Project Manager in Great Falls, MT

A Local's Guide to Project Management in Great Falls, Montana

As someone who’s spent years navigating the professional landscape in Montana, I can tell you that Great Falls offers a unique blend of opportunity and lifestyle that’s hard to find elsewhere. It’s not the bustling tech hub of Bozeman or the state capital of Helena, but it’s a robust, self-sufficient city with a strong industrial and governmental backbone. For a Project Manager, this translates into a stable market with a reasonable cost of living and a community that values practical skill. This guide is for the PM who wants the real picture—no fluff, just the data and on-the-ground insights you need to decide if Great Falls is your next career move.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

Let’s cut straight to the numbers. In Great Falls, the median salary for a Project Manager is $99,031/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.61/hour. This places the local market slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but the gap is minimal—less than 2%. More importantly, the cost of living here is significantly lower, which we’ll unpack later.

The job market itself is tight but stable. There are approximately 120 Project Manager jobs in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which aligns with national trends but suggests a steady, reliable demand rather than a boom-or-bust cycle. This is typical for Great Falls: growth is paced, not explosive.

To give you a clearer picture of the salary progression, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and BLS data, adjusted for the Great Falls market.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Salary Range (Great Falls, MT)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-3 years	$70,000 - $85,000	Assisting senior PMs, managing smaller project components, data tracking, stakeholder communication.
Mid-Level	4-7 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Managing full project lifecycles, budget oversight, team leadership, risk mitigation.
Senior/Lead	8-12 years	$110,000 - $135,000	Complex project portfolios, strategic planning, cross-departmental coordination, client/contract management.
Expert/Director	13+ years	$135,000+	Departmental leadership, program strategy, high-level stakeholder management, business development.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities: Great Falls offers a compelling balance. While Billings might have a slightly higher median salary (closer to $104,000), its housing costs are also higher. Missoula and Bozeman, with their larger university and tech sectors, can see salaries for specialized PMs climb higher ($105,000-$115,000+), but the competition is fiercer and the cost of living, especially housing, is dramatically more expensive. Great Falls is the pragmatic choice for PMs who value stability and affordability over a hyper-competitive market.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is just the start. The real question is, what does your take-home pay look like, and can it support a comfortable life? Let’s run the numbers for a Project Manager earning the median of $99,031.

• Gross Annual Salary: $99,031
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~25% (This is a conservative estimate; your actual rate depends on filing status, deductions, etc.) = $24,758
• Net Annual Income: $74,273
• Net Monthly Income: $6,189

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR Apartment, City Average): $745
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Car Payment & Insurance (MT has high premiums): $450
• Gas & Maintenance: $150
• Groceries: $400
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $300
• Retirement Savings (10%): $619
• Discretionary Spending (Dining, Entertainment, Travel): $1,085
• Remaining Buffer: $1,240

This budget leaves a healthy buffer for savings, unexpected expenses, or hobbies. The key here is the $745/month rent for a 1-bedroom apartment, which is a fraction of what you’d pay in Missoula or Bozeman.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. Great Falls has one of the most affordable housing markets in the U.S. For a Project Manager earning $99,031, homeownership is very attainable. The median home price in Great Falls hovers around $280,000. With a $56,000 down payment (20%), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,600-$1,700. This is still less than 30% of your net monthly income, which is the classic benchmark for affordability. Many PMs I know here own homes within 2-3 years of moving, often with a yard—something that’s a luxury in larger metros.

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Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

Great Falls’s job market is anchored by a few key sectors: aerospace/defense, healthcare, government, and agriculture. Project Managers are needed across all these fields, but the roles differ.

1. Malmstrom Air Force Base: As the city’s largest employer, Malmstrom is a constant source of opportunity. Project Managers here often work in facilities management, IT infrastructure, logistics, and program management for defense contracts. The work is stable, benefits are excellent, and security clearances can boost your long-term earning potential. Hiring is ongoing, often through contractors like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin on base.

2. Benefis Health System: The largest healthcare provider in the region. They hire Project Managers for IT system implementations (like new EHR systems), facility expansions, and process improvement initiatives within the hospital. The work is fast-paced and requires strong stakeholder management skills with clinical staff.

3. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The school district is a major employer and frequently seeks Project Managers for capital projects (new school constructions, renovations) and technology integration programs. These roles often require experience with public sector budgets and compliance.

4. Montana State University - Great Falls College (MSU-GF): The college hires project managers for facility upgrades, grant-funded programs, and new curriculum development. These roles offer a great work-life balance and are well-suited for PMs who enjoy an educational environment.

5. Agriculture & Food Processing: Companies like Hormel Foods (owner of the former Pilgrim’s Pride plant) and various local agricultural cooperatives require PMs for plant maintenance, supply chain logistics, and quality control system upgrades. This is a robust, year-round industry.

6. State & Local Government: The City of Great Falls, Cascade County, and various State of Montana agencies (like the Department of Transportation) often have openings for PMs to manage infrastructure projects, software rollouts, and public service initiatives. The hiring process can be slower but jobs are very secure.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at Malmstrom and larger contractors aren’t always posted publicly. Build a LinkedIn network focused on Great Falls professionals. A significant number of hires happen through referrals.

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Getting Licensed in MT

Unlike some professions, Project Management does not have a state-specific license in Montana. However, professional certifications are the industry standard and are often required or heavily preferred by employers.

• Key Certifications:

  • PMP (Project Management Professional): The gold standard. Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), it’s the most recognized certification globally. Cost: ~$400-$550 for the exam (more if you need a prep course).
  • CAPM (Certified Associate in Project Management): A great entry-level option from PMI for those with less experience. Cost: ~$225-$300.
  • Agile/Scrum Certifications (CSM, PMI-ACP): Increasingly valuable, especially in IT and software development roles. Cost: ~$500-$1,500 for training and exam.

• Timeline to Get Started:

  • No Certification: You can find work, especially in internal project coordination roles, but your ceiling will be lower. Start applying immediately.
  • With CAPM: 1-3 months of study. This makes you competitive for entry-to-mid-level roles. Ideal for career-changers.
  • With PMP: Requires 36-60 months of leading projects (depending on education). This is a 4-6 month process if you need to meet the experience hours, plus study time. This certification is a career accelerator in Great Falls and puts you in the top tier of candidates.

There is no state board for project management. All requirements are determined by the employer. My advice: If you don’t have a PMP, get it. It pays for itself in the first year.

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Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Great Falls is a sprawling city, but neighborhoods are distinct. Your choice impacts commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Best For
Sun River / West Side	Quiet, established residential area. 10-15 min commute to downtown or Malmstrom. Mature trees, larger lots.	$700 - $850	PMs seeking a family-friendly, suburban feel with easy access to parks and the river.
Hillcrest / North Side	Historic charm, close to downtown and the University. Walkable to coffee shops and restaurants. Older homes, some rentals.	$650 - $800	Younger professionals or those who want a shorter commute and more urban energy.
South Side / Black Eagle	More affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. Direct access to I-15 for commuting to Malmstrom or the industrial park.	$600 - $750	Budget-conscious PMs who don’t mind a 15-20 minute commute and value space.
October / Rural Route 40	Eastern edge of the city, newer developments, and more modern housing. A bit further from downtown but close to big-box shopping.	$750 - $900	PMs who want a newer home, a short commute to the industrial park, and don’t mind driving a bit for dining.
Downtown Core	The hub of city life. Primarily apartments and condos. Walkable to the best restaurants, the Civic Center, and the river’s edge.	$800 - $1,100+	PMs who prioritize lifestyle, walkability, and an active social scene over square footage.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Great Falls is virtually nonexistent. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes from one edge of the city to the other. Choose your neighborhood based on lifestyle, not just proximity to work.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% 10-year job growth is steady, but advancement comes from specialization and networking, not just tenure.

• Specialty Premiums: In Great Falls, the highest premiums are for PMs with:

  • Security Clearances: Essential for Malmstrom and defense contractors. A TS/SCI clearance can command a 15-20% salary premium.
  • IT/Software Implementation: Experience with systems like EPIC (healthcare) or specific defense software is highly valued.
  • Construction & Engineering: PMPs with a PE (Professional Engineer) license or heavy construction experience are rare and can write their own ticket for public works projects.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from project coordinator to Project Manager to Senior PM. The next leap is to Program Manager (overseeing a portfolio of related projects) or Director of Operations/Projects. These roles are less common in Great Falls, so you may need to look at the regional level (e.g., for a company with offices in Billings and Great Falls) or consider remote leadership roles for companies based elsewhere but operating in Montana.

• 10-Year Outlook: The base industries (defense, healthcare, agriculture) are not going away. This provides long-term stability. The growth will be in the modernization of these sectors—digitizing agriculture, updating defense infrastructure, and improving healthcare IT. PMs who can bridge the gap between traditional industries and modern project methodologies (Agile, DevOps) will see the most growth.

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The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Affordability: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is within reach.	Limited High-End Specialties: Fewer niche roles compared to tech hubs.
Stability: Anchored by government and essential industries. Low unemployment.	Social & Cultural Scene: Smaller than Missoula or Bozeman. Fewer large concerts or events.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, access to outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, skiing).	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be harsh. Summers are beautiful but short.
Clear Career Paths: Defined roles in major local employers.	Networking: Smaller professional pool; requires active effort.
Low Competition: Easier to stand out and advance compared to larger metros.	Growth Ceiling: Senior leadership roles may require relocation or remote work.

Final Recommendation:
Great Falls is an excellent choice for Project Managers who are:

• Pragmatic and value financial stability.
• Outdoor enthusiasts who want immediate access to nature.
• Community-oriented and prefer a smaller city feel.
• Looking to buy a home and build equity early in their career.

It may not be the best fit for PMs seeking a hyper-competitive, fast-paced tech environment or a bustling, cosmopolitan nightlife. For the right person, however, Great Falls offers a rare and rewarding combination of a solid career and a high quality of life.

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FAQs

1. Can I find a Project Manager job in Great Falls without a PMP?
Yes, especially in internal roles within large employers like the school district or healthcare. However, for senior roles or positions with defense contractors, the PMP is often a non-negotiable requirement. It’s strongly recommended for long-term career growth.

2. How important is a security clearance?
If you want to work directly for Malmstrom AFB or a defense contractor on base, it’s critical. Some companies will sponsor clearances for the right candidate, but this can take 6-18 months. Having a clearance already is a massive advantage.

3. What are the main industries hiring PMs?
The big four are: 1) Aerospace/Defense, 2) Healthcare, 3) Government/Public Sector, and 4) Agriculture/Food Processing. A smaller but growing area is IT and software development, primarily supporting the larger industries.

4. Is remote work common for Project Managers in Great Falls?
It’s becoming more common, especially post-pandemic. However, many local employers (hospitals, schools, government) still prefer on-site or hybrid models. There’s also a growing number of Great Falls residents working remotely for companies based in other states. It’s a viable option if you have the right skills.

5. How do I start networking in Great Falls?
Join the local PMI Montana Chapter (they have events in Great Falls). Attend industry-specific mixers hosted by the Great Falls Association of Realtors or the Great Falls Development Authority. And don’t underestimate the power of a direct LinkedIn message to a Project Manager at Benefis or Malmstrom—people are generally open to a 15-minute coffee chat.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Great Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Zillow Rental Data, and local job postings.