Pharmacist in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare job market for years, I can tell you that Billings offers a stable, if modest, compensation landscape for pharmacists. The city isn't a high-cost coastal metro, and salaries reflect that. The median salary for a pharmacist in Billings is $131,785/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.36/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $136,030/year, but the trade-off comes in the form of a significantly lower cost of living.

To put this into perspective, Billings is the largest city in a vast region. It's a regional hub for healthcare, drawing patients from across eastern Montana, northern Wyoming, and parts of the Dakotas. This demand supports a steady job market, but it's not a place where you'll see the explosive salary growth of major metros. The 10-year job growth for this field is -3%, a figure that reflects national trends toward automation and changes in pharmacy operations, rather than a local downturn.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Billings area:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Common Settings
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$115,000 - $125,000	Retail chains (Walgreens, CVS), hospital staff pharmacist
Mid-Career (3-8 years)	$125,000 - $140,000	Hospital (St. Billings), clinical specialist, mail-order pharmacy
Senior (8-15 years)	$135,000 - $150,000	Pharmacy manager, ambulatory care, specialty pharmacy
Expert/Managerial	$145,000 - $170,000+	Director of Pharmacy, clinical manager, independent chain owner

Compared to other cities in Montana, Billings leads in both salary and job volume. Bozeman and Missoula have similar or slightly higher costs of living but don't have the same concentration of large hospital systems, meaning fewer high-paying institutional roles. Great Falls and Butte have smaller markets with lower salaries. The 241 jobs in the metro area make Billings the clear center of opportunity in the state for this profession.

Insider Tip: Your negotiation power is strongest with the large hospital systems, especially for specialty or managerial roles. Retail chains have more standardized pay scales, but signing bonuses can be a point of leverage, particularly if you're willing to work shifts in outlying communities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A median salary of $131,785 sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single pharmacist in Billings, assuming you take the standard deduction and file as single for 2024 (these are estimates; consult a tax professional).

Expense Category	Monthly Estimate	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$10,982	$131,785 / 12
Federal Tax (Est.)	-$1,700	Progressive brackets; this is a conservative estimate
FICA Tax (7.65%)	-$840	Social Security & Medicare
MT State Tax (6.75% flat)	-$741	Montana has a flat income tax rate
Approx. Net Monthly	$7,701	Post-tax income
Average 1BR Rent	-$874	City-wide average (see neighborhoods below)
Utilities	-$200	Includes electricity, heat, internet. Winters are cold.
Car Payment/Gas	-$450	Billings is car-dependent; insurance is moderate.
Groceries & Essentials	-$500
Health Insurance (post-tax)	-$300	Varies widely by employer.
401(k)/Savings	-$1,000	Strongly recommended for long-term growth.
Discretionary	$3,377	Left for dining, entertainment, travel, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. This is where Billings shines. The median home price in the Billings metro is approximately $375,000. With a 20% down payment ($75,000), a 30-year mortgage at ~7% interest would have a monthly payment (PITI) of around $2,000-$2,200. Given the remaining discretionary income in the budget above, a pharmacist at the median salary is well within the standard 28-30% of gross income guideline for housing. Homeownership is a very attainable goal here, unlike in Bozeman or Missoula where prices have skyrocketed.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The Billings job market for pharmacists is heavily anchored by large healthcare systems and national chains. Here are the key players:

1. Billings Clinic (now part of Intermountain Health): The largest employer in the region. They operate a 300+ bed hospital and a vast network of clinics. They have a strong clinical pharmacy program with roles in internal medicine, oncology, and antimicrobial stewardship. Hiring is steady, but competitive for specialized roles.
2. St. Vincent Healthcare: Part of the CommonSpirit Health system, this is the other major hospital. They have a large outpatient pharmacy and inpatient services. They often have openings for staff pharmacists and specialists in areas like cardiology. They are known for a collaborative culture.
3. Walgreens & CVS: Multiple locations throughout Billings, from the bustling downtown core to the West End. These are the most common entry points. Turnover is higher here, meaning there are often openings, but the work is fast-paced retail. Store #1234 on Grand Avenue is a high-volume location.
4. Albertsons/Safeway: The in-store pharmacies at the West End and downtown locations. They offer a slightly different pace than the major chains, often with a more community feel. Good for pharmacists who want to stay in retail but avoid the corporate intensity of CVS/Walgreens.
5. Billings Pharmacy (Independent): A local independent chain with several locations. They often provide a more personalized work environment and may offer opportunities to learn compounding or other niche services. They are a great option for those looking to build community ties.
6. Montana State University (MSU) Billings: The university's pharmacy school (the only one in eastern Montana) has a small pharmacy on campus. While not a major employer, it's a hub for connections and occasional per-diem roles.
7. Mail-Order & Specialty Pharmacies: Companies like OptumRx or Express Scripts have regional distribution centers in the area, though not always in downtown Billings. These roles are less about direct patient interaction and more about logistics and verification, often with a shift-based schedule.

Hiring Trends: The demand is most consistent for staff pharmacists and clinical specialists in hospital settings. Retail positions see more turnover. The trend is toward ambulatory care and specialty pharmacy services (e.g., diabetes, anticoagulation clinics) embedded within physician practices, which Billings Clinic and St. Vincent are expanding.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana's licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. You must apply through the Montana Board of Pharmacy.

Requirements & Steps:

1. Educational: Graduate from a ACPE-accredited pharmacy school (PharmD).
2. Examinations: Pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) for Montana.
3. Intern Hours: Complete required internship hours (typically 1,500 hours) under a preceptor in an approved setting.
4. Application: Submit an application to the Montana Board, including official transcripts, proof of internship hours, and score reports. The application fee is $140.
5. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required (~$35).
6. License Fee: Upon approval, the initial license fee is $200. The total estimated cost to get your Montana license is $375.
7. Timeline: The process can take 6-10 weeks after submitting a complete application. It's advisable to start the process before moving, but you can work for up to 90 days on a temporary license while completing requirements.

Insider Tip: Ensure your NAPLEX and MPJE scores are sent directly from the testing service (NABP) to the Montana Board. Do not rely on forwarding your own score reports. Montana is part of the NABP's e-Profile system, which streamlines the process.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Billings is a sprawling city with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. West End: This is the commercial and medical hub. You'll find Billings Clinic, St. Vincent, and major retail chains here. It's a mix of commercial and newer residential developments. Commute to any major employer is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR here is closer to $950/month. Ideal for those who want a short commute and lots of dining/shopping options.
2. Downtown: The historic core. It's walkable, with a growing scene of breweries, restaurants, and boutiques. St. Vincent Hospital is on the edge of downtown, and several pharmacies are located here. It has a more urban, eclectic feel. You'll find a mix of renovated lofts and older apartments. Rent can be similar to the West End ($900-$1,100 for a 1BR). Best for those who want nightlife and walkability.
3. South Side: A largely residential area south of downtown and the Yellowstone River. It's quieter, with older, more affordable homes and apartments. Commute to the hospitals is about 15-20 minutes. It's popular with young professionals and families. Rent is more affordable, with 1BR apartments averaging $800/month. A great choice for a more relaxed vibe.
4. Heights: Northeast of downtown, this area is more suburban, with newer subdivisions, good schools, and big-box stores. Commute to the hospitals is 15-20 minutes. It's family-oriented and very car-dependent. Rent for a 1BR is around $880/month. Ideal if you want a single-family home feel with a slightly longer commute.
5. North Park / South Park: These are established, mid-century neighborhoods with mature trees and larger yards. They offer a nice balance of quiet residential living with proximity to both downtown and the West End (10-15 minute commutes). Rent is very reasonable, similar to the South Side (~$800/month). Perfect for those who want a classic Billings neighborhood feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the 10-year job growth of -3% may seem discouraging, it's a national statistic. Locally, growth is about specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: Pharmacists with certifications in areas like Oncology (BCOP), Infectious Diseases (BCIDP), or Ambulatory Care (BCACP) can command salaries at the upper end of the range, potentially adding $10,000-$20,000 to their base. These roles are primarily within the hospital systems.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path isn't necessarily vertical. Many pharmacists move from retail to hospital. From there, they might become Clinical Specialists, Pharmacy Managers, or Directors of Pharmacy. Another path is moving into managed care (working for insurance companies) or industry roles, though those are less common in Billings and may require relocation.
• Academia & Research: With MSU Billings present, there are occasional opportunities for teaching or precepting, which can supplement income and build a professional network.
• Entrepreneurship: Opening an independent pharmacy is a possibility, though it requires significant capital and business acumen. The market is competitive with national chains, but a niche (e.g., compounding, home health) can be successful.

Outlook: The need for pharmacists in direct patient care, especially in chronic disease management and community health, will remain strong. The decline in traditional retail roles is real, but it's being offset by growth in clinical, hospital, and specialty positions in Billings.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your $131,785 salary goes much further than in coastal or mountain resort cities. Homeownership is within reach.	Limited Cultural Scene: It's a working city. Arts, dining, and nightlife are modest compared to larger metros.
Strong Medical Hub: You have two major hospitals and a large patient base, providing job stability and opportunities for clinical work.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be isolating. Summers are hot and dry.
Outdoor Access: Immediate access to hiking, fishing, and hunting in the Beartooth Mountains and Yellowstone River. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.	Isolation: It's a remote city. Travel to other major cities requires a long drive or a flight.
Manageable Commute: No matter where you live, your commute to work will be short (under 20 minutes).	Job Growth Ceiling: Salaries don't climb dramatically with experience, and the -3% growth trend reflects a changing industry.
Low Traffic & Congestion: Easy to get around, minimal stress compared to larger cities.	Limited Housing Options for Renters: The rental market is tight, though affordable. Inventory for buying is better.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for pharmacists who prioritize financial stability and a high quality of life rooted in affordability and outdoor access. It's ideal for early- to mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, pay down loans, and enjoy a slower pace. It's less suitable for those seeking a dynamic, fast-paced urban environment or who anticipate rapid career advancement in high-salaried corporate roles. For the right person, Billings offers a sustainable, rewarding career path.

FAQs

Q: How competitive are the hospital pharmacist jobs?
A: They are competitive, but not impossibly so. Having a PGY-1 residency is a significant advantage for clinical specialist roles, but not always required for staff pharmacist positions. Networking at local Montana Pharmacy Association events can be key.

Q: Is the $131,785 salary enough to live comfortably as a single person?
A: Absolutely. As the budget breakdown shows, you'll have substantial discretionary income after covering all essentials and savings. You can live very comfortably, even if you are the sole earner in a household.

Q: Are there opportunities for part-time or per-diem work?
A: Yes. The hospital systems and chains often use per-diem pharmacists to cover vacations or leaves. The independent pharmacies are also a good source of part-time work. This can be a great way to supplement income or transition to a new area.

Q: What's the pharmacy community like in Billings?
A: It's tight-knit and collaborative. The Montana Pharmacy Association (MPA) has an active eastern chapter. There are regular CE events and networking opportunities. Pharmacies often work together to help during shortages or emergencies.

Q: Do I need to be proficient in a specific EMR system?
A: Knowledge of Epic is a huge plus, as both Billings Clinic and St. Vincent use it. Retail chains use their own systems (e.g., RxConnect for CVS). Experience with any major EMR is beneficial, but not always a deal-breaker for entry-level roles.