The Plumber's Guide to Great Falls, Montana

If you're a plumber looking to make a move to the "Electric City," you're in the right place. Great Falls isn't the biggest metro in Montana, but it has a unique, steady demand for skilled trades that’s deeply tied to its military presence, agricultural backbone, and aging housing stock. As a local who’s watched this city’s economy ebb and flow, I can tell you the work is here—but it’s not the same as in Bozeman or Missoula. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, and firsthand knowledge of the local job market. Let’s get into the real numbers and the on-the-ground realities.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

When you’re crunching the numbers for a move, the median salary is your anchor. In Great Falls, the median annual wage for plumbers is $61,943, which breaks down to a solid $29.78 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the cost-of-living advantage more than makes up for it (more on that later).

The job market is niche but stable. The metro area has approximately 120 plumber jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s consistent, driven by maintenance needs, new construction on the fringes, and the constant upkeep required for the city’s large military and healthcare facilities.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how pay scales with experience in this market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter, reflecting the typical progression you’d see from a first-year apprentice to a seasoned master.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Great Falls)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years (Licensed Apprentice)	$45,000 - $52,000	Assisting journeymen, learning code, basic drips and clogs, common fixture installs.
Mid-Level	3-7 years (Licensed Journeyman)	$58,000 - $68,000	Leading service calls, complex repairs, new rough-ins for residential, some commercial work.
Senior-Level	8-15 years (Lead Tech/Specialist)	$68,000 - $78,000	Commercial/industrial projects, boiler work, mentoring apprentices, estimating.
Expert/Master	15+ years (Master Plumber/Owner)	$78,000+	Business ownership, complex system design, commercial contract management, code consulting.

How does this compare to other Montana cities?

• Billings (Montana's largest metro): Salaries are generally 2-5% higher due to a larger commercial construction market, but rents are also about 15% higher. The job count is significantly higher.
• Bozeman: This is the high-growth outlier. Salaries for plumbers are often 10-15% above the state median, driven by extreme demand from new residential and tech-sector commercial builds. However, the cost of living (especially rent) is the highest in the state, often 40-50% above Great Falls. The work is plentiful but the financial equation is different.
• Missoula: Similar to Great Falls in median salary, but with a stronger university-driven economy and a more active commercial scene. Rents are typically 10-20% higher than in Great Falls.

Insider Tip: The $61,943 median is a solid benchmark for a skilled journeyman in Great Falls. If you’re coming from a coastal city with a much higher wage, remember the local context. Your purchasing power here can be equivalent to earning $75,000+ in Seattle or Denver.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get to what matters: can you live comfortably on this salary? Great Falls is one of the most affordable metros in the U.S., which is a massive advantage for tradespeople.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single plumber earning the median salary of $61,943/year. We’re assuming you’re a journeyman, filing as single with one allowance (a common scenario), and using the average 1BR rent of $745/month.

Category	Monthly Amount (Approx.)	Percentage of Take-Home
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,162	100%
Estimated Taxes (Fed, MT, FICA)	$1,150	22%
Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home)	$4,012	78%
Rent (1BR Average)	$745	19%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Trash)	$180	4.5%
Groceries	$350	9%
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$450	11%
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$250	6%
Retirement Savings (401k/IRA)	$300	7.5%
Personal/Discretionary	$737	18%
Remaining Buffer	$0	0%

This budget is tight but very manageable. The key is the $745/month rent. In this market, that’s a real number for a decent 1-bedroom apartment in areas like the North Side or near the Central Business District. In Bozeman, that same rent might get you a room in a shared house.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is where Great Falls shines for tradespeople. The median home price in Great Falls is around $260,000. With a $61,943 salary, a $52,000 down payment (20%), and good credit, you can secure a conventional mortgage. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200-$1,350. This is less than double your rent, making homeownership a realistic goal within a few years of saving.

Insider Tip: Many local plumbing companies offer a tool allowance or a van for service techs. If you can avoid a car payment, your budget flexibility increases dramatically. The city is spread out, but a reliable truck is part of the job.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The plumber job market in Great Falls is defined by a few key sectors: military, healthcare, and agriculture. You’re not finding high-rise corporate plumbing here; you’re finding service, repair, and maintenance on critical infrastructure.

Here are the major players you’ll encounter, from large employers to the backbone of the local trade.

1. The Malmstrom Legacy:

   • Malmstrom Air Force Base: This is the city’s economic engine. Base maintenance, family housing, and the massive infrastructure require constant plumbing work. Civilian contractors (like those from AECOM or Balfour Beatty) and base facilities staff are always hiring for journeyman plumbers. Security clearance can be a plus for some roles.
   • Veterans Affairs (VA) Montana Health Care System - Great Falls Clinic: The clinic and associated facilities have complex plumbing needs for medical gas lines, sterilization equipment, and general building maintenance. These are stable, union-ish jobs with excellent benefits.

2. Healthcare Giants:

   • Benefis Health System: As one of the largest employers in the region, Benefis operates a full-service hospital, clinics, and senior living facilities. Their facilities management team employs several plumbers for ongoing maintenance, renovations, and emergency call-outs. This is a prime target for union (UA Local 43) members.
   • Great Falls Clinic (now part of Intermountain): Another major medical facility with its own facilities department. Like Benefis, they prioritize reliability and long-term maintenance relationships.

3. The Commercial & Residential Contractors:

   • Bridger Builders Inc. & Harper & Sons, Inc.: These are two of the larger, more established general contractors in the area. They handle a lot of the new commercial and residential construction. They subcontract to plumbing companies, creating steady work for crews doing rough-ins and final fixtures.
   • Local Plumbing Companies: Companies like W.C. Peet & Sons (a 4th-generation local business), Parker’s Plumbing, and GFC Plumbing & Heating are the workhorses. They handle everything from residential service calls to commercial projects. This is where most of the 120+ jobs live. Hiring trends show a strong preference for licensed journeyman plumbers with at least 3-5 years of experience. Apprenticeships are available but competitive.

Hiring Trend Insight: There’s a noticeable gap in the mid-level (3-7 years) journeyman. Companies are actively recruiting from out-of-state, offering relocation assistance for the right candidate. The trend is toward plumbers who can handle gas line work (critical for heating and stoves) and have familiarity with PEX systems, which are common in new residential builds.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing is straightforward but essential. You cannot work as a plumber without proper credentials.

• Apprentice Plumber: No state license required, but you must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) and work under a licensed journeyman or master. The cost is minimal (a small registration fee).
• Journeyman Plumber: Requires 8,000 hours of documented apprenticeship and passing the Montana State Plumbing Board exam. The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC). Application fee is around $200, and the exam fee is $150. The timeline is typically 4 years of full-time work.
• Master Plumber: Requires 2 years as a licensed journeyman and passing the Montana Master Plumber exam. You must also have a business plan and proof of insurance if you intend to own a company. This is the gateway to starting your own shop.

The Process & Cost Breakdown:

1. Get Hired: Secure a job as an apprentice with a licensed contractor.
2. Log Hours: Meticulously log your 8,000 hours (approx. 4 years).
3. Prepare for Exam: Study the IPC and Montana amendments. Local trade schools (like Great Falls College MSU) offer prep courses.
4. Apply: Submit your application to the Montana Plumbing Board (part of DLI).
5. Exam & License: Take the exam. Upon passing, you’re a licensed journeyman plumber.

Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman Licensure:

• Apprentice Registration: $50
• Exam Prep Course (optional): $300 - $500
• Journeyman Application/Exam Fees: ~$350
• Total: ~ $750 (not including tools, which are a separate, significant investment).

Insider Tip: The Montana Plumbing Board website is your best friend. Keep all your apprenticeship records digital and backed up. Disputes over logged hours are the #1 reason for application delays.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Great Falls affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is compact, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes.

1. North Side (Sunrise & Fox Farm Corridors):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most job sites downtown or on the south side.
   • Lifestyle: Older, established neighborhoods with affordable homes (median $220k). Great for families. Close to the Missouri River trails for fishing and biking.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Plumbers who want to own a home quickly and appreciate a quiet, residential feel.

2. Central Business District (Downtown & South Central):

   • Commute: Walk or bike to most downtown offices and shops. For a plumber, you’re central to the commercial core.
   • Lifestyle: More apartment-heavy, with a growing scene of coffee shops and breweries. Older apartments in brick buildings. Can be noisy.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Younger, single plumbers who want to be near the action and minimize a car commute.

3. Sunrise & Fox Farm (East of the River):

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes. You’ll cross the Missouri River, which can be a minor bottleneck during the 5 PM rush (which is short-lived).
   • Lifestyle: Classic suburbia. Larger lots, newer homes (1990s-2000s), family-oriented. Close to shopping centers and schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR (more options for 2BRs).
   • Best For: Plumbers with families who prioritize school districts and space.

4. West Side & Black Eagle:

   • Commute: 10-20 minutes. This area is near the airport and has some industrial zones.
   • Lifestyle: More blue-collar, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Offers the most affordable home prices in the metro (median $200k). Close to the golf course and river.
   • Rent Estimate: $650 - $800 for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Budget-conscious plumbers, especially those who don’t mind a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: The river splits the city. Most of the major plumbing employers (Benefis, Malmstrom) are on the south side. Living on the north side means a daily commute across the Missouri River, but it’s a quick 10-minute drive with little traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Great Falls, career growth isn’t about jumping to a bigger company; it’s about specialization and adding value.

• Specialty Premiums: These skills can add $5-$10/hour to your base rate:

  • Medical Gas: Critical for hospitals and clinics. Requires additional certification from the American Medical Gas Association (AMGA). Highly sought after.
  • Boiler & Hydronic Heat: Essential for the long, cold winters. Many homes and commercial buildings use hot water or steam heating.
  • Backflow Prevention: Required for many commercial and agricultural clients. Certification is a one-day course but adds significant fee potential for service calls.
  • Fire Sprinkler Systems: A subset of plumbing that’s often handled by the same contractors. Requires a separate license but offers higher pay.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Tech to Lead Tech: You move from solo calls to managing a small crew and complex projects.
  2. Commercial/Industrial Specialist: Focus on larger projects (Malmstrom, Benefis renovations, new grain elevators). Pay is higher, but hours can be less predictable.
  3. Business Owner: With a Master Plumber license, you can start your own one- or two-truck operation. The startup cost is moderate (a service van, tools, insurance), but the profit margin on service work is high (50%+). The local market is not oversaturated; a reliable, honest plumber can build a solid reputation quickly.
  4. In-House Facilities Management: Transition to a salaried, benefits-heavy role with a large employer like Benefis or the City of Great Falls. Less physical strain, more predictable hours, but a ceiling on income compared to running your own business.

• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): This growth will be driven by replacement demand. Great Falls has a large stock of homes built from the 1970s-1990s, many with aging copper pipes. The push for energy efficiency will also create work for boiler replacements and better insulation. The military connection provides a buffer against recession. A plumber who adapts to new materials (PEX, PEX-A) and smart home water monitoring systems will be in the best position.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is a pragmatic choice for a plumber. It’s not a boomtown, but it’s a reliable market with a low barrier to entry for a comfortable lifestyle.

Pros for Plumbers	Cons for Plumbers
Low Cost of Living (92.6 Index): Your $61,943 salary goes very far. Homeownership is a realistic, short-term goal.	Limited High-Growth Trends: You won’t find the rapid commercial construction of Bozeman. The market is steady, not explosive.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Military, healthcare, and agriculture provide a recession-resistant job base.	Competitive Apprenticeship Slots: Getting into a good union (UA Local 43) or a top local contractor as an apprentice can be competitive.
Short Commutes: You can live cheaply and be at most job sites in 10-15 minutes.	Harsh Winters: Working in sub-zero temperatures is a real part of the job. Insulated gear and winterizing are essential skills.
Strong Trade Community: A tight-knit network of local contractors and suppliers. Reputation matters, and good work gets remembered.	Smaller Network: The professional and social scene is smaller. It may