Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in Great Falls, MT

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping out professional paths across Montana, I’ve watched Great Falls evolve into a stable, albeit modest, healthcare hub. For an LPN, it’s a place where your license translates directly to a paycheck, but you’ll need to understand the local landscape to make it work. This guide is built on hard data and on-the-ground insights from nurses working the floors at Benefis and CMC. Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhood dirt.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

First, the numbers that matter. In Great Falls, the median salary for an LPN is $53,407/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.68/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $54,620/year, a common trend in many Montana metros where cost of living offsets lower nominal pay. The metro area has an estimated 120 LPN jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 5%—a modest but steady increase, reflecting an aging population and consistent demand in long-term care.

To put that in perspective, here’s how experience typically translates to pay in Great Falls:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Great Falls)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$46,000 - $50,000	Often starts in nursing homes or home health. New grads may need to take what's available.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$51,000 - $57,000	Median ($53,407) falls here. Moves to hospital floors (CMC, Benefis) are common.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$56,000 - $62,000	Often involves charge nurse duties, specialties, or agency work.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$60,000 - $68,000+	Management, education, or specialized clinic roles (e.g., wound care, dialysis).

Comparison to Other MT Cities:

• Billings: Median is slightly higher (~$55,000), with more hospital competition and a larger metro.
• Missoula: Pay is comparable, but the cost of living is higher.
• Bozeman: Salaries are rising faster ($56,000+), but rent is drastically higher. Great Falls offers a better rent-to-salary ratio.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. Many local employers offer shift differentials (an extra $2-$4/hour for nights/weekends) and sign-on bonuses (often $3,000-$7,000) for hard-to-fill positions, especially in long-term care. Always ask about these during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median LPN salary of $53,407/year in Great Falls provides a solid footing. Let’s break down the monthly take-home for a single filer (after federal/state taxes, FICA, and mandatory deductions—approx. 22% total).

Monthly Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,451	Based on $53,407/year
Net Monthly Pay (Est.)	$3,472	After ~22% combined deductions
Rent (1BR Average)	$745	Citywide average
Utilities & Internet	$200	Includes electricity, heating, internet. Winters are cold.
Groceries & Essentials	$400	Great Falls has decent grocery options (Safeway, Super 1 Foods, Walmart).
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (Copays/OTC)	$150	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement/Savings (5%)	$223	Critical to start early.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$300	Dining out, gas, personal care.
Total Monthly Expenses	$2,368
Monthly Surplus	$1,104

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in Great Falls is around $280,000. With a $1,104 monthly surplus, an LPN could comfortably put $1,500/month toward a mortgage (including taxes/insurance) after saving for a down payment. A 20% down payment ($56,000) is a significant hurdle, but first-time homebuyer programs (like Montana Housing) and FHA loans make it possible. The key is the affordability of the mortgage payment relative to income, not the down payment. With rates around 6-7%, a $224,000 mortgage (~$1,800/month) would be tight but feasible with careful budgeting and if you have a dual income.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market is concentrated. You’re not looking at hundreds of openings, but the ones that exist are with established players. Hiring trends favor those with flexibility (nights/weekends) and specialties like geriatrics or IV therapy.

1. Benefis Health System: The largest employer. Look for LPN roles on medical-surgical floors, in the ER (as an aide/tech), and in their long-term care facility, Benefis Extended Care. Hiring is steady, but competition for day shifts in the hospital is fierce.
2. Great Falls Clinic (now part of Alluvion Health): A major outpatient and specialty clinic system. LPNs often work in procedure prep, specialist offices (orthopedics, cardiology), and their urgent care. This is a great path for regular hours.
3. Logan Health (formerly CMC): The other major hospital system. Similar roles to Benefis. They have a strong focus on orthopedics and rehab. Check their careers page frequently.
4. Village Health (Nursing Homes): Operates several assisted living and skilled nursing facilities (e.g., Westview Healthcare Center). This is the backbone of LPN employment in Montana. Demand is always high, especially for night shift.
5. Great Falls Public Schools: LPNs are needed for student health services. This is a coveted M-F, school-year position with excellent benefits and summers off, but openings are rare.
6. Montana State Hospital (in Warm Springs, ~45 min drive): A state-run psychiatric facility. It offers competitive state benefits and unique experience. The commute is a consideration.
7. Home Health & Hospice Agencies (e.g., Great Falls Hospice, Interim HealthCare): Offers autonomy and varied caseloads. Pay can be higher per visit but lacks the stability of a facility job.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing is straightforward but requires planning. You must be licensed by the Montana Board of Nursing.

1. If you’re new to Montana: You must pass the NCLEX-PN exam. Apply for a Montana license by examination through the Board’s online portal. You’ll need official transcripts from an approved LPN program.
2. If you’re already licensed in another state: You can apply for licensure by endorsement. Montana is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which is a huge advantage. If your primary state of residence is in another compact state (e.g., North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming), you can practice in Montana without a new license. Check the Montana Board of Nursing website for the current list.
3. Costs: Application fees are approximately $200 for initial licensure. Background check fees are additional. Let’s assume $300 total to be safe.
4. Timeline: If you’re a new grad, the process can take 4-8 weeks after graduation to get your ATT (Authorization to Test) and schedule the NCLEX. For endorsement, it can be 2-4 weeks if your home state is compact. Always start the application process before you move.

Insider Tip: Invest in the Montana Nurse Association (MNA) membership. It’s invaluable for networking, finding jobs, and understanding state-specific workplace issues.

Best Neighborhoods for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPNs)

Location affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Great Falls is compact, so no neighborhood is terribly far, but these are the top considerations.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent (1BR Estimate)	Best For...
Sunriver / Northside	Quiet, residential, near the Missouri River. 10-15 min to Benefis or CMC.	$675 - $775	Nurses who want peace, nature access, and a quick commute.
Downtown / Central	Walkable, near restaurants and shops. 5-10 min to most jobs. Older apartments.	$700 - $850	Those who want an urban feel without big-city prices.
Southside / Fox Farm	Family-oriented, good schools, more retail options. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $850	Nurses with families or those who want more space.
Westside / Valley View	Affordable, older homes, blue-collar feel. 10-15 min to most employers.	$650 - $750	Budget-conscious professionals prioritizing savings.
Uptown / 10th Ave South	Near the Great Falls Clinic and shopping. Mix of apartments and homes. 5-10 min commute.	$725 - $825	Those working at the Clinic or who want easy access to amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Great Falls is minimal. Focus your housing search on your preferred lifestyle, not a specific employer's zip code. The best deals are often found on Facebook Marketplace or through local property managers, not big rental sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

LPN growth in Great Falls is more about diversifying your skills than climbing a corporate ladder.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications can bump your pay. LPNs with IV therapy or wound care certification can earn $1-3 more/hour. Geriatric certifications are also highly valued in the many long-term care facilities.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Clinical Ladder: Many hospitals have LPN clinical ladder programs, offering small raises for taking on preceptor, charge nurse, or committee roles.
  2. Bridge to RN: The most common path. Columbia College of Nursing (Great Falls) and Great Falls College MSU offer LPN-to-RN programs. This is a strategic move for higher pay (RN median in MT is ~$72,000) and scope of practice.
  3. Nurse Manager in LTC: With experience, moving into management in a nursing home is a viable path.
  4. Public Health/Correctional: State jobs in the prison system (MT DOC) or public health offer different environments and benefits.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 5% job growth, the market is stable but not explosive. The aging population ensures steady demand in long-term care. The biggest threat to wage growth is the rural setting—it’s harder to negotiate high raises when there are only a few major employers. Becoming an RN is the surest way to increase your earning potential and job mobility.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent cost of living. Your $53,407 salary goes much further here.	Limited employer options. You’re mostly choosing between 2-3 major systems.
Stable, predictable job market. Demand for LPNs is consistent.	Wages slightly below national average. You won’t find top-tier pay without specialization or travel work.
Low-stress lifestyle. Minimal traffic, no big-city chaos.	Isolation & cold. Winters are long and dark. Social life requires more effort.
Outdoor access. Hiking, fishing, and hunting are minutes away.	Growth ceiling. To advance significantly, you likely need to become an RN or relocate.
Strong sense of community. It’s a small city where you’ll be known.	Limited cultural/dining scene. You trade variety for affordability.

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is a pragmatic choice for an LPN. If your priority is financial stability, a manageable commute, and a quiet lifestyle, it’s an outstanding option. The $53,407 median salary, combined with the $745 average rent, creates a sustainable financial picture that’s hard to find in larger cities. However, if your primary goal is rapid career advancement or a bustling social scene, you may feel constrained. For the LPN who values work-life balance and wants their paycheck to stretch, Great Falls is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new LPN grad?
A: It’s competitive for day shifts in hospitals but wide open for nights and in long-term care. If you’re willing to work nights or weekends, you’ll likely find a position quickly. Persistence and applying to all major employers is key.

Q: Is Montana a compact state for LPNs?
A: Yes, Montana is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a compact license from another compact state (your primary residence), you can practice in Montana without an additional license. Verify the current list on the Montana Board of Nursing website.

Q: What’s the cost of living really like?
A: Very manageable. The Cost of Living Index is 92.6 (US avg = 100). Groceries and healthcare are near the national average, but housing and transportation are significantly cheaper. Your biggest expense will be winter heating and a reliable vehicle.

Q: Can I work as an LPN without a car in Great Falls?
A: It is extremely difficult. Public transit (Metro Flex) is limited and not reliable for shift work. Most employers are spread out, and winters make walking/biking impractical for most of the year. Owning a reliable vehicle is essentially a job requirement.

Q: Are there opportunities for travel or agency LPN work in the area?
A: Yes, especially during winter flu season and summer surgeries. Agencies like Aya Healthcare and Cross Country Nurses have contracts with Benefis and CMC. Pay can be significantly higher ($30-$35/hour), but it’s often short-term (13-week contracts) and less stable. It’s a good option for supplemental income or to test the market before committing.