averages
Car Payment/Insurance	$400	Assumes a moderate car payment
Gas	$120	Commute distances are short
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$200	Varies widely by employer
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$500	Very livable here
Total	$2,585
Monthly Savings/Investing	~$2,577

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The Great Falls housing market is one of the most affordable in the Western U.S. The median home price is around $240,000. With a 20% down payment ($48,000), your monthly mortgage (at current rates) would be roughly $1,100-$1,200. That's higher than rent, but it's still manageable on a Data Analyst's salary, especially if you have a partner or dual income. Many local analysts I know own homes within 3-5 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market for Data Analysts in Great Falls isn't as vast as in a major metro, but it's deep with specific, stable employers. The local economy is anchored by healthcare, agriculture, and government. Here are the key players and what they look for:

1. Benefis Health System: One of the largest employers in the region. They have a constant need for analysts to manage patient data, operational efficiency, and financial reporting. They're a great place to get your foot in the door, especially if you have any healthcare or billing data experience. Hiring trends show a move toward more predictive analytics for patient care.

2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The school district employs data analysts to track student performance, budget allocation, and staffing metrics. These roles are stable, come with excellent state benefits, and often have a strong focus on geographic data (mapping student populations, etc.). It’s a niche but rewarding market.

3. Central Montana Medical Center (CMMC): Located in nearby Lewistown, this is a major regional hospital that serves a huge geographic area. They often partner with Great Falls analysts or have remote roles. This is a key employer for those specializing in clinical data or health informatics.

4. Montana State Government (Offices in Great Falls): The state has a significant presence with the Department of Transportation, Department of Environmental Quality, and the judicial system. These roles are heavy on regulatory data, transportation analytics, and public records analysis. The hiring process is slow but the jobs are incredibly secure.

5. Agricultural Giants (e.g., CHS Inc., Montana Flour & Grains): Great Falls is a hub for the Golden Triangle's wheat and barley production. These companies need analysts for supply chain logistics, commodity pricing, yield forecasting, and financial modeling. If you have an interest in agribusiness, this is a prime, often overlooked, sector.

6. Great Falls College MSU: The local college and its research arms sometimes hire analysts for institutional research, grant reporting, and student success analytics. It's a good academic environment for analysts who prefer a slower-paced, mission-driven workplace.

Insider tip: The "hidden" job market here is huge. Many of these employers don't post on national boards. Your best bet is to connect directly with department heads on LinkedIn, attend local business network events (like the Great Falls Association of Commerce meetings), and watch the City of Great Falls and Cascade County job portals.

Getting Licensed in MT

Good news: Montana does not have a state-specific license requirement for Data Analysts. This is a huge advantage, saving you time and money.

However, professional certifications are the currency of advancement. Here’s what you need to know:

• Certifications (Not Licenses): Employers here value recognized certifications. The most common are:

  • Microsoft Certified: Data Analyst Associate (Power BI focus)
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist/Certified Associate
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate
  • SAS Certified Base Programmer (common in agribusiness and healthcare)

• Costs & Timeline:

  • Exam costs range from $100 to $250 per certification.
  • Study time is typically 4-8 weeks for an Associate-level cert.
  • You can get your first certification (like the Google one, which is ~$39/month) and be job-ready in 3-6 months if you're dedicated.

• Professional Associations: Joining the Montana Data Users Group (MDUG) or the Great Falls IT & Data Professionals Meetup is more valuable than any license. It’s where you'll hear about jobs first.

Actionable Step: If you're moving here, start with the Microsoft Power BI certification. It's the most requested tool in local job postings, especially for healthcare and government roles.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Great Falls is a compact city, and your commute will almost always be under 20 minutes. The choice of neighborhood is more about lifestyle than job access.

1. The West Side (Sun River Road Area):

   • Vibe: Established, quiet, family-friendly. Close to the Missouri River and Gibson Park.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $850 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Analysts who want a classic suburban feel with easy access to downtown and the hospitals. Very walkable to parks.

2. The North Side (near the University of Great Falls):

   • Vibe: Energetic, youthful, with a mix of students and young professionals. Home to the historic district and more coffee shops.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Those who want to be in the heart of the city's few "social" hubs. Close to the college and some tech startups.

3. The South Side (near the Great Falls Public Library):

   • Vibe: Very residential, quiet, and affordable. A mix of older families and newcomers.
   • Rent Estimate: $600 - $800 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious analysts who prioritize space and quiet over nightlife. Easy access to shopping centers.

4. The "Golden Triangle" Outskirts (e.g., Black Eagle, Belt):

   • Vibe: Rural, tight-knit communities 10-15 minutes from downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $550 - $750 for a small house or apartment.
   • Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who don't mind a short commute. You get more house/land for your money. This is where many local professionals live.

Insider tip: Don't get too hung up on the exact neighborhood. The rental market is tight, and a good deal in a slightly less trendy area is better than overpaying. Focus on finding a place with reliable internet—this is non-negotiable for a remote or hybrid analyst role.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Great Falls will be different from a major tech city. It’s less about jumping to a new company every two years and more about deepening your expertise and becoming indispensable at a local employer.

• Specialty Premiums: You can earn a 10-20% salary premium by specializing in:

  • Healthcare Data (HIPAA compliance, EHR systems like Epic): The biggest market here.
  • Geospatial Analysis (GIS): Huge for transportation, utilities, and agriculture.
  • Financial Modeling & Forecasting: Key for agribusiness and local banks like First Interstate Bank.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:

  1. Junior Analyst (handling basic reporting)
  2. Mid-Level Analyst (managing dashboards, some project work)
  3. Senior Analyst/Team Lead (owning a business unit's data, mentoring)
  4. Business Intelligence Manager or Director (managing the data strategy for the whole organization)

  Note: The jump to "Director" is rare within Great Falls itself. Many top-tier analysts eventually take remote director-level roles with national companies while staying in Great Falls for the lifestyle.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 36% 10-year job growth figure for the metro is telling. It’s driven by the digital transformation of legacy industries (healthcare, agriculture, government). The number of jobs in the metro is 120, which is small, but the growth rate is strong, meaning competition is moderate. The key will be adapting to new technologies like AI and machine learning, which are just starting to be adopted in local enterprises.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

This isn't a city for everyone, but for the right person, it's a phenomenal place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Affordable Cost of Living ($745 avg rent, 92.6 index)	Limited Job Market (120 jobs, niche industries)
Median Salary ($81,509) is competitive with the national average	Fewer Networking Opportunities than major metros
Short, easy commutes (under 20 minutes)	Can be isolating if you're not into the outdoors
Outdoor Access is Unmatched (Rocky Mountains, rivers, parks)	Limited Cultural/Dining Scene compared to larger cities
Stable, "Recession-Resistant" Employers (Hospitals, Government, Schools)	Colder, Winters are Long (7-8 months of snow)
Low Competition for Jobs	Limited Public Transportation (a car is essential)

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is an excellent choice for a Data Analyst who values quality of life, affordability, and stability over a fast-paced, high-growth career track. It's ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, those looking to buy a home early, or anyone tired of the grind in a major coastal city. If you're a self-starter who can build your own network and adapt to local industries, you can thrive here. If you need a constant buzz of tech meetups and a vast array of employers to hop between, you might feel constrained.

FAQs

1. Can I work remotely for a company outside of Montana while living in Great Falls?
Absolutely. This is a growing trend. The city has decent fiber-optic internet in many areas. Many analysts here use this strategy to access higher national salaries while enjoying Montana's low cost of living. Just be mindful of time zones if you're working with teams on the East Coast.

2. What's the dating/social scene like for a single professional in their 30s?
It's what you make of it. It's not a vibrant, anonymous city. Social life revolves around outdoor clubs (running, cycling, skiing), community events, and the local brewery scene (like The Blue Horse or Mighty Mo Brewing). It's easier if you're active and willing to put yourself out there. The dating pool is smaller, but the community is tight-knit.

3. How do the seasons affect a data analyst's job and lifestyle?
Winters are long (Nov-April) and can be isolating. However, this is also when many professionals hunker down and focus on certifications and complex projects. Summers are spectacular, with endless daylight for hiking, fishing, and camping after work. Your work-life balance will heavily skew towards indoor hobbies in winter and outdoor ones in summer.

4. Is it easy to change jobs within Great Falls?
It's more challenging than in a big city. With only 120 jobs, openings can be infrequent. However, once you're in with a major employer (like Benefis or the State), moving internally is common. Loyalty is often rewarded here, and the professional network, though small, is very supportive.

5. What's the one thing I should do before moving to Great Falls for a data analyst job?
Visit in the winter. Seriously. If you can handle a week in February—gray skies, snow, and temperatures in the teens—and still see yourself enjoying life here (by skiing, snowshoeing, or cozying up in a coffee shop), you'll be fine. It’s the ultimate test for this city.