Pharmacy Technician in Great Falls, MT

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Pharmacy Technicians considering a move to Great Falls, Montana.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As a Pharmacy Technician in Great Falls, you’re stepping into a market with a distinct cost-of-living advantage, but salaries reflect the regional economy. The median salary here is $39,405/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $18.94/hour. It’s important to contextualize this against the national average of $40,300/year. While Great Falls pays slightly below the national median, the financial equation changes dramatically when you factor in Montana’s low cost of living.

The local job market is stable but not massive. There are approximately 120 jobs for pharmacy technicians in the Great Falls metro area. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is modest but steady, driven by an aging population and the continued expansion of retail and hospital pharmacy services. For comparison, larger Montana metros like Billings or Missoula may offer marginally higher salaries (typically 5-8% more), but the competition for those roles is also fiercer. In Great Falls, you’re more likely to find a supportive, community-oriented work environment.

To understand the full picture, it’s helpful to see how salaries progress with experience. While the median is $39,405, your earnings will climb as you gain certifications and specialized skills.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$33,000 - $36,000	$15.87 - $17.31
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$38,000 - $41,000	$18.27 - $19.71
Senior-Level (5-10 years)	$42,000 - $46,000	$20.19 - $22.12
Expert/Specialist (10+ years)	$47,000+	$22.60+

When comparing Great Falls to other Montana cities, the trade-off becomes clear. Billings, the state's largest city, might offer a median salary closer to $41,000, but the average 1BR rent is also higher at around $850/month. In Great Falls, the lower rent gives you more purchasing power with a slightly lower salary. For a Pharmacy Technician prioritizing affordability and a slower pace of life, Great Falls is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. Earning the median salary of $39,405 means your monthly take-home pay after federal taxes, Montana state taxes (a flat 6.75%), and Social Security/Medicare will be approximately $2,650. This is a realistic estimate for a single filer with no dependents.

Here’s what a monthly budget looks like for an entry-level to mid-level Pharmacy Technician in Great Falls:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Apt)	$745	Average for the metro; varies by neighborhood
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Internet)	$160	Winter heating costs can spike in older buildings
Groceries	$300	Competitive prices at local chains like Albertsons
Transportation (Gas/Car Ins.)	$180	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance	$200	Varies widely; often subsidized by employers
Misc. & Savings	$1,065	Discretionary spending, debt, retirement, savings
Total	$2,650	Matches estimated take-home pay

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, it’s very feasible here. The Cost of Living Index is 92.6 (US avg = 100), making Great Falls significantly more affordable than the national average. The median home price in Great Falls is around $240,000. With your estimated budget, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) for a starter home could be between $1,200 - $1,400. While this is higher than your rent, it’s manageable with a dual-income household or as you move into a senior-level salary. Many local Pharmacy Technicians do transition to homeownership within 3-5 years of starting their careers here.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market for Pharmacy Technicians in Great Falls is anchored by a mix of large healthcare systems, national retail chains, and regional facilities. Hiring trends show a consistent demand for Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT), especially in hospital settings.

Here are the primary employers to target:

1. Benefis Health System: The largest employer in the region. Their main hospital on 15th Avenue South houses a busy inpatient pharmacy. They also have outpatient pharmacies. Insider Tip: Benefis often posts jobs directly on their website before they hit major job boards. They value candidates with IV compounding experience and strong clinical knowledge.

2. Great Falls Clinic (Billings Clinic Network): A major multi-specialty clinic with an attached hospital and several retail pharmacies throughout the city. They have a strong focus on outpatient care, making their pharmacy roles fast-paced and patient-facing. Hiring is steady, especially for technicians who can work at the main clinic pharmacy on 10th Avenue South.

3. CVS Pharmacy & Walgreens: Multiple locations throughout Great Falls, including high-traffic stores in the Sunrise Village and Hillcrest neighborhoods. These are classic retail pharmacy jobs—fast-paced, with heavy customer interaction. Turnover can be higher here, so openings appear frequently. Certification (CPhT) is a major advantage for these roles.

4. Albertsons (Safeway) Pharmacy: A key local retail player with several stores. They offer a community-focused environment and often provide good training for new technicians. The stores on 3rd Street NW and Central Avenue are major hubs.

5. Veterans Affairs (VA) Montana Healthcare System - Great Falls CBOC: The Community-Based Outpatient Clinic on 6th Avenue South offers a unique government pharmacy role. The pace is generally more structured than retail, with a strong emphasis on accuracy and protocol. Federal jobs come with excellent benefits and job security, but the hiring process can be slower.

6. Northwest Pharmacy Services: A local long-term care (LTC) pharmacy that serves nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Montana. This is a fantastic niche for technicians who prefer a non-retail, non-hospital environment. The work is focused on packaging and preparing medications for bulk delivery.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable. The 6% 10-year growth reflects the need to replace retiring technicians and fill new positions in expanding outpatient services. Evening and weekend shifts are commonly available, especially in retail. Hospital roles often require more flexibility for on-call or weekend rotations.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing process is straightforward and managed by the Montana Board of Pharmacy. You do not need to be nationally certified (CPhT) to work as a Pharmacy Technician, but all technicians must be registered with the state.

State-Specific Requirements & Costs:

• Registration: You must apply for and receive a Pharmacy Technician Registration from the Montana Board of Pharmacy.
• Application Fee: $25 (paid to the Board).
• Background Check: Required. A fingerprint-based criminal history check costs approximately $30-$45 through a vendor approved by the Board.
• Training: Montana does not mandate a specific formal training program. However, employers will almost always require on-the-job training. Completing an accredited Pharmacy Technician program (which typically costs $1,000-$3,000 and takes 6-12 months) is highly recommended and will make you a more competitive candidate.
• National Certification: While not required by the state, getting your CPhT (Certified Pharmacy Technician) credential through the PTCB is the single best career move you can make. It significantly increases your salary potential, job options (especially in hospitals), and credibility. Most employers in Great Falls with a structured career path will expect or strongly encourage certification after 1-2 years of experience.

Timeline to Get Started:
If you are starting from scratch (no training, no certification):

1. Month 1: Enroll in an accredited Pharmacy Technician program (online or at a local college like Great Falls College MSU).
2. Months 2-6: Complete coursework and required lab hours. While studying, you can apply for your Montana Pharmacy Technician Registration with the Board of Pharmacy.
3. Month 6: Graduate from your program. You are now eligible to seek an entry-level job. You can also sit for the PTCB exam to earn your CPhT (recommended).
4. Month 7-8: Secure a job. The total time from starting training to being hired is typically 6-9 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Pharmacy Technicians

Great Falls is spread out, but neighborhoods cluster around key commercial and medical corridors. Your choice will depend on your commute tolerance and lifestyle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Best For...
Sunrise Village	Central, walkable, older, tree-lined. Close to downtown and Benefis.	$650 - $750	Technicians wanting a central location with character. Easy commute to most employers.
Hillcrest	Quiet, residential, established. Near the Great Falls Clinic and retail hubs.	$700 - $800	Those who prefer a peaceful, suburban feel with a short drive to work.
River's Edge	Newer development. Modern apartments, close to the Missouri River.	$850 - $950	A younger professional seeking modern amenities and a scenic setting.
Southside	Economical, no-frills. Close to the VA Clinic and some retail chains.	$600 - $700	Budget-conscious technicians willing to sacrifice proximity to downtown for lower rent.
Downtown	Urban, walkable, historic. Close to some clinics and pharmacies.	$700 - $900	The "city" vibe seeker. Commute to hospitals or major retailers may be 10-15 minutes.

Insider Tip: The Sunrise Village and Hillcrest areas offer the best balance for Pharmacy Technicians. You’re never more than a 10-15 minute drive from any major employer, and the rental prices are reasonable. Avoid renting too far east unless you work at the VA Clinic or a specific retail location on the east side.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A Pharmacy Technician career in Great Falls is about building expertise and leveraging your CPhT certification for specialized roles.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IV Compounding (Sterile Products): Technicians with this skill, often gained in a hospital setting like Benefis, can command a premium of $2-$4/hour above the base rate.
  • Long-Term Care (LTC) Pharmacy: Experience with bulk packaging and LTC regulations is a valuable niche.
  • Compounding (Non-Sterile): Specialized in creating custom medications (creams, capsules) in a retail or specialty pharmacy setting.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Retail: Lead Technician → Pharmacy Manager (requires additional training/degree) → District Manager.
  • Hospital: Senior Technician → Lead Technician → Inventory Specialist → Pharmacy Buyer (requires certification).
  • Alternative Paths: Transition into pharmaceutical sales, medical insurance, or pharmacy informatics with additional education.

10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is conservative. The real opportunity lies in the retirement of the baby boomer generation of technicians. As they leave, positions open up for advancement. If you obtain your CPhT and seek out IV or compounding experience, you can position yourself as a top-tier technician in Great Falls, making you virtually recession-proof in this market.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is not for everyone, but for the right Pharmacy Technician, it can be an excellent career and life choice.

Pros	Cons
High Affordability: Low rent and cost of living make a $39,405 salary go far.	Lower Salary Ceiling: Pay is below national average; significant raises require promotions.
Stable Job Market: Reliable employers in healthcare and retail with steady openings.	Limited Advancement: Fewer large hospital systems compared to Billings or Missoula.
Short Commutes: You can get to work in 10-15 minutes from almost any neighborhood.	Isolation: It's a remote city; travel to other metros is long.
Outdoor Access: Gateway to the Rocky Mountains, Missouri River, and incredible hiking.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, snowy winters can be a challenge.
Sense of Community: Less anonymous than larger cities; you’ll know your coworkers and patients well.	Limited Diversity: Cultural and dining options are more limited than in major metros.

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is an ideal choice for a Pharmacy Technician who values work-life balance, affordability, and a slower pace of life. If your goal is to own a home, enjoy outdoor activities, and work in a community where you’re recognized, this is a fantastic fit. It’s less suitable for someone seeking a fast-paced, high-salary corporate career or who craves a bustling, diverse urban environment.

FAQs

Q: Do I need to be certified (CPhT) to get a job in Great Falls?
A: No, Montana state law does not require national certification. However, most competitive employers (especially hospitals like Benefis) strongly prefer or require CPhT certification. It is highly recommended for career growth and higher pay.

Q: How competitive is the job market with only 120 jobs?
A: The market is stable but not overflowing. With 120 jobs in a metro of 60,412 people, competition is moderate. Having a good resume, a professional attitude, and being willing to work retail or flexible shifts will get you hired. The 6% growth indicates new positions are being created.

Q: Is the winter weather really that bad for commuting to a pharmacy job?
A: Yes, it can be. Great Falls averages over 50 inches of snow annually. Most employers are well-prepared, and roads are plowed quickly. However, you must plan for a reliable vehicle with good tires and allow extra commute time from December to March. Many pharmacies are located on main arterial roads, which are prioritized for clearing.

Q: Can I live in Great Falls without a car?
A: It is extremely difficult. Public transportation (Metro Transit) exists but is limited in routes and hours. Most neighborhoods and all major employers are designed for car travel. A vehicle is considered a necessity for reliable employment as a Pharmacy Technician here.

Q: What's the best way to find a Pharmacy Technician job in Great Falls?
A: Start with direct applications on the websites of Benefis, Great Falls Clinic, CVS, and Walgreens. Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also check the Montana Department of Labor & Industry's job board. Networking at local events or through the Montana Pharmacy Association can also yield leads. As a local, I’ve often seen jobs filled through word-of-mouth before they’re ever posted online.