Electrician in Great Falls, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As someone who's watched the trade in Great Falls for decades, I can tell you that the electrical field here is stable, but it's not the booming market you might find in Bozeman or Billings. The economy is tied to military, agriculture, and healthcare, which creates consistent demand rather than explosive growth. Let's break down the numbers.

According to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry reports, the median salary for an Electrician in Great Falls is $60,183 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.93/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,550/year, but the key here is the cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 92.6 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar goes further here than in most of the country. The metro area supports 181 electrician jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is solid, if not spectacular.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary	Common Roles in Great Falls
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $52,000	Apprentice, Residential Helper
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$58,000 - $68,000	Journeyman Electrician, Service Tech
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Lead Electrician, Foreman, Inspector
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$85,000+	Master Electrician, Business Owner

Insider Tip: Union electricians with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 233 typically earn at the higher end of these ranges, especially on larger commercial and industrial projects.

How Great Falls Compares to Other MT Cities

Great Falls offers a middle-ground salary with a low cost of living. It's not the highest-paying city, but the financial comfort is often better than in pricier markets.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Great Falls	$60,183	92.6	Military, Healthcare, Agriculture
Billings	$64,500	98.5	Energy, Healthcare, Transportation
Bozeman	$62,000	112.9	Tourism, Tech, Healthcare, Construction
Missoula	$59,800	106.5	Education, Healthcare, Timber
Helena	$61,200	99.1	Government, Insurance, Healthcare

As you can see, while Billings and Bozeman might offer slightly higher nominal salaries, their significantly higher costs of living (especially Bozeman) can negate the difference. Great Falls provides a strong balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. Earning a median salary means you need to understand what you actually take home and what it can afford you in Great Falls.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay (on $60,183/year):
After federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes, a single filer with no dependents can expect to take home approximately $3,600 - $3,800 per month. This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home will vary based on your deductions and benefits.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:
Here’s a realistic monthly budget for a single electrician earning the median salary.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes & Local Context
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$745	Average for a decent 1BR in areas like the Northside or Sun River.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250	Electricians often get a slight break on their own bills!
Groceries	$400	Great Falls has competitive grocery prices (Albertsons, Super 1 Foods).
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$500	Essential. Our public transit (Ride 1) is limited.
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$300	A major variable. Many employers offer good plans.
Savings/Retirement (10-15%)	$500 - $600	Crucial for long-term stability.
Discretionary (Food, Fun, Gear)	$400	From breweries to camping gear.
Total	$3,095 - $3,195	Leaves a healthy buffer of $405 - $705.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is where Great Falls truly shines for skilled tradespeople. The median home price in Great Falls is around $250,000 - $280,000. With a $60,183 salary, a 20% down payment on a $260,000 home is $52,000, which is achievable with disciplined saving over a few years. Even with a smaller down payment, the monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to or less than renting a larger space. For a dual-income household, it's even more attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market isn't huge, but it's anchored by stable, long-term employers. Here’s where you’ll find the bulk of the electrical work.

1. Malmstrom Air Force Base (MAFB): This is the economic engine of the city. The base requires constant electrical maintenance, upgrades, and new construction for its facilities, including the 341st Missile Wing. Security clearances can be a major plus here. Contractors like Mountain View Electric and C.E. Montana often hold base contracts.
2. Benefis Health System & Peace Hospice: A major healthcare provider with two large campuses. They require specialized, licensed electricians for medical-grade electrical systems, backup generators, and ongoing facility maintenance. Their facilities management team is a key employer.
3. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The district has over 20 schools that need constant upkeep, remodels, and new construction. This offers steady, predictable work, often during summer months when school is out.
4. Cascade County & City of Great Falls: Municipal governments are always hiring electricians for public works, street lighting, water treatment plants, and building maintenance. These are stable jobs with good benefits.
5. Agricultural & Industrial Contractors: The surrounding farms, ranches, and grain elevators (like those owned by ADM or Pacific Grain) need electricians for irrigation systems, grain handling equipment, and shop wiring. This is a niche but consistent market.
6. Large Commercial Contractors: Firms like Dick Anderson Construction and Hensel Phelps (for larger projects) are major players. They hire electricians for commercial builds, from retail spaces to new medical clinics. The recent growth in healthcare and retail along 10th Avenue South is a source of work.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing need for electricians skilled in low-voltage systems (data, security, fire alarm) and energy efficiency. As old housing stock is updated, residential rewiring jobs are common. The $60,183 median reflects the mix of residential, commercial, and industrial work.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has a clear, straightforward licensing process managed by the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). You cannot work independently as a journeyman or master without a license.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 Years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program. This involves 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 576 hours of classroom instruction. In Great Falls, the primary path is through the IBEW Local 233/NECA Electrical Training Center in Helena (the closest union program) or non-union programs through employers or Montana State University Great Falls (which may offer related coursework).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you apply for the journeyman exam. The exam is based on the current National Electrical Code (NEC). The exam fee is $150 (as of 2023, verify with DLI).
3. Master License: To become a Master Electrician (required to pull permits and run your own business), you need 4 years as a journeyman and must pass a more advanced exam. The fee is $200.

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Apply to apprenticeship programs. This can take 6-12 months for acceptance. Start working as a helper.
• Years 2-5: Complete your apprenticeship hours and coursework.
• Year 5: Take and pass your Journeyman exam.
• Year 9+: Eligible to take the Master Electrician exam.

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 233 apprenticeship is highly competitive and offers excellent wages and benefits from day one. If you're not union-inclined, seek out local contractors like Mountain View Electric who sponsor apprentices. Always verify your program is approved by the Montana DLI.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Great Falls is spread out, and your commute can vary. Here are neighborhoods to consider, balancing lifestyle and proximity to job sites.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an Electrician
Northside / Downtown	Historic, walkable, near restaurants & bars. 5-10 min drive to downtown job sites.	$700 - $850	Close to many older homes needing rewiring. Central for service calls.
Sun River / Westside	Family-oriented, quieter, near parks. 10-15 min commute to most job sites.	$725 - $825	Affordable, safe, and a quick drive to Malmstrom AFB (major employer).
Southside / 10th Ave Corridor	Commercial/residential mix, newer buildings. 5-15 min commute.	$750 - $900	Close to retail/healthcare construction jobs (Benefis, new shops).
University / Eastside	Near Great Falls College MSU, mix of students and families. 10-15 min commute.	$675 - $775	Affordable, and you're near the college if you're taking courses.
Riverside / The "Bowl"	Scenic, near the Missouri River, more rural feel. 15-20 min commute to downtown.	$650 - $800	Lower cost, great for outdoor enthusiasts. You'll need a reliable vehicle.

My Pick: For a single electrician, the Northside offers the best balance of being near the action (and older homes with wiring needs) without a long commute. For a family, the Sun River area provides space and value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career path in Great Falls isn't just about climbing a ladder; it's about specializing. The base salary of $60,183 is a starting point.

Specialty Premiums:

• Low-Voltage / Data Technician: Can add $5-$8/hour. Essential for new construction in healthcare and commercial sectors.
• Industrial Electrician (Malmstrom AFB, Agriculture): Can command $5-$10/hour above residential rates due to complexity and clearance requirements.
• Solar / Renewable Energy: A growing niche. While not huge in Great Falls yet, having this certification makes you valuable for ranches wanting off-grid systems or future municipal projects.
• Inspector: Becoming a licensed electrical inspector for the city or county can lead to a stable, well-paying government job.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Foreman: Move from journeyman to leading a crew on a commercial job.
2. Service Tech to Specialist: Focus on troubleshooting and repair for a specific company (e.g., all the HVAC controls for Benefis).
3. Start Your Own Business: The Master Electrician license is the key. With the lower cost of living, you can build a client base for residential service and small remodels without needing massive capital immediately.

10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. The demand will be driven by: 1) Infrastructure Updates (old wiring in homes and public buildings), 2) Malmstrom AFB Modernization, and 3) Healthcare Expansion (Benefis and clinics). Automation and smart home tech will create new service niches. Electricians who adapt to these trends will see their earnings rise above the median.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a practical, no-nonsense city for electricians. It offers stability, affordability, and a clear path to homeownership. It's not a place for high-flying growth, but for building a solid, comfortable life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $60,183 salary goes far. Affordable housing and groceries.	Limited Job Variety: The market is smaller than in Billings or Bozeman. Fewer large-scale projects.
Stable Employer Base: Malmstrom AFB, Benefis, and government provide steady demand.	Weather: Harsh, long winters with cold snaps can slow outdoor/residential work.
Outdoor Access: Unmatched access to hunting, fishing, and hiking. Great work-life balance.	Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to the nearest major city (Billings). Limited cultural/entertainment options.
Path to Homeownership: A single income can realistically afford a home.	Union vs. Non-Union: The union (IBEW 233) is strong, but if you're not in it, your options are more limited.
Clear Licensing Path: The DLI process is straightforward and respected.	Growth is Steady, Not Explosive: Don't expect rapid salary jumps; growth is incremental.

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for electricians who prioritize stability, affordability, and quality of life over rapid career acceleration. It's ideal for: 1) Apprentices starting out who want to minimize debt, 2) Mid-career electricians looking to buy a home and start a family, and 3) Senior electricians seeking a lower-stress career phase with great outdoor amenities. If you thrive on constant new projects and a bustling city vibe, look to Bozeman or Billings. If you want a trade that provides a comfortable, secure life in a community with a strong sense of place, Great Falls delivers.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find work as an electrician in Great Falls?
It's steady, not easy. With only 181 jobs in the metro, competition exists. The key is to get your name out there early as an apprentice. Contact local contractors (Mountain View, C.E. Montana) directly, and apply to the IBEW apprenticeship. Having a clean driving record and reliability are huge assets here.

2. Do I need a vehicle?
Absolutely. Great Falls is a driving city. Public transit (Ride 1) is limited and not practical for carrying tools. Most job sites are spread out, and you'll need to get to suppliers like Platt Electric or Home Depot. A reliable truck or van is a job requirement.

3. How does the union (IBEW 233) presence affect non-union electricians?
The union is strong, particularly on large commercial and federal projects (like Malmstrom). Non-union electricians thrive in residential service work, small commercial shops, and agricultural contracting. There's a clear market for both. If you want the benefits and wage scale of the union, the apprenticeship is the only path to IBEW journeyman status.

4. What's the biggest challenge for electricians new to Great Falls?
Winters. Working in unheated construction sites at -20°F is a reality. You need proper gear and the physical and mental fortitude for it. Also, building a client base if you're starting your own business takes time in a smaller city. Networking with local contractors is essential.

5. Can I make more than the median salary of $60,183?
Yes, but it requires specialization or entrepreneurship. A Master Electrician running a successful small business can earn well over $100,000. An industrial specialist at Malmstrom can clear $80,000+. The median is a starting point for a journeyman; your ceiling is determined by your skills, licenses, and hustle.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), Great Falls Association of Realtors, local industry reports, and interviews with area electrical contractors.