The Great Falls Pharmacist's Guide: A Local's Career Breakdown

So, you're a pharmacist thinking about Great Falls. Maybe you're drawn to the "Electric City" vibe, the wide-open spaces, or the idea of a slower pace without sacrificing professional opportunity. As someone who's watched this city's healthcare landscape evolve, I can tell you it's a unique market—steady, stable, and deeply connected to the community. This isn't a boomtown; it's a place where you can build a career and actually get to know your patients. Let's dive into the data, the neighborhoods, and the real day-to-day life of a pharmacist here.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

Let's get straight to the numbers. In Great Falls, the median salary for a pharmacist is $133,010 per year. You're looking at an hourly rate of $63.95. It's crucial to understand the context: the Montana state average sits at $136,030, while the national average is also $136,030. This means Great Falls pays slightly below the state and national norms, but the difference is marginal.

The job market is tight. There are roughly 120 pharmacist positions in the metro area. The 10-year job growth for pharmacists in Great Falls is projected at -3%, which reflects a national trend of consolidation and automation, rather than a local lack of opportunity. Experienced pharmacists are highly valued, and turnover isn't high—most openings come from retirements rather than new expansion.

Here’s how salary breaks down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Estimated Salary Range	Notes for Great Falls
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Staff Pharmacist, Retail	$115,000 - $125,000	Often starts in big-box retail (Walmart, CVS) or hospital systems.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	Clinical Pharmacist, Pharmacy Manager	$125,000 - $140,000	Move into specialty clinics, hospital units, or management.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	Pharmacy Supervisor, Specialist	$140,000 - $155,000	Roles in oncology, infectious disease, or as a PIC (Pharmacist-in-Charge).
Expert (15+ yrs)	Director of Pharmacy, Consultant	$155,000+	Leadership at Benefis Health System or large regional networks.

Compared to other Montana cities, Great Falls holds its own. It’s more affordable than Bozeman or Missoula, where salaries might be slightly higher but cost of living is significantly steeper. Billings is a closer competitor in both salary and size, but Great Falls offers a distinct community feel that many pharmacists prefer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $133,010 is a solid starting point. Let's break down what that means for your monthly budget. For this example, we'll assume a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions and Montana's state income tax (which ranges from 1% to 6.75%).

• Gross Monthly Income: $11,084
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$2,800
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$8,284

Now, let's factor in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $745/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 92.6 (100 is the US average). This means your money goes further here.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Income	$8,284	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$745	This is the city average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150 - $200	Can be higher in winter for heating.
Groceries	$400 - $500	Comparable to national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential; public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	Varies by employer plan.
Retirement (401k 10%)	$1,108	Post-tax contribution.
Discretionary/Food Out	$1,000+	Plenty left for savings, travel, etc.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Great Falls hovers around $275,000, a stark contrast to markets like Bozeman ($550,000+). With a net take-home of over $8,000, a mortgage on a $280,000 home (with a $50,000 down payment) would be roughly $1,400/month. This is very manageable, making homeownership a realistic goal for most pharmacists here within a few years of starting.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market is anchored by a few key players. Hiring is consistent but competitive, especially for hospital and specialty roles.

1. Benefis Health System: The largest employer in the region. This is your primary hospital system, with a main campus and multiple clinics. They have a strong pharmacy team, a dedicated oncology pharmacy, and a busy inpatient service. Hiring trends: They prioritize internal candidates but post openings for PICs and clinical specialists regularly. Your best bet is to network with their pharmacy directors.

2. Logan Health (formerly Kalispell Regional): While the main hospital is in Kalispell, Logan Health operates a significant pediatric and specialty clinic in Great Falls. They often have openings for pediatric pharmacists or those with specialty compounding experience.

3. Great Falls Clinic: A large multi-specialty physician group with an attached hospital. Their pharmacy team is integrated with outpatient care, making it a great spot for pharmacists who enjoy direct collaboration with physicians.

4. Safeway & Albertsons (Pharmacy Division): These major grocery chains have multiple locations. They offer stable, community-focused roles with good benefits. Hiring is often driven by retirements or expansion. Insider Tip: Being friendly with the store managers can give you a heads-up on upcoming openings before they're posted.

5. CVS & Walgreens (Retail): National chains with several locations. They often have roles for new graduates and offer structured training programs. Turnover can be higher here, so openings are more frequent, but the environment is fast-paced.

6. VA Montana Health Care System (Fort Harrison): Located just outside Great Falls, the VA is a major employer with a dedicated pharmacy. Federal jobs come with excellent benefits and job security. Hiring often happens through USAJOBS.gov, and they value prior VA or federal experience.

7. Montana State University (MSU) - Northern: While not a traditional employer, the nursing and allied health programs sometimes need pharmacy consultants or offer adjunct roles. It's a great way to get involved in the academic side.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana requires a license from the Montana Board of Pharmacy. The process is straightforward but requires attention to detail.

1. Education & Examination: You must be a graduate of an ACPE-accredited Pharm.D. program and have passed the NAPLEX. The MPJE (Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Exam) is also required for Montana.
2. Fingerprinting & Background Check: You'll need to complete a fingerprint-based criminal history check through the Montana Department of Justice.
3. Application & Fees: Submit your application online via the Board's website. As of recent data, the initial licensing fee is approximately $200, with a temporary permit fee of $50. The total cost for exams, application, and background check can run $500 - $800.
4. Timeline: From submitting a complete application to receiving a license, plan for 4-8 weeks. If you need a temporary permit to start work sooner, that can be issued in 1-2 weeks.

Insider Tip: The Montana Board of Pharmacy is known for being efficient but strict. Ensure all documents are notarized if required, and double-check your MPJE code (you'll need the Montana-specific one).

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacists

Great Falls is geographically spread out, so your commute and lifestyle will depend heavily on where you live.

1. Central Great Falls (Downtown & West Side): This is the historic heart. You're close to the Missouri River, the Great Falls Symphony, and local cafes. Commute to Benefis or the Great Falls Clinic is under 10 minutes. Rent Estimate: $650 - $850 for a 1BR. Ideal for those who want walkability and character.

2. Northside (Near 10th Ave N & 2nd St N): A quiet, residential area with easy access to I-15. It's family-friendly, with good schools and parks. Commute to any major employer is 10-15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $700 - $800 for a 1BR. Perfect for a low-key, suburban feel.

3. Southside (Near 9th Ave S & 23rd St S): This area is convenient for commuters and has a mix of older homes and newer apartments. It's close to shopping centers and has a straightforward commute to the VA hospital. Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR. A practical choice for professionals.

4. Sun River (West of I-15): A newer subdivision with modern homes and apartments. It's a bit further from downtown but offers newer builds and more space. Commute to Benefis is about 15 minutes. Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR. Best for those who prioritize modern amenities.

5. Fort Harrison (VA Area): If you work at the VA, living here gives you a nearly zero-minute commute. It's a quiet, almost park-like setting. Rent Estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR. A niche choice for VA employees.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While the -3% growth might seem concerning, it points to a maturing market where advancement is about specialization and leadership, not new positions.

• Specialty Premiums: In Great Falls, specialists in oncology, infectious disease, and critical care can command salaries at the top of the senior range ($150,000+). The demand for these roles is tied directly to Benefis's expansions in cancer and heart care.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is from retail to hospital, then to a clinical specialist or manager. Another viable route is into consultancy—working with multiple rural clinics or long-term care facilities that don't need a full-time pharmacist.
• 10-Year Outlook: Don't expect dramatic growth. The future will be in telepharmacy (overseeing remote pharmacy services) and medication therapy management (MTM) for chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, which are prevalent in Montana. Pharmacists who can manage these programs will be invaluable.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a fantastic choice for pharmacists who value stability, affordability, and a close-knit community over the high energy and higher costs of larger metros.

Pros & Cons

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Job Openings: The market is small; you may need to wait for the right role.
Homeownership is Achievable: The barrier to entry is low.	Smaller Professional Network: Fewer conferences and networking events locally.
Strong Sense of Community: Patients know you, and you know them.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be disruptive.
Outdoor Access: Unrivaled access to hiking, fishing, and hunting.	Cultural Scene is Limited: Fewer restaurants, concerts, and museums than a big city.
Stable Employers: Major hospitals and chains offer good benefits.	Slower Pace: Can feel isolated if you crave constant stimulation.

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is ideal for pharmacists who are in the mid-to-senior stage of their career, are looking to buy a home, and want a work-life balance that includes significant time outdoors. It's less ideal for new graduates seeking a vast array of entry-level roles or those who need an urban cultural scene. If you value stability over rapid growth, and community over anonymity, Great Falls could be the perfect fit.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for new pharmacy graduates?
A: It's moderately competitive. While there are only 120 jobs, openings for new grads appear primarily in retail chains (CVS, Walgreens, Safeway). Getting a hospital job right out of school is harder but possible with a strong internship or residency connection. Networking with local pharmacists during your final year is key.

Q: What's the work-life balance like?
A: Generally excellent. Most roles are standard 9-to-5 or consistent shifts (e.g., 7a-3p, 3p-11p). Overtime is not common unless you're in a managerial role during a staffing shortage. The community-oriented nature means you're not just a number, but the pace of work is manageable.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote or telepharmacy work?
A: Yes, but they're not as prevalent as in larger states. Some Montana-based companies hire pharmacists to oversee automated dispensing systems in rural clinics. It's a growing niche, so it's worth mentioning your interest in telehealth during interviews.

Q: How does the cost of healthcare and insurance compare?
A: Excellent. Montana's insurance premiums are among the lowest in the nation, and with a median salary of $133,010, your employer-sponsored benefits will be very affordable. Out-of-pocket costs for care are also reasonable.

Q: Is it easy to get licensed if I'm from out of state?
A: Very straightforward. Montana is part of the NABP's licensure transfer system. If you already hold a license in another state and have passed the NAPLEX/MPJE, you can often get licensed via reciprocity more quickly. Check the Montana Board of Pharmacy for the latest reciprocity agreements.