Here is a comprehensive career guide for Firefighters considering Great Falls, Montana.

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Firefighter Career Guide: Great Falls, MT

As a local career analyst who’s watched Great Falls evolve from a bustling aerospace hub to a tight-knit community centered on healthcare and services, I know this city inside and out. Great Falls isn’t the booming metropolis of Billings or the tech-tinged vibe of Missoula; it’s a place of practicality. For a firefighter, it offers a stable, affordable lifestyle with a genuine sense of duty. The cost of living is lower than the national average, and the job market, while competitive, is steady. This guide breaks down the hard numbers, the practical realities, and the local insider knowledge you need to decide if Great Falls is your next home.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

Let’s get straight to the point. A career in firefighting in Great Falls is stable but reflects the region's overall economic landscape. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local government data, the median salary for a Firefighter in Great Falls is $55,851 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.85. This is slightly below the national average of $57,120, a common trend for many professions in the Mountain West outside of major tech or finance hubs.

The job market is defined by its scale. With approximately 120 jobs in the metro area, openings are not daily occurrences. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, which mirrors the national average but indicates a slower pace of expansion. This means you’ll be competing for a limited number of positions, often against candidates with local ties or prior experience. It’s a reminder that preparation and networking are not optional; they’re essential.

To give you a clearer picture of earnings progression, here’s a breakdown of salary tiers based on experience and rank within the Great Falls Fire Department (GFFD) and surrounding volunteer/municipal structures:

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown

Experience Level	Typical Role	Annual Salary Range (Est.)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	Firefighter/EMT	$48,000 - $52,000	Basic structural firefighting, EMT-Basic/Advanced services, station duties, equipment maintenance.
Mid-Level	Firefighter/Paramedic	$55,851 - $62,000	Advanced life support, engine/ladder company operations, hazardous materials technician.
Senior	Captain/Lieutenant	$68,000 - $75,000	Company officer duties, crew leadership, incident command, training coordination.
Expert	Battalion Chief	$85,000 - $95,000+	Shift commander, administrative duties, budget oversight, strategic planning, policy development.

Insider Tip: The jump from Entry to Mid-Level is significant, often tied to obtaining your Paramedic certification. In Great Falls, having a Paramedic license can add a premium of $5,000-$7,000 to your base salary and make you exponentially more competitive for the 120 jobs available.

How Great Falls Compares to Other MT Cities

While Great Falls offers a solid wage, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other Montana hubs where firefighting is a major career path.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Notes
Great Falls	$55,851	92.6	Stable, smaller market. Strong municipal department.
Billings	~$58,500	101.0	Largest city in MT, highest number of jobs. More competitive.
Missoula	~$56,200	106.2	Higher cost of living, university-related call volume.
Bozeman	~$57,000	115.8	Fastest growth, highest competition for positions.
Butte	~$52,000	89.5	Lower salary, but significantly lower cost of living.

As you can see, Great Falls sits comfortably in the middle. It’s not the highest-paying market, but when you factor in the Cost of Living Index of 92.6, your dollar stretches further here than in Missoula or Bozeman.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary figure is just a starting point. The real question is: what can you afford? Let’s run the numbers for a firefighter earning the median salary of $55,851/year. This assumes a single filer with standard deductions (no dependents), using a rough estimated tax rate of 18-22% (federal + FICA, as Montana has a progressive income tax).

• Gross Annual Income: $55,851
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $4,654
• Estimated Monthly Net (after ~20% taxes): $3,723

Now, let’s apply the local housing market. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Great Falls is $745/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Net Income)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$745	This can range from $650 (older apartments) to $900 (newer complexes).
Utilities	$250	Includes heat (natural gas is common), electricity, internet. Winters are cold.
Car/Insurance	$450	Essential in Great Falls. No meaningful public transit.
Groceries	$400	Higher than national average due to transport costs.
Health Insurance	$300	Often provided by employer, but individual share can vary.
Misc/Entertainment	$500	Eating out, gear, etc.
Total Expenses	$2,645
Remaining for Savings/Goals	$1,078

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires budgeting. The median home price in Great Falls is roughly $250,000 - $275,000. With a $55,851 salary, a 20% down payment is a significant hurdle ($50,000+). However, many firefighters utilize VA loans (if veteran) or FHA loans (3-5% down). A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be $1,300 - $1,500. This would tighten the budget, but it’s manageable, especially with dual-income households. The key is building savings during your first few years, potentially living in a cheaper apartment.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The firefighting job market in Great Falls is dominated by one primary public employer, with a few surrounding options. Understanding the hierarchy and culture of these departments is crucial.

1. Great Falls Fire Rescue (GFFR): The primary employer. This is a full-time, career department serving the city of Great Falls. They run 4 stations, covering everything from structural fires at the historic downtown buildings to industrial incidents along the Missouri River. They are known for their strong community involvement and modern apparatus. Hiring is typically done through a civil service exam process and is highly competitive, often occurring every 1-3 years.

2. Cascade County Fire & Rescue: This department covers the areas outside the city limits. They operate a combination of career and volunteer firefighters. They often handle wildland interface calls and larger property incidents. Hiring here may be more frequent but often starts at a lower pay grade than GFFR.

3. Malmstrom Air Force Base Fire Department: A federal department with a unique mission. They protect the base, including its nuclear missile silo infrastructure. Hiring is through USAJobs.gov, requires federal applications, and often gives preference to veterans. The culture is distinctly military but offers excellent federal benefits.

4. Montana Department of Natural Resources & Conservation (DNRC): The state agency responsible for wildland firefighting. While many positions are seasonal (June-September), they have full-time foresters and fire management officers. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and gain crucial wildland experience that is highly valued by municipal departments.

5. Benefis Health System: While not a fire department, Benefis is the largest hospital in the region. They run a robust EMS system (Benefis Ambulance) and are a major employer of EMTs and Paramedics. Many firefighters start as EMTs here to gain experience before applying to the fire department. The ambulance service is a common pipeline for future firefighters.

6. High Plains Fire Authority: An organization formed by several volunteer fire departments in the surrounding areas (like Black Eagle, Sun River). They sometimes post combined hiring notices and offer a good entry point for those willing to volunteer while working a side job.

Hiring Trend Insight: The last few years have seen a focus on paramedic-certified candidates. GFFR and Benefis are both expanding their advanced life support capabilities. If you are not already a paramedic, enrolling in a program while you prepare your application is the single best career move you can make.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has clear, state-mandated requirements for firefighters. The process is straightforward but requires careful attention to detail.

1. Firefighter Certification (State Fire Marshal):
You must be certified by the Montana State Fire Marshal’s Office. There are two main paths:

• IFSAC/Pro Board Certification: If you are already certified by the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress (IFSAC) or the National Board on Fire Service Professional Qualifications (Pro Board), Montana will grant reciprocity. You’ll still need to apply through the state.
• Montana Firefighter Certification: If you are new, you must complete a state-approved training academy. The closest and most common is at the Montana Fire Service Training (MFST) in Miles City (about 2 hours southeast of Great Falls). They offer a 14-week academy.

Costs & Timeline:

• Academy Cost: Can range from $0 - $3,000+. Some local departments sponsor recruits, meaning they pay for your training in exchange for a commitment. If you self-sponsor, expect to pay for tuition, gear, and living expenses.
• Timeline: The academy is 14 weeks. Add 1-2 months for application processing and medicals/psychological exams. Total: 4-6 months to get certified and hired.

2. EMT/Paramedic License (Montana Department of Public Health & Human Services):
Firefighting in Montana is inextricably linked to EMS. You will need at least an EMT-Basic license.

• EMT-B: Takes about 6 months of coursework (often offered at Great Falls College MSU). Cost is roughly $1,500 - $2,500.
• Paramedic: A 1-2 year program. Great Falls College MSU offers a program. This is a significant investment of time and money ($10,000+), but it’s a direct path to a higher salary and better job prospects.

3. Driver's License: You must have a valid Montana driver's license. If you’re moving from out of state, you’ll need to switch it over within 30 days.

Insider Tip: The Montana State Fire Marshal’s website is your best friend. Keep a digital copy of all your certifications. When you apply for a job, the HR department will check your status directly with the state. Ensure everything is current.

Best Neighborhoods for Firefighters

Where you live in Great Falls affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is spread out, but traffic is minimal. Here are the top areas for firefighters, considering proximity to stations and lifestyle.

1. Sun River / North Great Falls: This is classic, affordable Great Falls. You’ll find a mix of older, well-kept homes and newer subdivisions. It’s centrally located, offering a 10-15 minute drive to any station. It’s quiet, family-friendly, and has good schools. Rent for a 2-3 bedroom house is $1,100 - $1,400/month.

   • Best for: Firefighters starting a family or wanting more space on a budget.

2. Downtown / Historic District: For those who want to be in the heart of the action. You’ll be near the Great Falls Fire Rescue headquarters (Station 1) and the vibrant downtown scene with breweries, restaurants, and the historic Gibson Bandshell. It’s walkable and has a unique character. Rent is higher for apartments and lofts ($900 - $1,300/month).

   • Best for: Young, single firefighters who value nightlife and a short commute.

3. South Great Falls / West End: This area is known for being more established, with larger lots and mature trees. It’s slightly farther from the center but offers a more suburban feel. It’s close to the Benefis Health System campus, which is a plus for those working EMS. Rent for apartments is similar to the average ($700 - $900/month).

   • Best for: Those who want a quiet, residential feel and don’t mind a 15-minute drive.

4. Black Eagle: Technically a separate town north of Great Falls but part of the metro area. It’s a small, tight-knit community with a lower cost of living. Housing is very affordable, and rent for a 1BR can be as low as $600 - $750/month. It’s home to the Black Eagle Volunteer Fire Department, which can be a great way to network.

   • Best for: Firefighters looking for the absolute lowest rent and a strong community feel.

5. Uptown / near the University: This area is close to Great Falls College MSU and C.M. Russell High School. It’s a mix of students and long-term residents. The rental market is competitive due to the university, but you can find good deals. Commute to stations is easy via 10th Ave S or 5th Ave N. Rent is average ($750 - $950/month).

   • Best for: Firefighters who are still completing their education (EMT/Paramedic) and want to be close to campus.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A firefighter’s career in Great Falls is a marathon, not a sprint. The path to advancement is structured but requires proactive effort.

• Specialty Premiums: Once you’re on board, you can increase your income through specialty assignments.

  • Hazardous Materials Technician: Requires additional training, often at the Montana Fire Service Training in Miles City. Can add a $2,000-$3,000 annual premium.
  • Technical Rescue Team (TRT): For rope, trench, and confined space rescue. Involves selective assignment and ongoing training.
  • Fire Inspector/Investigator: As you gain seniority, you can move into code enforcement or fire investigation, which often comes with a rank promotion and higher pay.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Firefighter → Engineer (driving the apparatus) → Captain → Battalion Chief. Each step requires time-in-grade (usually 2-4 years per level), additional testing (written and oral boards), and leadership training. The Great Falls Fire Rescue department is relatively small, so promotions can be slow but stable.

• 10-Year Outlook: With a 4% job growth rate, the market will see moderate expansion. The biggest opportunities will come from retirements. The average age of a firefighter in Montana is rising, and a wave of retirements is expected in the next 5-10 years. This could open up more positions, especially for those already within the system or in the surrounding volunteer/county departments. The push for paramedic-level service will continue, making that certification not just a bonus, but a near-necessity for career longevity.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Making the move to Great Falls is a lifestyle choice as much as a career decision. It’s for those who value affordability, outdoor access, and a slower pace, without giving up the stability of a municipal job.

Pros	Cons
Very Affordable Cost of Living (Index 92.6, Rent $745)	Limited Job Market (Only ~120 jobs)
Stable Municipal Department (GFFR is well-regarded)	Competitive Hiring (Few openings, need strong application)
Unbeatable Outdoor Access (Missouri River, Rocky Mountains)	Harsh Winters (Can be challenging for outdoor work)
Strong Community & Low Crime	Limited Nightlife/Entertainment (Compared to larger cities)
Lower Traffic & Stress	Smaller Department = Slower Promotion

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for a firefighter who is ready to commit to the long game. It is not the city for someone looking for rapid career advancement in a massive, fast-growing department. However, for a disciplined individual who is willing to invest in paramedic certification, network with local departments (like Benefis or Cascade County) while applying to GFFR, and embrace a community-focused lifestyle, Great Falls offers a quality of life that is hard to beat. The financial stability is real, the people are genuine, and the fire service community is tight-knit and supportive. If you’re prepared to earn your spot and build a life, not just a career