Firefighter in Belgrade, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Belgrade Stands

If you're a firefighter looking at Belgrade, you're probably wondering if the pay supports the Montana lifestyle. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for firefighters in Belgrade is $57,634/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $27.71/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $57,120/year—a good sign that the local market values your skills. With a metro population of just 11,425, the job market is tight but stable, supported by a nearby major employment hub (more on that later).

Here’s how experience typically breaks down in the Belgrade area. Note that these are estimates based on local department structures and state data.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $54,000	Fire suppression, basic EMS, station duties, driver/operator training.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$57,000 - $65,000	Advanced rescue, wildfire mitigation, training recruits, acting as lieutenant.
Senior (8-15 years)	$66,000 - $78,000	Company officer, hazmat specialist, incident command, community education lead.
Expert/Command (15+ years)	$80,000+	Battalion chief, fire marshal, special operations (USAR, tech rescue).

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior officer is the most significant. In Belgrade, leveraging certifications in specialties like Hazardous Materials Operations or Technical Rescue can push you into the higher brackets faster, especially with the call volume from the nearby interstate and growing residential areas.

How Belgrade Compares to Other Montana Cities:

• Bozeman (15 miles east): Higher cost of living, salaries can be 5-10% higher due to the university and larger tax base, but competition is fierce.
• Billings (120 miles east): Larger city, more industrial calls. Salaries are comparable, but the metro has over 22 jobs in the broader sector, offering more variety.
• Missoula (80 miles west): Similar size to Belgrade, with a strong forestry service presence. Salaries are nearly identical, but the cost of living is slightly higher.
• Kalispell (125 miles north): Higher median salary (around $61,000), but significantly higher housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s be practical. Your gross salary is one thing; your take-home pay is another. Using the median salary of $57,634, here’s a realistic monthly budget for Belgrade.

Assumptions: Single filer, Montana state tax (~6.75%), federal tax, FICA. Take-home pay estimated at ~70% of gross.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,803
Estimated Take-Home Pay	~$3,362	After taxes (federal, state, FICA).
Average 1BR Rent	$1,081	Citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Varies by season; winters are cold.
Groceries & Household	$400
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance)	$300	Car is a must in Belgrade.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	$150	Varies by department.
Retirement (401k/457b)	$200	Strongly recommended.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,681
Monthly Surplus	$681

Can they afford to buy a home?
The median home price in Belgrade is approximately $425,000. With a $681 monthly surplus, a standard 20% down payment ($85,000) is a significant hurdle. However, many firefighters use Montana-specific programs like the Montana Housing First-Time Homebuyer Program or VA loans. With a 10-year job growth of 4% and stable employment, loan approval is likely. A dual-income household makes homeownership far more attainable. The Cost of Living Index is 103.0 (US avg = 100), meaning Belgrade is slightly more expensive than the national average, primarily due to housing.

Where the Jobs Are: Belgrade's Major Employers

Belgrade’s fire service is primarily a mix of municipal and volunteer/combination departments. The job market is small but connected to a larger regional economy.

1. Belgrade Fire Department (BFD): The primary municipal employer. A full-time, combination department with both career and volunteer firefighters. They run 2 stations and handle all city calls. Hiring trend: Steady. They typically hire 1-2 new firefighters every 1-2 years, often from their volunteer pool. Insider Tip: Getting your foot in the door as a volunteer here is the most reliable path to a full-time spot.
2. Gallatin County Fire Department: Covers the unincorporated areas around Belgrade, including the airport and rural zones. They work closely with BFD on large incidents. Hiring trend: Occasional openings, often for EMTs or those with wildland experience.
3. Bozeman Deaconess Hospital (now Intermountain Health): While not a fire department, the hospital is a major regional employer and a common destination for firefighters with advanced EMT or paramedic certifications looking for dual roles. The ambulance service is run by Intermountain, which sometimes hires firefighters for part-time EMS roles.
4. Yellowstone Fire & Rescue (based in Belgrade): A private, contracted fire protection service for specific commercial properties and large residential developments. Hiring trend: Intermittent, based on contract growth.
5. Volunteer Departments (Three Forks, Manhattan): Nearby towns often recruit from the Belgrade area. Pay is volunteer-based, but they offer excellent training and can be a stepping stone. Hiring trend: Always looking for dedicated volunteers.
6. Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC): The state's wildfire agency. They hire seasonal and full-time firefighters, especially in the summer. Belgrade's location makes it a strategic base. Hiring trend: Seasonal hiring peaks in spring/summer.
7. Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN): The airport has its own fire rescue service, which is a critical and specialized position. Hiring trend: Rare openings, but competitive due to the unique environment.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana requires certification through the Montana State Fire Service Training (MSFST). It's a clear but demanding process.

• Step 1: EMT-B Certification. This is often the minimum requirement. Expect 6-8 months of coursework and clinicals. Cost: $1,000 - $2,500 (community college programs are most affordable).
• Step 2: Firefighter I & II. This is the core fire training. You'll need to complete a state-approved academy, which can be done full-time (4-6 months) or part-time over a year. Cost: $3,000 - $7,000 if self-sponsored. Many departments sponsor recruits.
• Step 3: State Certification. After passing the written and practical exams, you'll apply for your Montana Firefighter Certification via the MSFST website. Fee: $50 - $100.
• Timeline: A motivated individual can go from zero to certified Firefighter I/II and EMT in 12-18 months. Securing a full-time job often requires additional experience or specialty certs.
• Insider Tip: The most efficient route is to apply to a department like Belgrade FD or Gallatin County as a volunteer. They will often pay for your EMT and Fire I/II training in exchange for a service commitment.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Belgrade means balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of top areas for firefighters.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Firefighters
Downtown Belgrade	Walkable, historic, close to Station 1.	$950 - $1,100	You can walk to work. Easy access to local restaurants and the community feel is strong.
South Belgrade (Airport Area)	Newer developments, slightly suburban.	$1,100 - $1,300	Very close to the airport fire hall and Gallatin County FD. Good for young professionals.
The Gallatin Gateway	Rural, about 10-15 min south of town.	$800 - $1,000 (for a rental house)	More space, lower rent. The trade-off is a longer commute, but the roads are clear.
Westside (between Belgrade & Bozeman)	Mixed, older homes, close to I-90.	$1,000 - $1,200	Straddles both city and county. Easy access to Bozeman for off-duty life.
North Belgrade	Residential, family-oriented.	$1,000 - $1,150	Quiet, safe, and a straight shot to either station. Good for those starting a family.

Insider Tip: Avoid the far-south edge of the city if you're assigned to Station 1 (Downtown). The commute can be slow during peak hours due to the single traffic light on Main Street. The sweet spot is within 2 miles of the fire station you're aiming for.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter career in Belgrade has a defined ceiling but offers meaningful advancement, especially within the regional ecosystem.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Paramedic: The single biggest career booster. Adding a paramedic license can increase your base pay by 10-15% and makes you eligible for dual roles with EMS services.
• Technical Rescue (USAR): Specializing in rope, confined space, or swift water rescue opens doors to regional teams. These certifications often come with a pay bump.
• Fire Prevention/Inspector: Moving into code enforcement or fire investigation is a common path for senior firefighters. It's less physically demanding and highly valued.
• Leadership Track: The standard path is Firefighter → Engineer (Driver/Operator) → Lieutenant → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each promotion requires time-in-service and promotional exams.

10-Year Outlook:
With a 10-year job growth of 4% (slightly above national average for small metros), the field is stable. The primary driver is the continued growth of the Bozeman metro area, which spills over into Belgrade. The biggest opportunity lies in specialization. As the population grows, so does the need for hazmat, technical rescue, and advanced life support. Firefighters who can fill these niches will have the most mobility and command the highest salaries, potentially moving into roles with the DNRC, airport, or larger city departments if they choose.

The Verdict: Is Belgrade Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Job Market: Low unemployment, essential public service.	Limited Department Size: Fewer opportunities for rapid promotion compared to a major city.
Slight Salary Above National Average: Good value for a small town.	High Housing Costs Relative to Income: The median home price is a challenge for single-income households.
Unbeatable Outdoor Access: World-class skiing, hiking, and fishing are your backyard.	Isolation: You're 90 minutes from a major airport (Billings) and 1.5 hours from Bozeman's amenities.
Strong Community: Belgrade has a tight-knit, supportive feel.	Seasonal Call Volume: Summers can be busy with wildfires and tourists; winters with vehicle accidents on icy roads.
Pathway to Growth: Proximity to Bozeman and DNRC provides lateral movement options.	Cost of Living Index (103.0): Slightly above the U.S. average, primarily due to housing.

Final Recommendation:
Belgrade is an excellent choice for firefighters who value community, outdoor lifestyle, and job stability over big-city hustle. It's ideal for a mid-career professional or a dual-income household looking to plant roots. If you're a single, early-career firefighter, the path is tougher but doable—start as a volunteer, build your certifications, and be prepared for roommates or a commute. For those with a family and an outdoor passion, the quality of life here can outweigh the financial tightness. The key is to view Belgrade not as a final destination, but as a launchpad to a rewarding career in the wider Montana fire service.

FAQs

1. How competitive is the job market for a full-time firefighter in Belgrade?
It's competitive but not clogged. With only 22 jobs in the metro area, openings are few. The key is to be the most qualified candidate when one opens. Strong EMT/paramedic skills, volunteer experience, and a clean background are essential. Most successful hires already have a connection to the local volunteer system.

2. Is it worth it to live in Bozeman and commute to Belgrade for a firefighter job?
It depends on your department. If you're hired by Bozeman Fire, you'll likely live in Bozeman (where 1BR rent averages $1,400+). If you're hired by Belgrade, the commute is an easy 15-minute drive on I-90. Many firefighters do the reverse, living in the more affordable Belgrade and commuting to Bozeman's higher-paying jobs. The trade-off is time vs. money.

3. What's the biggest surprise about firefighting in Belgrade?
The call volume. Don't expect constant action. In a town of 11,000, the fire department might run 800-1,200 calls a year, many of which are EMS. You'll have downtime for training, maintenance, and community outreach. The surprise is how much you'll end up on medical calls and assisting with accidents on I-90.

4. Can I make a living as a volunteer firefighter in Belgrade?
No. Volunteer departments are for passion and community service, not income. They may provide a small stipend or training, but it will not cover living expenses. Use volunteering as a strategic stepping stone to a paid position.

5. What's the best way to network with local departments?
Show up. Literally. Call the fire station, ask if you can tour or do a ride-along. Volunteer at community events like the Belgrade Fireman's Auction or summer pancake breakfasts. The Montana fire service is built on relationships; being a familiar, positive face is invaluable. Check the Belgrade Fire Department and Gallatin County websites for their specific volunteer application processes.