The Billings Plumber: A Career and Relocation Guide

Billings isn't just Montana’s largest city; it’s the commercial and healthcare hub of a vast region stretching across two states. For a plumber, this means steady, consistent work. The city’s growth is tied to its role as a service center, not a tech boom, which translates to stable demand for skilled tradespeople. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local job market, and the day-to-day reality of being a plumber in the Magic City.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

The financial outlook for plumbers in Billings is solid, especially when stacked against the local cost of living. While the median salary sits slightly below the national average, the purchasing power in Montana is significantly higher.

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

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Salary Range (Billings)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $55,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$58,000 - $68,000
Senior/Lead	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000
Expert/Owner	15+ years	$85,000+ (potential for $100k+)

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior often comes with taking on more complex commercial or industrial projects. Specializing in medical gas piping (for hospitals) or hydronic heating systems can push you into the higher end of that range quickly.

In Billings, the Median Salary is $61,373/year, and the Hourly Rate is $29.51/hour. This is the baseline for a mid-career plumber. Compare this to the National Average of $63,350/year, and you see a small gap. However, with the Cost of Living Index at 89.6 (where the U.S. average is 100), your dollar stretches about 10% further here than the national average. This effectively closes the salary gap.

For context, here’s how Billings compares to other major Montana cities for plumbers:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (Est.)	Key Industries
Billings	$61,373	89.6	Healthcare, Energy, Agriculture
Bozeman	$63,500+	110+	Tourism, Tech, University
Missoula	$60,000+	105	University, Healthcare
Great Falls	$59,800	92	Military, Agriculture

Bozeman and Missoula have higher nominal salaries but are dramatically more expensive. Billings offers the best overall balance of wage and affordability for a plumber in Montana.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after Uncle Sam and your landlord get their share. Let’s break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the $61,373 median salary.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,114
• Taxes: Estimated ~25% for federal, FICA, and state (Montana has a progressive income tax). After taxes, take-home pay is roughly $3,835/month.
• Rent: Using the $874/month average for a 1BR apartment. We'll use this as a baseline.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,835
• Rent (1BR): -$874
• Utilities (Gas, Electric, Water, Internet): -$250
• Car Payment/Insurance (Montana has high rates): -$450
• Groceries & Household: -$400
• Health Insurance (if not fully covered): -$300
• Discretionary/Savings: $1,161

This leaves a healthy cushion for savings, debt repayment, or leisure. The key is that housing costs are manageable. In Bozeman, a 1BR can easily cost $1,400+, consuming a much larger chunk of this same take-home pay.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Billings is around $360,000. With a strong credit score and a 10% down payment ($36,000), a mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,000-$2,200/month. On the $61,373 salary, this is about 50% of your gross income, which is tight but feasible for a dual-income household. As a single plumber moving into senior roles ($70,000+), a home purchase becomes very attainable.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

With a metro population of 120,874, Billings has a robust network of employers. The Jobs in Metro: 241 figure (likely from BLS) refers specifically to "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters," indicating a stable, non-saturated market.

Here are the primary employers and where to find work:

1. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare (Part of CommonSpirit Health): These are the two major hospital systems. They are constantly hiring for in-house maintenance plumbers and contract with local firms for large-scale projects. Medical gas piping certification is a huge plus here.
2. School Districts (Billings Public Schools, Yellowstone County School Districts): School facilities require constant upkeep, from routine repairs to major renovations. These are stable, government jobs with good benefits.
3. City of Billings & Yellowstone County: Public works departments handle water mains, sewer lines, and municipal building projects. Jobs are listed on their official websites and offer strong pensions.
4. Major Construction & Mechanical Firms: Companies like Lloyd's Mechanical, H & H Mechanical, and R&R Mechanical are the big players in commercial/industrial construction. They handle everything from new apartment complexes to oil and gas facility work.
5. Agricultural & Energy Sector: Surrounding farms, ranches, and the refineries (like the one in Laurel, just west of Billings) need plumbers for process piping, irrigation systems, and facility maintenance.
6. Property Management Companies: Large firms managing apartment complexes (like The Dalan Group) and commercial properties always need reliable plumbers for service calls.
7. Self-Employment/Small Business: With a low barrier to entry and steady demand for residential service, many plumbers strike out on their own. The 10-Year Job Growth of 6% suggests a healthy market for both employees and entrepreneurs.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward specialization. General service plumbers are always needed, but those with expertise in CCTV drain inspection, trenchless pipe repair, or commercial fire sprinkler systems are in higher demand and can command premium rates.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing is handled by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI), specifically the Plumbers and Gasfitters Program. It’s a straightforward process but requires dedication.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You must complete a registered apprenticeship program. This combines 2,000 hours of on-the-job training per year with 144 hours of classroom instruction. In Billings, the primary route is through the Billings Plumbers & Pipefitters Local Union 30 or a non-union program with a local contractor.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing the apprenticeship, you must pass the Montana Journeyman Plumber exam. This is a state-specific exam covering plumbing codes.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires at least two years as a licensed journeyman and passing a more comprehensive exam. This is necessary to pull permits and run your own business.
4. Gasfitter License: A separate license, but often pursued concurrently. It requires passing a specific gasfitter exam.

Timeline and Costs:

• Total Time: 4-5 years from starting an apprenticeship to becoming a licensed journeyman.
• Apprenticeship Costs: Union apprenticeships typically have low tuition (often covered by union dues) and provide a wage that increases with experience. Non-union programs may have modest tuition fees.
• Exam Fees: The journeyman exam fee is $125 (check the DLI website for current rates). The master plumber exam is $150.
• Continuing Education: Montana requires 8 hours of continuing education every two years for license renewal.

Insider Tip: Start your apprenticeship search with Local Union 30. Even if you don't join the union, their training center is a top-tier resource. They often have lists of non-union contractors seeking apprentices.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Billings is easy to navigate, with commutes rarely exceeding 20 minutes. Your best neighborhoods depend on your lifestyle and where you work.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Plumbers
West End	Family-friendly, older homes, close to major employers like St. Vincent.	$850 - $950	Central location. Short drive to downtown, hospitals, and commercial districts. Good for service plumbers.
Downtown/Rims	Urban, walkable, mix of apartments and historic homes.	$900 - $1,100	Close to the core business district. Ideal if you work for a downtown-based contractor or want to minimize commute.
Lockwood	East of the Yellowstone River, growing suburbs, more modern homes.	$800 - $900	Affordable, quick access to I-90. Good for plumbers working on new construction in the eastern suburbs.
Heights	Northeast of downtown, established, quiet, with great views.	$850 - $950	Popular with families. Slightly longer commute to the west side but still under 15 minutes. Great for established journeymen.
Southside	Older, charming neighborhood near Colorado Avenue.	$750 - $850	Most affordable option. Comprises many older homes, which means constant repair and renovation work.

Commute Insight: Billings traffic is minimal. The main arteries are I-90 (east-west) and US-212 (north-south). Living anywhere in the metro area makes you accessible to most job sites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth of 6% projects steady, stable expansion. This isn't a boomtown; it's a reliable market.

Specialty Premiums:

• Medical Gas Piping: Can add $3-$5/hour to your wage. Essential for hospital work.
• Backflow Prevention Certification: Required for many commercial properties. Opens doors to steady inspection and maintenance contracts.
• Gasfitter License: Almost mandatory for a well-rounded career, especially in Montana’s cold climate where gas heating is ubiquitous.

Advancement Paths:

1. Field to Office: Move from wrench-turning to project estimating or management.
2. Specialist to Business Owner: Start a niche business (e.g., trenchless repair, hydronic heating).
3. Union Leadership: For union members, moving into a business agent or training coordinator role.

10-Year Outlook: The core driver is replacement. Billings has a lot of housing stock built in the 70s and 80s, with plumbing systems reaching end-of-life. This guarantees a steady stream of residential repipes. Commercial growth in healthcare and logistics will provide large-project opportunities.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $61,373 salary goes far.	Winters are Harsh: Snow, ice, and sub-zero temps can make outdoor work challenging.
Stable, Diverse Job Market: Not reliant on a single industry.	Limited "Big City" Amenities: No major sports teams, limited high-end dining/shopping.
Short Commutes & Easy Navigation: More time at home, less in traffic.	Isolation: You're geographically isolated. Travel to other major cities requires a flight or long drive.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are minutes away.	Growth Ceiling: Salaries cap lower than in major coastal metros.
Strong Apprenticeship Networks: Clear path to licensure.	Competitive Housing Market: While affordable, inventory can be tight.

Final Recommendation:
Billings is an ideal city for plumbers who value stability, affordability, and work-life balance over chasing the highest possible salary. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the outdoors, don’t mind real seasons, and want to establish roots in a community where skilled trades are respected. The path to a comfortable, debt-free life—including homeownership—is very clear here. If you're an early-career plumber or a mid-career professional seeking a change, Billings offers a pragmatic and rewarding career destination.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a union to get work in Billings?
A: No. Billings has a healthy mix of union (Local 30) and non-union contractors. Both pathways lead to well-paid, licensed careers. Union jobs often have stronger benefit packages, while non-union shops may offer more flexibility.

Q: What's the demand for residential vs. commercial work?
A: Both are strong. Commercial work (hospitals, schools, new construction) often pays more and offers larger projects. Residential service and repair provides more consistent work and is the easiest path to starting your own business.

Q: Is the 6% job growth enough for new arrivals?
A: Yes, because the market isn't saturated. Growth, combined with retirements and natural churn, creates ongoing opportunities for new journeymen. Don't expect explosive growth, but steady openings.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship?
A: Contact the Billings Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 30 directly. Also, check the Montana DLI website for registered non-union programs. Applying to local mechanical contractors directly is also effective.

Q: What's the hardest part about plumbing in Billings?
A: The winter. Buried lines can freeze if not properly installed or insulated, and emergency calls in -20°F weather are part of the job. Having the right cold-weather gear is essential.