HVAC Technician Career Guide: Great Falls, Montana

So you're thinking about moving to Great Falls to work in HVAC? As someone who's lived here for nearly a decade, I can tell you it's a practical choice. The city isn't flashy, but it's built on real jobs—military, agriculture, and healthcare. HVAC is a steady trade here, with cold winters that keep furnaces running and hot summers that demand AC work. It's not a high-cost coastal city, so your money stretches further, but the pay is slightly below the national average. Let's break down whether this makes sense for you, using solid data and local insights.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

In Great Falls, HVAC technicians earn a median salary of $54,434/year, which translates to about $26.17/hour. This is slightly under the national average of $55,670/year, but given our low cost of living, it often feels more comparable. The metro area has 120 HVAC jobs, which might sound small, but turnover is low. Technicians here tend to stick around once they get established.

Experience matters a lot in this trade. Here’s how salaries typically break down based on years in the field and certifications (like EPA 608 or NATE). These are estimates based on local job postings and union scales (like the Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 490), adjusted for Great Falls' market.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Typical Annual Salary	Key Qualifications
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $46,000	EPA 608 cert, basic electrical/mechanical skills
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$50,000 - $60,000	NATE cert, experience with commercial systems
Senior	8-15 years	$62,000 - $75,000	Specialized training (e.g., VRF, geothermal), lead tech roles
Expert	15+ years	$75,000+	Management, business ownership, or senior consulting

Compared to other Montana cities, Great Falls is in the middle. Billings, the state's largest city, often pays 5-10% more due to higher demand from oil and gas sectors, with medians around $57,000. Missoula and Bozeman, with their booming universities and tech scenes, can see medians closer to $56,000-$58,000, but the cost of living there is significantly higher. In Helena (the state capital), pay is similar to Great Falls, but there are fewer commercial opportunities. Great Falls offers a balance: lower competition than major metros, but with stable demand from federal and healthcare facilities.

Insider tip: If you're new to the trade, Great Falls is a good place to start. Many local companies (like those listed below) offer apprenticeships where you can earn while you learn. The 6% job growth over the next 10 years is modest but steady—enough to ensure you won't struggle to find work, but not so fast that it's chaotic.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. With a median salary of $54,434, your take-home pay after taxes and deductions is what matters. For a single filer in Montana, expect about 22-25% in federal and state taxes (Montana has a progressive income tax). After everything, your monthly take-home is roughly $3,300-$3,500.

Now, housing: The average 1BR rent in Great Falls is $745/month. That’s a huge advantage. Here’s a sample monthly budget for an HVAC technician earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$745	In a decent area like Black Eagle or Westwood
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150	Higher in winter due to heating
Groceries	$300	Single person; save by shopping at Albertsons or Super 1 Foods
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas)	$400	Essential here; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer; many shops offer plans
Discretionary/Entertainment	$300	Movies, dining out, hobbies
Savings/Retirement	$500	Aim for 10% of income
Total	$2,645	Leaves ~$655 buffer for emergencies or extras

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Great Falls is around $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at 7% would be about $1,330/month (including taxes/insurance). That’s higher than rent but manageable if you save aggressively. Many technicians buy homes in their 30s after building equity. First-time buyer programs from Montana Housing (like the My Home program) can help with down payments.

Insider tip: Winter heating bills can spike—budget an extra $50-100/month from November to March. Also, car insurance is higher here due to wildlife collisions (elk are no joke on I-15). Shop around for quotes.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market for HVAC here is tied to the city's military presence, healthcare, and industrial base. There are 120 jobs in the metro, but many are with stable companies that rarely advertise widely. Here’s a list of key employers with specifics:

1. Bennett Heating & Cooling – A local staple since 1975. They handle residential and light commercial work. Hiring trends: They take on 2-3 apprentices yearly and often post on Great Falls Job Service. Pay starts around $20/hour for entry-level.

2. Malmstrom Air Force Base – The base is the city's largest employer (over 3,000 jobs). HVAC techs maintain facilities at the 341st Missile Wing. Jobs are often federal (via USAJOBS) or through contractors like Amentum. Starting pay is $25-30/hour with federal benefits. Hiring is steady but competitive—veterans get preference.

3. Peace Hospice and Care – Part of the Great Falls Clinic. They need HVAC for medical facilities (specialized filtration and climate control). Jobs are rare but pay well ($28-35/hour). Check the Great Falls Clinic website's career page.

4. Cargill – The local sugar beet processing plant. Industrial HVAC for large-scale operations. Seasonal hiring peaks late summer. Pay is $26-32/hour with overtime. They recruit through the Great Falls Job Service and local unions.

5. Great Falls Public Schools – Maintains HVAC for 20+ schools. District jobs are public sector, with pensions and summers off. Starting pay is $24/hour, but it’s unionized (Local 490). Vacancies posted on the school district site.

6. Carroll College – In nearby Helena (45-minute commute), but a major employer for specialized work. Their new science building requires skilled techs. Pay is $27-33/hour. They often hire through local contractors.

Hiring trends: Demand is steady year-round, but peaks in spring (AC installs) and fall (furnace checks). With 6% growth, new jobs emerge from school expansions and base upgrades. Networking is key—join the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce or the local trade group, the Montana HVAC Association. Insider tip: Many jobs are filled through word-of-mouth. Visit shops in person (like on 10th Avenue South) with your resume; owners often hire on the spot.

Getting Licensed in Montana

Montana doesn’t require a state license for HVAC technicians, but you need specific certifications and EPA clearance to work legally. It’s straightforward but not free. Here’s the path:

• EPA Section 608 Certification – Federal requirement for handling refrigerants. You can get this through online courses or in-person tests. Cost: $50-$150. Timeline: 1-2 weeks to study and pass.
• Montana Electrical License – If you do wiring, you need an electrician’s license. For HVAC, a Journeyman Electrician license (after 4 years of apprenticeship) is often needed. Apprenticeship programs through the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 490 take 4-5 years. Cost: $200-$400 for exams and fees.
• NATE Certification – Not mandatory but preferred by employers. Tests HVAC knowledge; costs $250-$400 per specialty. Timeline: Study 1-3 months, then test.
• Business License – If you go solo, get one from the City of Great Falls. Fee: $100.

Total startup cost: $500-$800 if you're entry-level. You can start working with just EPA cert. The timeline to full independence is 4-5 years for licensing. Apply through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry for apprenticeships.

Insider tip: The Job Service Montana office in Great Falls offers free career counseling and can help with apprenticeship applications. Also, check for grants from the Montana Trades Education Fund—they cover certification costs for qualifying candidates.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Great Falls is spread out, so commute matters. You’ll likely drive to job sites across the metro. Here are 4-5 neighborhoods that balance affordability, commute, and lifestyle. Rent estimates are for 1BR apartments (as of 2023-2024).

Neighborhood	Vibe/Commute	Approx. Rent (1BR)	Why It's Good for HVAC Techs
Westwood	Quiet, residential, near the river. 10-15 min to most employers.	$700-$750	Affordable, safe, close to Cargill and schools.
Black Eagle	Historic, blue-collar roots. 5-10 min to Malmstrom AFB.	$650-$720	Cheaper rents, tight-knit community. Great if you work on base.
Downtown Great Falls	Urban, walkable, near shops. 5-20 min commute depending on site.	$800-$900	More expensive but vibrant for younger folks. Close to Bennett Heating & Cooling.
Sun River	Suburban, family-friendly, near the college. 15-25 min to downtown.	$750-$800	Good schools if you have kids. Steady rent prices.
South Side	Growing area with new apartments. 10-30 min commute.	$780-$850	Modern amenities, newer construction. Easy access to I-15 for jobs.

Insider tip: Avoid the North Side (east of 10th Ave) for rentals—it's a bit rougher. Rentals go fast, especially in summer. Use Facebook Marketplace or Zillow; landlords often post here. If you're commuting to Malmstrom, Black Eagle is unbeatable for time savings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

HVAC in Great Falls isn’t a dead-end job; it’s a pathway to stability. With 6% job growth projected, you can advance into specialized roles that pay premiums. Here’s the progression:

• Specialty Premiums: Commercial techs (e.g., working on VRF systems in hospitals) earn 5-10% more than residential. Industrial HVAC at Cargill or the base can add $5,000-$10,000/year. Geothermal or energy-audit specialists are rare here but in demand for green projects—training costs $1,000-$2,000 but boosts pay by 15%.
• Advancement Paths: Start as an apprentice, move to journeyman, then foreman or service manager. Many start their own businesses after 10+ years (e.g., opening a small shop). Union jobs (Local 490) offer pensions—rare in private sectors.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth will likely come from base expansions, school renovations, and climate-driven demand (hotter summers, colder winters). Automation is minimal; hands-on skill is king. By year 10, a senior tech could earn $70,000+ or own a business with $100,000+ revenue.

Insider tip: Invest in continuous learning. Attend the annual Montana HVAC Expo in Billings (costs ~$200). It’s a goldmine for networking and seeing new tech. Also, consider a side hustle in winter doing furnace tune-ups—locals pay cash for quick fixes.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a solid choice for HVAC technicians who value affordability and job stability over big-city excitement. It’s not glamorous, but it’s practical. Here’s a quick pros and cons table:

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living (index 92.6 vs US 100)	Harsh winters (heating demand is a plus, but driving can be tough)
Steady job market with 120 jobs and 6% growth	Limited nightlife and cultural scene; it’s a "work" city
Access to federal jobs with benefits (Malmstrom)	Small job pool—fewer opportunities if you want to switch industries
Outdoor access (hunting, fishing, Rockies nearby)	Car-dependent; public transit is weak
Short commutes (average 15-20 min)	Isolated—next big city (Billings) is 2 hours away

Final recommendation: If you're early in your career or looking for a low-cost place to build a life, Great Falls is a yes. It's especially good if you're military-affiliated or family-oriented. Experienced techs might find pay a bit low, but the lifestyle trade-off (more land, less stress) is worth considering. Come for a visit—drive around the neighborhoods and talk to locals at a café like the Celtic Cowboy. If it feels like home, you’ll thrive.

FAQs

Q: How do I find an HVAC apprenticeship in Great Falls?
A: Start with the Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 490—they run the apprenticeship program. Contact them at (406) 452-8331 or visit their office on 10th Avenue South. Also, check Job Service Montana for openings; they partner with local employers.

Q: Is the weather a big factor for HVAC work here?
A: Absolutely. Winters can drop to -20°F, so furnace and boiler work is year-round. Summers hit 90°F+, driving AC demand. You’ll need a reliable truck and winter gear. The upside: no hurricane or wildfire disruptions like in other states.

Q: Can I work as an HVAC tech without formal training?
A: Yes, but it’s tough. You can start as a helper with just EPA 608 cert, but you’ll need an apprenticeship to advance. Montana encourages on-the-job training, so many learn while earning.

Q: What’s the job market like for women in HVAC here?
A: It’s growing! Organizations like Women in HVACR have local chapters. Great Falls is welcoming, and companies like Bennett are hiring diversely. Challenges exist (physical demands), but support networks are strong.

Q: How does the military base affect jobs?
A: Malmstrom AFB is a huge plus. It brings steady federal work and often hires locals. Veterans get priority, but civilians can apply through contractors. It also means a disciplined, reliable workforce—good for the local trade scene.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national data; Montana Department of Labor & Industry for state job growth; Great Falls Job Service and local employer websites for specifics; Zillow for rent trends; City of Great Falls for cost of living index.