Here is a comprehensive career guide for Nursing Assistants (CNAs) considering a move to Billings, Montana.

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The Billings CNA Career Guide: A Local's Analysis

If you're a Certified Nursing Assistant looking at Billings, you're looking at the medical hub of the "Magic City." It's a place where the sky is huge, the wind is real, and the demand for healthcare workers is steady. But let's cut through the brochure talk. Is this a place where you can build a stable career and a good life on a CNA's salary?

As someone who knows this city's rhythms—from the early morning commutes on I-90 to the quiet shifts at St. Vincent—this guide breaks down the reality of the job market, your paycheck, and the neighborhoods. We're using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, and local market trends to give you the straight facts.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's start with the numbers that matter most. In Billings, the median salary for CNAs is $34,644/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $16.66/hour. It's important to contextualize this: the national average for CNAs is $35,760/year. You'll notice Billings sits slightly below the national curve, but this is offset by Montana's lower cost of living.

The job market in the metro area is active but tight, with approximately 241 jobs listed. The 10-year job growth projection is 4%. This isn't explosive growth, but it indicates stability. You won't see the frantic hiring booms of major coastal cities, but you're also less likely to face mass layoffs.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries in Billings climb with experience, though the jumps aren't as large as in higher-cost states. Here’s what you can realistically expect:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$30,000 - $33,000	$14.42 - $15.87
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$34,000 - $37,000	$16.35 - $17.79
Senior/Lead	5-10 years	$37,500 - $41,000	$18.03 - $19.71
Expert/Specialized	10+ years (w/ certs)	$41,500+	$19.95+

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

Billings is the state's largest city and its primary medical center, but that doesn't always mean the highest pay. Here’s how it stacks up:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Key Notes
Billings	$34,644	89.6	Largest job market, highest rent
Missoula	~$35,200	97.5	Higher pay, but much higher rent
Bozeman	~$36,100	112.4	Highest pay, but extreme cost of living
Great Falls	~$33,800	85.2	Lower pay, lower rent, smaller market

Insider Tip: While Bozeman and Missoula might offer slightly higher nominal salaries, the cost of living—especially housing—eats up that difference quickly. Billings offers the best balance of job availability and affordability for a CNA in the state.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A gross salary of $34,644 sounds manageable, but the real question is your disposable income. Let's run a monthly budget for a single CNA living in Billings.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $2,887
• Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~22% (Montana has a progressive income tax)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$2,250
• Rent (1BR average): $874
• Utilities (electric, gas, internet): $150
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $350 (Billings is car-dependent)
• Groceries: $300
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered by employer): $150
• Miscellaneous (clothing, personal care): $200

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	% of Net Income
Rent	$874	39%
Utilities	$150	7%
Transportation	$350	16%
Groceries	$300	13%
Health Insurance	$150	7%
Miscellaneous	$200	9%
Total Expenses	$2,024	90%
Remaining	$226	10%

Can they afford to buy a home?
On a single CNA income of $34,644, homeownership is a significant stretch. Lenders typically recommend a housing payment (including taxes and insurance) that is no more than 28% of your gross income. For a CNA, that's about $808/month. In Billings, the median home price is over $350,000. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $350,000 home would have a principal and interest payment of around $2,200, far exceeding the affordable threshold.

Verdict: You can live comfortably as a single person or part of a dual-income household. Saving for a down payment on a home would require significant frugality, a second income, or moving up into a higher-paying specialty role.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

Billings is a regional medical hub, serving patients from Wyoming, North Dakota, and eastern Montana. This means employers are diverse and often compete for staff.

1. Billings Clinic: The largest employer in the city and a major referral center. They have a massive system including a main hospital, numerous clinics, and senior living facilities. They are known for strong benefits and tuition reimbursement, which is a huge perk for CNAs looking to advance to LPN or RN.
2. St. Vincent Healthcare: Part of the CommonSpirit Health system, this is the other "big player" in town. It has a Level II trauma center and a strong focus on community health. Hiring trends here are consistent, with a need for CNAs in med-surg, ICU, and their specialty units.
3. SCL Health Systems (Now Intermountain Healthcare): While their physical footprint in Billings is smaller than Clinic or St. Vincent, they are a significant employer, especially in specialty clinics and home health.
4. Rocky Mountain Senior Living (Various Locations): Billings has a growing senior population. Facilities like St. John's Lutheran Home, Eagle Cliff Manor, and Rocky Mountain Care are always in need of CNAs. Shifts can be more predictable than in a hospital, but the pace is different.
5. Big Sky Senior Services: This local non-profit operates assisted living and memory care facilities. They often have a more tight-knit feel than the corporate giants and can be a great place for CNAs who prefer a family-like atmosphere.
6. Billings Public Schools: Don't overlook school nursing. CNAs can find roles supporting school nurses, helping with daily health needs for students. The schedule (summers off, holidays) is a major draw, though the pay is often slightly lower than hospital settings.
7. Home Health Agencies (e.g., Comfort Keepers, Visiting Nurse Association): For those who prefer autonomy, home health offers a different pace. You work one-on-one with patients in their homes. The pay can be variable, and you need a reliable vehicle.

Hiring Trend Insight: Billings Clinic and St. Vincent often have "sign-on bonuses" for CNAs, especially for night shifts or positions in high-need areas like long-term care or rehabilitation. Check their career pages directly. The demand is steady, but competition for the best hospital jobs is real.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

Step 1: Complete a State-Approved Training Program.
You must complete a state-approved CNA training program. These are offered at community colleges (like Montana State University Billings), vocational schools, and some healthcare facilities. The program typically includes 75 hours of training (a mix of classroom and clinical).

Step 2: Pass the Competency Exam.
After graduation, you must pass the Montana Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation, administered by Headmaster (a third-party testing service). The exam has two parts: a written/oral section and a skills demonstration.

Step 3: Apply for State Certification.
Once you pass the exam, you apply for certification with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Your name will be added to the Montana Nurse Aide Registry.

Costs & Timeline:

• Training Program Cost: $800 - $1,500 (varies by institution; some employers offer reimbursement).
• Exam Fee: $125 (approximate).
• Timeline: From enrollment to certification, expect 2-4 months. Many programs are accelerated (4-6 weeks full-time) or part-time (8-12 weeks).

Insider Tip: Before enrolling in any program, verify its approval status on the Montana DPHHS website. A non-approved program will not allow you to sit for the state exam.

Best Neighborhoods for CNAs

Where you live in Billings impacts your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here are four areas to consider.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
West End	Modern, walkable, near hospitals. Short commute to Billings Clinic.	$950 - $1,200	CNAs wanting a short, easy commute and a lively, younger atmosphere.
Downtown	Historic, artsy, with older character homes. Commute to hospitals is 5-10 mins.	$800 - $1,100	Those who love walkability, local coffee shops, and a bit of grit.
Heights (Rimrock Area)	Suburban, family-oriented, with great mountain views. Commute is 15-20 mins to hospitals.	$850 - $1,050	CNAs with families or those wanting more space and a quiet, residential feel.
Lockwood	Affordable, no-frills, and fast-growing. Direct access to I-90. Commute 10-15 mins.	$700 - $900	Budget-conscious CNAs prioritizing affordability and easy highway access.

Personal Insight: If you're working irregular shifts at the hospital, living close to the West End or Downtown minimizes commute stress. The Heights is popular with healthcare workers who want a clear separation between work and home life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A CNA role in Billings is a fantastic launchpad. The city's healthcare ecosystem is built for advancement.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• LPN/RN Bridge Programs: This is the most common path. MSU Billings and Rocky Mountain College offer excellent bridge programs. Many employers (especially Billings Clinic and St. Vincent) offer tuition assistance or full reimbursement for employees who commit to working for them post-graduation.
• Specialized Certifications: As a CNA, you can earn certifications that bump your pay and responsibilities:
  • Certified Medication Aide (CMA): Allows you to administer medications in long-term care settings. A pay bump of $1-2/hour is common.
  • Phlebotomy or EKG Technician: Some CNAs cross-train in these skills, making them more versatile.
• Leadership Roles: Experienced CNAs can move into roles like CNA Charge Nurse (in LTC), Restorative Aide, or even into unit secretary or patient care coordinator positions.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% job growth aligns with the national trend of an aging population. Billings' role as a regional hub means specialty services (oncology, cardiology, neurology) will continue to expand, creating more specialized CNA roles. The biggest growth will be for CNAs who use the role as a stepping stone to LPN or RN, where the salary ceiling is significantly higher.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $34,644 salary goes much further here than in most places.	Harsh Winters: Winters are long, cold, and can be isolating if you're not prepared.
Stable Job Market: As the medical hub of a huge region, jobs are steady.	Car Dependency: You absolutely need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and hunting right from the city.	Limited Diversity: Billings is less culturally diverse than larger metro areas.
Employer Benefits: Major hospitals offer strong benefits and tuition reimbursement.	Wage Ceiling: Salaries are lower than national averages; long-term earning potential is tied to advancement.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an excellent choice for a CNA who values stability, affordability, and outdoor recreation. It's ideal if you're using the CNA role as a strategic step toward becoming an LPN or RN, thanks to the strong employer tuition benefits. If you're seeking a vibrant, fast-paced, diverse urban environment, you may find it limiting. For a pragmatic, career-focused CNA who wants a high quality of life on a modest income, Billings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: How is the cost of living in Billings really?
A: It's very affordable, especially for housing. The Cost of Living Index is 89.6 (US avg = 100). Your biggest expense will be rent, which averages $874/month for a 1BR, far below national averages. Groceries, utilities, and transportation are also reasonably priced.

Q: Do I need a car in Billings?
A: Yes, absolutely. Billings is spread out, and public transportation (MET Transit) is limited, especially for shift work at odd hours. Owning a reliable car is non-negotiable.

Q: What is the weather like?
A: Billings has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and dry (80s-90s°F), which is great for outdoor activities. Winters are cold and windy, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and snowfall. You'll need a good winter coat and a vehicle with all-wheel drive or good snow tires.

Q: Can I get a job immediately after certification?
A: Yes. With a state-approved certification and a clean background check, you can find a CNA position within weeks. The job market is active, especially in long-term care facilities and home health agencies. Hospital jobs may require a bit more patience but are very attainable.

Q: Is Billings a good place for families?
A: It can be, depending on your priorities. The school districts are decent, there's plenty of community sports and activities, and the cost of living allows for a comfortable lifestyle on a dual-income household. The main drawback for families is the limited cultural diversity compared to larger cities.