The HVAC Technician's Guide to Billings, MT: A Career Analyst's Perspective

As someone who's watched the HVAC industry evolve across the Northern Plains, I can tell you Billings offers a unique proposition. It's not the booming tech hub of Bozeman or the state capital, but it's the largest city in Montana for a reason. The weather here is your business partner—brutally cold winters and hot, dry summers mean heating and cooling systems aren't luxuries; they're survival. This guide strips away the marketing fluff and gives you the grounded, local data you need to decide if Billings is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. According to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the median annual salary for HVAC Technicians in the Billings metropolitan area is $53,933/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $25.93/hour. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $55,670/year. However, the cost of living in Billings significantly offsets this difference, which we'll explore in detail.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 241 HVAC Technician jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This is a steady, predictable growth rate, driven by the need to service existing systems and new construction in the expanding suburbs. It's not a hiring frenzy, but it's a reliable career path.

To understand where you might fit, here’s a breakdown of salary expectations based on experience. This is compiled from local job postings and industry surveys, not just national averages.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary (Billings)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $49,000	Basic maintenance, assisting senior techs, customer service, learning local codes.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$53,000 - $62,000	Independent service calls, installs, diagnostics, managing a truck.
Senior/Expert	5-10+ years	$65,000 - $78,000+	Complex system troubleshooting, commercial/industrial work, training others.
Specialized	Varies	$70,000+	Focus on mini-splits, geothermal, or large commercial chillers.

How does Billings compare to other Montana cities? Billings is the state's largest metro, so it has the highest volume of jobs. However, cities like Bozeman and Missoula often see slightly higher median salaries (closer to the national average) due to higher cost of living and more competitive markets for skilled trades. But, as a local, I’d argue Billings offers a better balance of job availability and affordability.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number; what matters is your purchasing power. Let's crunch the numbers for a mid-level technician earning the median salary of $53,933/year.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Income: $53,933
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~22% | -$11,865/year
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$42,068
• Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,506
• Average 1BR Rent in Billings: $874/month (from local rental data)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes & Local Insights
Rent (1BR)	$874	This is the city-wide average. West End is pricier; the Heights are more affordable.
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Water)	$150 - $220	Winters are harsh. Heating bills from Oct-Apr can spike. Insulation quality matters.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Billings has competitive grocery prices (Albertsons, Smith's, Walmart).
Transportation	$200 - $300	Assumes a used truck/car payment + gas. Billings is car-dependent, but commutes are short.
Insurance (Health/Car)	$250 - $400	Varies widely. Car insurance is moderate here.
Misc. & Savings	$712 - $962	Discretionary spending, emergency fund, or savings.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Billings is around $315,000. With a $53,933 salary, a 20% down payment ($63,000) is a significant hurdle. However, with a $42,000 net income, you could likely qualify for a mortgage on a starter home in the $250,000 - $280,000 range (e.g., in the Heights or West End). Many locals build equity by starting with a duplex or a smaller home in an established neighborhood. It's a realistic goal within 3-5 years of saving, especially if you have a partner with an income.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The HVAC job market in Billings is dominated by a mix of large commercial contractors and established residential companies. Hiring trends are consistent—companies are always looking for reliable, licensed techs, especially those with commercial experience. Here are the key players:

1. A-Plus Heating & Air Conditioning: A major residential and light commercial player. They have a large fleet and a strong presence in the West End and surrounding areas. Known for good training for new hires.
2. Comfort Systems Montana: Part of a national network but locally operated. They handle a significant amount of commercial and industrial work, including the hospitals and large retail centers.
3. Baker Heating & Cooling: A long-standing local company with a reputation for quality service. They work on everything from residential furnaces to large commercial rooftop units.
4. Billings Sheet Metal & HVAC: This is a go-to for sheet metal work and custom ducting. They often collaborate with other HVAC companies and are a key employer for techs skilled in fabrication.
5. Gallagher Energy Services: While focused on propane and oil, they have a significant HVAC division, particularly for high-efficiency systems and heat pumps, which are growing in popularity here.
6. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare: These are the two major hospitals. They employ in-house facility teams for HVAC maintenance. These are coveted, stable government-style jobs with great benefits.
7. Billings Public Schools: The school district has a large facilities department that hires HVAC techs for maintaining boilers, AC units, and ventilation across dozens of schools.

Insider Tip: The commercial sector is where the highest pay is. If you can get experience with large chillers, boilers, and control systems at a place like Comfort Systems or Gallagher, you'll make more than residential-only techs. The hospital jobs are gold mines but are hard to get into—you often need to start with a contractor and network.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana's licensing is handled by the Montana State Plumbing Board. HVAC work falls under their jurisdiction. Here’s the practical path:

1. Apprenticeship: Most start as an apprentice. You need 4 years of experience (8,000 hours) under a licensed contractor.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you can take the journeyman exam. The cost for the exam is approximately $150. You must be employed by a Montana-licensed contractor.
3. Contractor License: To open your own business, you need a contractor license, which requires passing a business and law exam, plus having a qualified individual (yourself or an employee) hold a journeyman license.

Costs & Timeline:

• Initial Training/Apprenticeship: Can be done through union programs (like the local sheet metal union) or non-union company-sponsored training. There’s no state-mandated tuition, but apprentices pay for books and materials.
• Exam Fees: $150 for the journeyman exam.
• License Fees: A journeyman license is around $100 annually.
• Timeline: To go from zero to licensed journeyman, expect 4-5 years.

Key Resource: Always check the Montana State Plumbing Board website for the most current rules. The board is strict on continuing education—once licensed, you'll need 8 hours of CE every two years.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Billings is geographically spread out, but traffic is minimal. Here are the top picks for HVAC techs:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's a Good Fit for an HVAC Tech
The West End	Upscale, walkable, near downtown. Commute to most jobs is <15 mins.	$950 - $1,150	Close to the main commercial corridors (Grand Ave, 24th St). Great for networking, but rent is high.
The Heights	Suburban, family-friendly. Newer construction, more space. Commute is <20 mins.	$800 - $1,000	Most affordable for the size. Many new homes mean newer, more efficient HVAC systems to service.
Downtown/South Side	Historic, eclectic. Older homes with charm (and older systems). Walkable to bars/restaurants.	$750 - $950	Great if you prefer an urban feel. Be prepared for calls on vintage systems and tight city lots.
Lockwood	East of the Yellowstone River. Blue-collar, industrial feel. Commute is 10-15 mins.	$700 - $900	Very affordable. Close to industrial parks and the airport, where commercial HVAC jobs are concentrated.
Alkali Creek/Airport Area	Newer, master-planned community. Very quiet, suburban. Commute is 15-20 mins.	$850 - $1,200	Ideal for those with families who want a quiet home life. A bit farther from the core job centers.

Personal Insight: If you're single and value nightlife, the West End or Downtown is worth the extra rent. If you're trying to save for a house, The Heights or Lockwood is the smarter financial move. The commute in Billings is so easy that living farther out isn't a big penalty.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth is steady, but your personal growth can be much faster if you specialize. Here’s how to increase your earnings:

• Commercial & Industrial Focus: This is the single biggest salary booster. Techs who can service commercial refrigeration, large boilers, and building automation systems (BAS) can earn $75,000+.
• Specialty Premiums:
  • Commercial Refrigeration: +$5-$8/hour premium. Essential for grocery stores and restaurants.
  • Geothermal & Heat Pumps: As Montana pushes for energy efficiency, these skills are in high demand and command higher rates.
  • EPA 608 Certification (Universal): This is mandatory for handling refrigerants. It's a relatively short course and cost (under $300), but it's non-negotiable.
• Management Path: Moving into a service manager or project manager role can push salaries into the $80,000 - $95,000 range, especially at larger firms like Comfort Systems.

10-Year Outlook: The demand will remain strong due to the aging housing stock and the push for energy-efficient replacements. The growth won't be explosive, but it will be consistent. The techs who will thrive are those who embrace new technologies (smart thermostats, variable-speed systems) and continuous learning.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

This isn't a one-size-fits-all city. Your success here depends on your priorities.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $53,933 salary goes much further than in Bozeman or Missoula.	Harsh Winters: The cold is relentless. You'll work in unheated spaces, on rooftops in the wind, and drive in snow.
Stable Job Market: The 6% growth and 241 jobs mean consistent work. No feast-or-famine cycles.	Limited Upside: The salary ceiling is lower than in national markets. To earn big, you must specialize or become a contractor.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled. World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are 20 minutes away.	Car-Dependent: Public transit is minimal. You need a reliable vehicle to get to jobs and for personal life.
Easy Commutes & No Traffic: You'll spend more time working than driving.	Cultural & Dining Scene: It's a western city, not a coastal metropolis. Options are good but not endless.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an excellent choice for a self-motivated, outdoorsy technician who values stability and affordability over high-profile glamour. It's perfect for someone who wants to buy a home, enjoy the Montana lifestyle, and build a solid career without the stress of a cutthroat market. If you're chasing the absolute top-tier salary or a vibrant arts scene, you might look elsewhere. But for a balanced, practical career with a high quality of life, Billings is a hidden gem in the HVAC world.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to get a job in Billings without prior experience?
A: It's challenging but possible. Many companies hire helpers and train them from the ground up. The key is to show reliability and a willingness to learn. Starting with a larger company like A-Plus or Gallagher, which have formal training programs, is your best bet.

Q: Do I need a commercial driver's license (CDL) for HVAC work in Billings?
A: Not for most residential work. However, if you move into commercial/industrial roles or want to work for a larger contractor, you will likely need a Class B CDL to drive larger service trucks or tow equipment. It's a valuable investment for career advancement.

Q: How does the licensing transfer from another state?
A: Montana does not have reciprocity with most states. You will need to apply through the Montana State Plumbing Board for an "out-of-state" journeyman license, which may require an exam or proof of equivalent experience. Contact the board directly for your specific situation.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for HVAC techs in Billings?
A: The combination of cold winters and wind. You'll be working in attics with poor insulation one day and on a 20-below-zero rooftop the next. Proper gear is not optional—it's essential for safety and comfort. Invest in a high-quality heated jacket and insulated boots.

Q: Are there union opportunities?
A: Yes. The local Sheet Metal Workers' Local Union (SMWIA) #41 represents HVAC technicians in the area. Union jobs often come with higher pay, better benefits, and structured apprenticeship programs. It's worth researching if you're interested in a union career path.