A Local's Guide to Firefighting in Billings, Montana

As a career analyst who's spent years studying the job market in the "Magic City," I can tell you that firefighting in Billings isn't just a job—it's a commitment to a community of about 120,087 people spread across the vast Yellowstone Valley. Billings is the largest city in Montana, but it still operates with the grit and community focus of a much smaller town. The fire service here is a tight-knit, professional organization that handles everything from structure fires in historic downtown to wildland-urban interface calls in the foothills.

This guide is for the firefighter seriously considering a move here. We're not going to sugarcoat it. We’ll look at the hard numbers, the real costs, and the day-to-day realities of life on the Billings Fire Department (BFD). The data provided gives us a solid baseline, but the story is in the specifics: the neighborhoods, the employers, and the unique challenges of firefighting in eastern Montana's high plains climate.

Let's get straight to the numbers that matter.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

The financial reality for a firefighter in Billings is a tale of two things: a solid base salary and a cost of living that is a significant advantage over most of the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local data, the median salary for a Firefighter in Billings is $55,337 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.60. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $57,120 per year. However, this comparison is misleading without context. The Billings metro area, with a population of 120,874, offers a job market with approximately 241 firefighter positions, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 4%. This indicates a stable, but not rapidly expanding, field. The real value is unlocked when you compare this salary to the local cost of living.

Experience plays a major role, as it does in any municipal service. Billings Fire Department, like most, uses a structured pay scale.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Level	Typical Years of Experience	Approximate Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2	$48,000 - $52,000	Probationary firefighter, EMT-Basic, basic fire suppression and rescue.
Mid-Level	3-7	$53,000 - $60,000	Qualified Firefighter/EMT, advanced rescue skills, driver/engineer on some apparatus.
Senior	8-15	$61,000 - $68,000	Firefighter/Paramedic, company officer (Lieutenant), station training officer.
Expert/Leadership	15+	$70,000 - $85,000+	Captain, Battalion Chief, specialized team leader (HazMat, Technical Rescue).

Note: These ranges are estimates based on BFD's public pay scales and are subject to union negotiations and COLA adjustments.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

How does Billings stack up against its Montana neighbors? The data tells a clear story about the trade-off between salary and cost of living.

City	Median Salary	1BR Rent Avg.	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Take-Home Advantage
Billings	$55,337	$874	89.6	High
Bozeman	$57,000	$1,450	110.5	Low
Missoula	$54,500	$1,100	102.3	Medium
Helena	$53,800	$950	96.1	Medium

Billings's $55,337 salary is competitive with Bozeman and Missoula, but the $874 average rent is dramatically lower than what you'd find in the state's other major hubs. Bozeman's cost of living is over 10 points higher than the national average, while Billings sits comfortably below it. For a firefighter, this means your dollar goes significantly further in Billings, allowing for a better quality of life on a comparable or even slightly lower salary.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the monthly budget for a firefighter earning the median salary of $55,337. This assumes you're single, filing as a single filer, and using Montana's 2024 tax brackets. We'll use the Cost of Living Index of 89.6 to contextualize expenses.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary: $55,337)

Category	Monthly Amount	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,611	($55,337 / 12)
Taxes (Est.)	-$950	Federal, FICA (7.65%), and MT state tax (~4%).
Take-Home Pay	$3,661	This is your net income.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$874	This is the citywide average.
Utilities (Elec/Heat/Internet)	-$250	Billings has cold winters; heating costs are a factor.
Groceries	-$400	Slightly below national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	-$400	Essential, as public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	-$150	Most municipal jobs offer strong benefits.
Misc. (Food out, gym, etc.)	-$300
Savings/Debt Paydown	$1,287	This is the key advantage.

With a median salary of $55,337, after taxes and a typical 1BR rent of $874, a firefighter in Billings is left with a substantial amount for savings, home ownership, or discretionary spending. This is where the 89.6 Cost of Living Index pays off. In a city like Bozeman with a similar salary but rent closer to $1,450, your savings would be cut nearly in half.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Billings is around $325,000. With a $1,287 monthly surplus, a firefighter could comfortably save for a down payment (e.g., $25,000 in less than two years) and then manage a mortgage payment of $1,600-$1,800 on a $55,337 salary, especially with a dual-income household. The housing market is stable, not the frenetic, overpriced market seen in other Montana cities.

Insider Tip: Billings Fire Department offers a deferred compensation plan (457b) and a pension. Maximize these early. The pension, combined with Montana's relatively low property taxes, makes retirement in the area very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

While the Billings Fire Department (BFD) is the primary employer, it's not the only one. The fire service ecosystem in Billings includes several key players. Hiring trends here are stable; BFD typically runs one or two academy classes per year, often with a cohort of 10-15 recruits.

1. Billings Fire Department (BFD): The main employer. They operate 11 stations covering a large geographic area. They are a full-service department, handling EMS (as EMTs and Paramedics), fire suppression, technical rescue, and HazMat. Hiring Trend: They are consistently recruiting to maintain staffing levels and replace retirees. The process is competitive, often with over 200 applicants for 15 spots.
2. Yellowstone County Fire & Rescue: This covers the areas outside the Billings city limits. It's a combination department with both career and volunteer firefighters. Hiring Trend: They hire for career positions periodically as the county grows. This is a great option for those looking to get their foot in the door with a slightly different call volume.
3. St. Vincent Healthcare & Billings Clinic: These are the two major hospitals. They don't hire firefighters directly, but they are critical partners. Many firefighters are also employed as Paramedics for the hospitals' ambulance services (often run by a private contractor like AMR). Hiring Trend: The need for Paramedics in the region is high, and having your Paramedic license before applying to BFD is a significant advantage.
4. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.: While not a fire department, they have a robust safety and emergency response team for natural gas incidents. They often hire individuals with fire and emergency service backgrounds. Hiring Trend: Stable, with occasional openings for field safety specialists.
5. Law Enforcement Agencies (Billings PD, Yellowstone County Sheriff): While not fire, these agencies often have crossover in emergency response and sometimes hire for specialized roles like accident reconstruction, which can complement a fire service career.
6. Montana State University Billings (MSUB): The university has its own campus safety and security, but more importantly, it offers fire science programs that are a common pathway for local recruits. Hiring Trend: They are a source of qualified, educated candidates for regional departments.
7. U.S. Forest Service (Region 1): Billings is a gateway to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. The USFS hires seasonal and permanent firefighters (hotshots, engines) every year. This is a fantastic way to gain wildland experience, which is highly valued by BFD, given the 10-year job growth of 4% in the metro area—growth is often tied to managing the wildland-urban interface.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana's certification is a state-managed process, primarily overseen by the Montana State Fire Marshal's Office and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. EMT-Basic Certification: This is a non-negotiable first step for almost all departments. You must complete an accredited EMT-B course (approx. 120-150 hours) and pass the NREMT exam. In Billings, these courses are offered at MSUB, Rocky Mountain College, and through private providers. Cost: $800 - $1,500.
2. Firefighter I & II Certification: In Montana, you can get this through an accredited academy. BFD runs its own recruit academy, which certifies you. If you come from out-of-state, you'll need to have your certifications verified and potentially challenged through a state-approved testing center. Cost (if done privately): $2,000 - $4,000. BFD covers this cost for their recruits during the academy.
3. Paramedic Certification (Optional but Recommended): To move up the pay scale and be competitive, you will want your Paramedic license. This requires 1-2 years of additional schooling. Cost: $5,000 - $10,000.
4. Driver's License & Background: A clean driving record and criminal background are mandatory. Montana requires a valid driver's license for all fire personnel.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 0-6 Months: Enroll in and complete an EMT-B course. Start physical training immediately (Billings BFD has specific fitness standards).
• 6-12 Months: Pass NREMT, get your Montana EMT license. Apply to BFD or Yellowstone County. The application process itself (written exam, CPAT, oral board, background check) can take 3-6 months.
• 12-24 Months: If hired, you will attend the BFD Recruit Academy (6 months). This is an intense, paid training period. After graduation, you are a probationary firefighter for one year.

Insider Tip: Start your physical training now. The Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT) is a standard, non-negotiable hurdle. Billings' altitude (3,100 ft) can be a factor if you're coming from sea level. Train for it.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Living in Billings is about balancing commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is spread out, but traffic is rarely a major issue. Here are four neighborhoods that are popular with first responders.

1. Downtown / Historic District: This is where the action is. You're close to Station 1 (headquarters), great restaurants, and the Yellowstone Art Museum. It's walkable and has a vibrant feel. Commute to any station is under 10 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200
   • Best For: The firefighter who wants an urban lifestyle and minimal commute.
2. West End: This is the more residential, family-friendly area. It's close to the hospitals (St. Vincent, Billings Clinic) and has excellent schools. The commute to stations on the west side is very short. It's quiet and has a strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $950
   • Best For: Firefighters with families or those who prefer a quieter, suburban environment.
3. Heights (North Billings): A classic, established neighborhood with older homes and mature trees. It's centrally located and has a great mix of affordability and character. Commute times are excellent to all stations.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $900
   • Best For: Those seeking a balance of affordability, charm, and central location.
4. Lockwood (East Billings): A growing, more affordable area east of the city. It's closer to the interstate and the airport. Commutes to the eastern stations are short, but it can be a 15-20 minute drive to downtown. It offers more space for your money.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $850
   • Best For: Budget-conscious firefighters who don't mind a slightly longer commute for more square footage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter's career in Billings is a marathon, not a sprint. The 10-year job growth of 4% suggests that while new positions open up, advancement is often about filling retirements rather than massive expansion. However, there are clear paths for growth.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement:

• Paramedic: This is the biggest pay booster. BFD offers a significant premium for Paramedics. It also opens the door to the Rescue Squad and other specialized teams.
• Technical Rescue: BFD has teams for High-Angle, Confined Space, and Water Rescue. Getting on these teams comes with additional training and responsibility.
• HazMat: Billings is a major rail and trucking corridor. The HazMat team is a critical component, and membership is prestigious.
• Driver/Engineer: This is the first major step into officer track, requiring advanced apparatus operation skills.
• Officer Track (Lieutenant, Captain, Battalion Chief): This requires a combination of time, experience, and taking leadership courses. The fire union's collective bargaining agreement outlines the promotion process.

10-Year Outlook:
The outlook is stable. Billings will continue to need firefighters to replace retirees. The key growth area is in wildland-urban interface (WUI) training. As development pushes into the foothills (like in the West End and areas near Sword's Park), the need for firefighters trained in wildland fire behavior will increase. Those with seasonal USFS experience will be at a distinct advantage. The pension system and long-term job security remain strong attractions.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

This isn't a decision to be made lightly. Firefighting is a demanding career, and your quality of life outside the station is just as important.

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power due to low cost of living (Index 89.6).	Harsh winters with cold, wind, and snow. The climate is a major factor.
Stable job market with a pension and strong benefits.	Relative isolation; it's a 2-hour drive to Bozeman, 6 to Denver.
Diverse call volume (urban fire, wildland, rescue).	Limited cultural/entertainment options compared to larger cities.
Strong sense of community and tight-knit fire service.	Air quality can be an issue in summer due to wildfires.
Outdoor access is unparalleled (Yellowstone, Beartooths).	Growth is slow (4% 10-year outlook); promotions take time.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an excellent choice for a firefighter who values financial stability, a strong community, and unparalleled outdoor recreation. If you can handle the climate and don't need big-city amenities, the combination of the median salary of $55,337 and a median 1BR rent of $874 is financially enviable. It's particularly well-suited for those starting a family or looking to buy a home early in their career. For the firefighter seeking rapid promotion or a highly competitive, fast-paced urban environment, Missoula or Bozeman might offer more of that energy, albeit at a higher cost. For the pragmatic firefighter who wants a rewarding career and a great quality of life, Billings is a hidden gem.

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