Medical Assistant in Great Falls, MT

As a career analyst who has spent years mapping out professional paths in Montana, I've watched Great Falls evolve. It's not a booming metropolis, but for medical assistants (MAs), it offers a stable, manageable living with a clear career trajectory. This guide breaks down what you can realistically expect—no fluff, just the data and local insights you need to decide if the Electric City is the right fit for you.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state-specific data, the median salary for a Medical Assistant in Great Falls is $37,420 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $17.99. This is slightly below the national average of $38,270, but the context is critical. Montana has no state income tax, and Great Falls' cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. This means your dollar goes further here than almost anywhere else in the country.

The job market is modest but steady, with approximately 120 jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 15%, which is solid, aligning with national trends as the demand for healthcare services continues to rise with an aging population.

Your earning potential is directly tied to experience and certification. Here’s how salaries typically break down in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Responsibilities	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	Basic patient intake, vitals, phlebotomy, clerical duties.	$32,000 - $36,000
Mid-Level (2-5 years)	Advanced clinical tasks, EHR management, patient education, some MA-III duties.	$37,000 - $41,000
Senior (5-10 years)	Lead MA, training new staff, complex procedure assistance, specialty support.	$42,000 - $47,000
Expert (10+ years)	MA-IV, clinical supervisor, program coordinator, specialized procedural work.	$48,000 - $55,000+

Compared to other Montana cities: Great Falls' salary is competitive with Billings (the state's largest city) and Bozeman, though Bozeman's higher cost of living (driven by tourism and tech) can offset the comparable wage. Missoula and Helena are very similar in both pay and cost structure. For a balanced lifestyle, Great Falls' salary-to-cost ratio is one of the best in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $37,420 translates to a monthly gross income of about $3,118. After federal taxes (assuming a single filer with standard deduction) and FICA, your take-home pay is roughly $2,600 to $2,700 per month.

The single biggest expense is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Great Falls is $745 per month. This is a game-changer compared to national averages.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for an MA earning the median wage:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (After Taxes)	$2,650	Based on $37,420 annual salary.
Rent (1BR)	$745	City average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	$200	Montana winters can increase heating costs.
Groceries	$350	For one person.
Car Payment/Insurance	$350	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance (if not covered)	$200	Varies widely by employer.
Misc. (Food, Fun, Savings)	$805	Discretionary spending.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With an estimated $805 in discretionary income, you can realistically save $500/month for a down payment. The median home price in Great Falls is around $250,000. A 20% down payment is $50,000, which is achievable with disciplined saving in about 8-10 years. More commonly, first-time buyers use FHA loans with a 3.5% down payment ($8,750), which is within reach for many within a few years of starting their career.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

Great Falls' healthcare scene is dominated by a few major players. Hiring is consistent, especially for certified MAs. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Benefis Health System: The largest healthcare provider in the region. They have a major hospital on the city's west side (near the 10th Avenue South corridor). They hire MAs for their family medicine clinics, urgent care, and specialty departments like cardiology and orthopedics. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a need for MAs who are proficient in Epic EHR (used system-wide).

2. Covenant Health (Great Falls Clinic): A significant provider with a large multi-specialty clinic. They are a major employer of MAs, particularly in their primary care and specialty clinics (dermatology, ENT, etc.). Hiring Trend: They often have openings for MAs with experience in specific specialties, offering a slightly higher premium.

3. VA Black Hills Health Care System (Great Falls Clinic): The Veterans Affairs clinic is a stable employer with excellent benefits. Work is focused on primary care for veterans. The pace can be different, with a focus on chronic disease management. Hiring Trend: Very stable; hiring is often tied to federal funding cycles.

4. Mountain-Pacific Quality Health: This is a Medicare Quality Improvement Organization, but they also have a network of affiliated clinics and care coordinators. They sometimes hire MAs for care coordination roles, which is a great path away from the clinical floor. Hiring Trend: Growing as value-based care expands.

5. Local Urgent Care Chains (e.g., Central Care, Urgent Care of Great Falls): These are excellent for gaining wide-ranging experience in a fast-paced environment. Pay is often at the median or slightly above. Hiring Trend: High turnover means frequent openings, ideal for new MAs looking to get their foot in the door.

Insider Tip: The best jobs aren't always advertised. The "MA-III" and "MA-IV" positions at Benefis and Covenant are often filled internally. Building a network by working at an urgent care or a smaller clinic first can be the fastest path to those higher-paying, lead roles.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana does not have a state-level license for medical assistants. However, the state does have a formal MA-C (Medical Assistant-Certified) designation through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). This is not optional if you want to perform specific clinical tasks like taking x-rays, administering medication, or drawing blood.

Requirements for MA-C:

1. Education: Graduate from a CAAHEP or ABHES accredited Medical Assisting program.
2. Certification: Pass a national exam, typically the CMA (AAMA) or RMA (AMT) exam.
3. Application: Submit the MA-C application to the Montana DLI along with proof of graduation and certification.
4. Cost: The application fee is $50, plus the cost of the national exam ($120-$150).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Accredited Program: 9-12 months (full-time).
• Study for & Pass Exam: 1-2 months post-graduation.
• State Application Processing: 4-6 weeks.
• Total Time: Plan for roughly 12-14 months from starting school to being MA-C certified and job-ready.

Pro Tip: Even if you're already certified in another state, you must apply for the MA-C designation to work at most major clinics in Great Falls. Start this process as soon as you accept a job offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Medical Assistants

Great Falls is a compact city, and your commute will rarely exceed 15-20 minutes. Your choice of neighborhood depends on whether you prioritize a walkable urban feel or quiet suburban living.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For...
West Side	Historic, tree-lined streets, close to downtown and Benefis Hospital. Walkable to cafes and shops.	$800 - $950	Those who want a central, character-filled location with a short commute to the city's largest employer.
Sun River	Quiet, family-oriented suburb on the northeast side. Mostly single-family homes.	$700 - $850	Medical assistants who want more space, a quieter environment, and don't mind a 10-minute drive to work.
South Side	Affordable, mid-century neighborhoods. Close to shopping centers and the VA Clinic.	$650 - $800	Budget-conscious MAs who want to minimize rent without sacrificing essential amenities.
Downtown	Small but growing urban core with apartments above storefronts. Very walkable.	$900 - $1,200	Younger MAs who want a vibrant social scene, though housing options are limited.
Uptown	Near the Great Falls Clinic and major retail. Mixed housing types. Very convenient.	$750 - $900	A great balanced option—close to work, shopping, and with a manageable commute.

Insider Tip: The rental market moves fast. If you're relocating, try to line up temporary housing (like an Airbnb) for 2-4 weeks so you can tour apartments in person. Many of the best units never make it to online listings.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Great Falls long-term as an MA offers a clear, if not dramatically lucrative, path to advancement. The key is specialization and leadership.

• Specialty Premiums: MAs who specialize in ophthalmology, dermatology, or cardiology can command a 5-10% salary premium over the generalist median. These roles are available at both Benefis and Covenant Health.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Lead MA / Clinical Supervisor: Oversee a team of 3-5 MAs. Requires strong EHR skills and leadership experience. Adds $5,000 - $10,000 to your salary.
  2. MA-IV (Clinical Specialist): A state-recognized advanced role requiring additional training and hours. Often involves training new staff and managing clinic flow. Can push salaries toward $55,000.
  3. Program Coordinator: Moves into administration, managing schedules, supplies, and compliance for a department. A stepping stone to practice management.
  4. Bridge to Nursing: Many MAs in Great Falls use their experience to enter nursing programs at the University of Providence or Montana State University-Great Falls. This is a common and respected career pivot.

10-Year Outlook: The 15% job growth is promising. As older MAs retire, there will be openings for leadership roles. The push toward value-based care and telehealth may also create new hybrid roles for MAs, though this is still emerging in a rural market like Great Falls.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a pragmatic choice. It’s not for everyone, but for the right person, it’s an excellent place to build a life and a career.

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches further here than almost anywhere else.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It's a quiet city; entertainment options are modest.
Stable Job Market: A few major employers create a reliable hiring pool.	Weather: Long, cold winters and hot, dry summers can be a shock.
Short Commutes: You'll spend minutes, not hours, in traffic.	Geographic Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to the nearest major city (Billings).
Clear Career Ladder: Advancement to lead/MA-IV roles is achievable.	Salaries are Below National Average: While cost-adjusted, the raw number is lower.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are minutes away.	Small-Town Feel: Not everyone desires a tight-knit community where "everyone knows everyone."

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is an ideal launchpad or long-term home for medical assistants who prioritize financial stability, work-life balance, and outdoor recreation over urban excitement. If you're a new MA looking to get certified, gain solid experience without massive debt, and potentially buy a home, this city offers a rare and compelling value proposition.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be certified to work as an MA in Great Falls?
While Montana doesn't license MAs, nearly all major employers (Benefis, Covenant) require national certification (CMA or RMA) for clinical roles. The state's MA-C designation is a requirement to perform specific clinical tasks and is a standard expectation for professional MAs.

2. How competitive is the job market for new MAs?
It's moderately competitive. You will be competing with graduates from local programs. Having the MA-C designation ready before you apply gives you a significant edge. Start applying 2-3 months before you plan to move.

3. Is Great Falls a good place for a single MA?
It can be, if you value community and outdoor hobbies. The social scene is smaller and revolves around outdoor activities, sports, and community events. Dating and making friends often happens through work or shared interests (e.g., running clubs, hiking groups).

4. What's the biggest challenge for MAs moving to Great Falls?
The biggest adjustment is often the weather and the sense of isolation. The winters are long and can be socially limiting. If you thrive on constant new experiences, big concerts, and diverse food scenes, you may find it stifling.

5. Can I live in Great Falls without a car?
No, it's not practical. While the downtown core is walkable, the major hospitals, clinics, and most affordable housing are spread out. A reliable vehicle is an absolute necessity for daily life and work.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Great Falls Association of Realtors, City of Great Falls planning data.