Financial Analyst in Great Falls, MT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Financial Analysts considering a move to Great Falls, Montana.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As a local, I can tell you that your paycheck in Great Falls stretches further than in most places, but the salary ceiling is also a bit lower than the national average. Let’s break down the numbers.

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Great Falls is $96,811/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $46.54/hour. For context, the national average for this role is $99,010/year. So, you’re looking at a slight discount of about 2.2% compared to the national median. However, when you factor in Great Falls’s cost of living—which sits at a 92.6 index (US average = 100)—that salary effectively has more purchasing power.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in our local market. Note that these are realistic estimates based on local job postings and industry conversations; there are only 120 Financial Analyst jobs in the metro area, so the market is tight and values proven experience.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$72,000 - $80,000	Supporting senior analysts, data entry, basic financial modeling, report generation for mid-sized local firms.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$88,000 - $105,000	Leading budgeting processes, variance analysis, forecasting for specific departments (e.g., at Benefis or the Air Force Base), independent modeling.
Senior (6-9 yrs)	$106,000 - $122,000	Managing financial planning & analysis (FP&A) teams, strategic planning, M&A support, presenting to C-suite at major regional employers.
Expert (10+ yrs)	$123,000+	Director-level roles, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) track, overseeing all financial operations for large entities like Central Montana Medical Center or major ranching conglomerates.

How Great Falls Compares to Other Montana Cities:

• Bozeman: Salaries are typically 10-15% higher ($106,000 - $115,000 median), driven by tech and booming development. However, the cost of living is significantly higher (index ~110).
• Missoula: Similar to Bozeman, with salaries around $100,000 - $108,000 and a cost of living near 105.
• Billings: Montana’s largest metro. Salaries are competitive, often $98,000 - $110,000, with a cost of living similar to Great Falls. More corporate headquarters presence.
• Helena: The state capital. Salaries are in the $94,000 - $102,000 range, heavily influenced by government and state contractor roles.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth for this field is 9%. While not explosive, it’s stable. In Great Falls, you won't see the rapid turnover of a tech hub, but job security is high once you're in with a key employer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. How far does that $96,811 go? We'll use the median salary for our calculations.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Federal Tax (2024): ~$14,500 (after standard deduction)
• Montana State Tax: ~$5,800 (varies; MT has a progressive system)
• FICA (7.65%): ~$7,400
• Net Annual Take-Home (Approx.): $69,111
• Net Monthly Take-Home (Approx.): $5,759

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Financial Analyst - Median Salary):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$745	Citywide average. Newer units in the Hillcrest area can be $950+, while older buildings on the South Side can be found for $650.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$220	Great Falls has cold winters; heating costs are real.
Groceries	$450	Comparable to national average.
Transportation (Car, Gas, Ins.)	$400	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$805	Highly recommended.
Discretionary Spending	$1,839	Dining out, entertainment, travel, hobbies.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With a $5,759 monthly net income, a mortgage is very feasible. The median home price in Great Falls is roughly $320,000. A 20% down payment ($64,000) is needed to avoid PMI, but many local lenders offer programs for professionals. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $256,000 loan would be ~$1,618/month. This would be ~28% of your net take-home, which is well within standard affordability guidelines. Many analysts I know bought homes within 3-5 years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by healthcare, government, and agriculture. The 120 jobs in the metro are concentrated in these sectors. You won't find a Wall Street satellite office, but you will find stable, meaningful work.

1. Benefis Health System: The largest private employer in the region. Their finance department is robust, handling the complex billing, budgeting, and capital planning for a Level II Trauma Center and multiple clinics. They hire analysts for both hospital operations and their large network of senior living facilities (like West Valley and Benefis Village).
2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): With a budget exceeding $100 million, GFPS employs financial analysts and accountants to manage state funding, bond projects, and operational budgets. It's a stable, pension-eligible government role.
3. Montana Air National Guard (MANG) & Malmstrom AFB: A huge economic driver. Contractors (like Northrop Grumman, Boeing, and smaller defense firms) and civilian government employees (GS-11/12/13 levels) handle budgets for base operations, maintenance, and strategic programs. Security clearance is often required, which can boost your salary.
4. Central Montana Medical Center (CMMC): In nearby Lewistown (a 30-minute drive), this critical access hospital serves a vast rural area. They need analysts who understand the unique financial pressures of rural healthcare, including Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement models.
5. Montana Department of Revenue & State Agencies: Based in the state capital, Helena, but with significant field offices in Great Falls. These roles focus on tax policy, revenue forecasting, and auditing. The pace is slower but offers exceptional job security.
6. Agri-Business & Ranching Operations: This is a "hidden" market. Large diversified ranches (e.g., Big Sky, Millis) and agribusinesses (like CHS or local elevators) employ private analysts or contract with CPA firms to manage commodity hedging, estate planning, and operational finance. Networking is key here.
7. First Interstate Bank & Mountain West Bank: While smaller than national chains, these regional banks have commercial lending teams that rely on financial analysts to assess loan applications for local businesses, from car dealerships to construction firms.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady but rarely urgent. Most turnover is from retirement or internal promotions. To get noticed, you need a clean resume with specific metrics (e.g., "reduced operational variance by 8%"). Applying directly on company websites is more effective than blind applications on large job boards.

Getting Licensed in MT

For a Financial Analyst, you are not required to hold a state-issued license to practice, unlike a Financial Advisor (which requires a Series 65 and Montana state registration). However, professional certifications are highly valued and often lead to higher pay.

• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst): The gold standard for investment analysis. Offered by the CFA Institute (global). There's no state-level component. Three exam levels, costing ~$1,200-$1,500 per level. It's a multi-year commitment.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant): If your role leans toward accounting and auditing, this is critical. You must pass the Uniform CPA Exam (administered by NASBA) and meet Montana's specific educational requirements (150 semester hours, including 24 in accounting and 24 in business). You then apply to the Montana Board of Public Accountants. Total cost: ~$3,000 (exam fees) + $200 (application).
• CFP (Certified Financial Planner): For those moving into advisory roles. Requires coursework, a bachelor's degree, and passing the CFP exam. Montana has no additional state-specific certification beyond this.

Timeline to Get Started:

1. Immediate: If you have a relevant degree (Finance, Economics, Accounting), you can start applying for jobs immediately. Your existing certifications (if any) are fully transferable.
2. Short-Term (3-6 months): Begin studying for a relevant exam (CFA Level I or CPA sections) if you want to accelerate your career trajectory. Many local employers here value the commitment a candidate shows by pursuing these.
3. Long-Term (1-3 years): Fulfill any remaining educational requirements for the CPA if needed. The Montana Board of Public Accountants website is the primary resource for all state-specific regulations.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Great Falls is a commuter-friendly city. Traffic is non-existent, and you can live almost anywhere and be at your office in 15 minutes. The choice comes down to lifestyle and budget.

1. Hillcrest (Northwest): The most desirable area for professionals. It's close to the University of Great Falls, features beautiful older homes, and has easy access to the scenic River's Edge Trail. Newer apartment complexes are here, pushing rents to $950-$1,200/month for a 1BR. A 10-minute commute to downtown offices.
2. Sun River (Southwest): A mix of older, well-kept homes and newer developments. It's more affordable ($700-$900 rent) and popular with young families and professionals. Commute is 10-15 minutes. Has its own grocery store and coffee shops.
3. South Side (Southeast): Historically a blue-collar area, it's undergoing renewal. You can find the most affordable rents ($600-$800), with older apartments and small homes. It's close to the Giant Springs State Park. A 12-15 minute commute to most offices. Safe, but check specific blocks.
4. Downtown (Urban Core): Limited rental options, mostly loft-style apartments above businesses. Rent is variable ($800-$1,100). The appeal is walkability to restaurants, the Civic Center, and the Apex Fitness Club. Ideal if you want a social, urban vibe without a big-city scale.
5. Rural Bench (East of I-15): For those who want space and a view. This area offers larger lots and newer homes. Rents for a house are higher ($1,200+), but it's peaceful. A 15-20 minute commute. You'll see deer in your yard and hear less traffic noise.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area south of Central Avenue (US 87) if you prefer a quiet night. The main trucking route runs there, and warehouses can generate noise. Always drive through a potential neighborhood at both day and night before renting.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Great Falls, career growth is less about job-hopping and more about deepening your expertise and taking on leadership within a stable organization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Healthcare FP&A: Analysts who understand DRGs, Medicare reimbursement, and hospital cost accounting can command a 10-15% premium. This is the most in-demand specialty in town.
  • Defense/Government Contracting: Those with a security clearance (Secret or Top Secret) see a significant salary bump, often $15,000-$25,000+ above the base rate.
  • Agricultural Finance: Understanding commodity futures, hedging strategies, and USDA programs is a niche skill that pays well in this region.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Financial Analyst → Senior Analyst → Manager of FP&A → Finance Director: The classic corporate ladder. At Benefis or a large ranch, this path is clear and well-defined.
  2. Financial Analyst → Budget Analyst (Government) → Budget Officer → Agency CFO: The public sector path. Slower but offers incredible stability and a pension (PERS).
  3. Financial Analyst → Controller (at a smaller firm) → CFO: Common in local construction, manufacturing, or large-scale agriculture. You'll wear many hats.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 9% job growth is tied to Montana's overall economic expansion. Great Falls will grow, but slowly. The biggest opportunities will come from replacing retirees, not creating entirely new positions. To stay ahead, you should plan to relocate within the company (e.g., from a regional office to a corporate HQ) or specialize in a high-demand niche like healthcare or defense financing. Your long-term security increases with the depth of your local network.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Quality of Life: Clean air, access to the Rocky Mountains, Glacier National Park is a 2-hour drive.	Limited Job Market: Only 120 jobs in the field. You can't easily switch employers without moving.
Affordable Cost of Living (92.6 Index): Your $96,811 salary buys a comfortable lifestyle, including home ownership.	Weather: Long, cold, and often smoky winters. This can be a major adjustment.
Stable, Family-Friendly Community: Low crime, great schools, and a tight-knit professional network.	Cultural & Social Scene is Limited: Few major concerts, museums, or diverse dining compared to a metro of 500k+.
Unique Local Employers: Meaningful work in healthcare, defense, and agriculture.	Professional Isolation: Fewer peers in your exact field. Less opportunity for lateral moves.
Short Commutes: 15 minutes is a long drive in Great Falls.	Long-Term Growth Ceiling: You may hit a senior-level salary cap faster than in a larger market.

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for a Financial Analyst who values stability, affordability, and lifestyle over rapid career acceleration. If you are willing to specialize (healthcare, defense), buy a home, and invest in the community, your $96,811 salary will provide a life that is difficult to afford in Bozeman or Missoula. It's ideal for those in the mid-to-senior level looking to plant roots. It's less ideal for a recent graduate seeking intense competition and frequent job changes.

FAQs

1. I'm a recent graduate. Is it hard to find an entry-level job in Great Falls?
Yes, it's competitive. The market is small. You'll be up against local University of Great Falls and MSU-Bozeman grads. Your best bet is to target rotational programs at large employers like Benefis or the Air Force Base's contractor network. Be prepared to start in an accounting or data analyst role and pivot to finance.

2. Do I need a car in Great Falls?
Yes, absolutely. The city is spread out, public transit (MET Transit) is limited, and winters make walking or biking impractical for most. Factor in $400/month for car payment, insurance, and gas.

3. How does the state tax impact my take-home?
Montana has a progressive income tax (1% to 6.75%). For a $96,811 salary, you'll pay roughly $5,800 annually, which is less than states like California or New York but more than a no-income-tax state like Washington. It's a moderate tax burden.

4. What's the networking scene like for financial professionals?
It's informal but strong. Join the Montana Association of Financial Professionals (MAFP). Attend Chamber of Commerce events. Most jobs are found through personal connections. A coffee with a senior analyst at Benefis can be more valuable than a hundred online applications.

5. Can I work remotely for a company outside Montana?
Yes, but with a caveat. Great Falls has reliable internet (though not fiber everywhere). However, if you're working for a company in a different time zone, be mindful of the commute for meetings. Some analysts here maintain remote roles with coastal firms, which can offer higher salaries ($110k+), but you'll be isolated from the local professional community.