Software Developer in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

As a local who's watched the tech scene in Billings evolve from a handful of IT shops to a more diverse ecosystem, I can tell you the salary story here is one of value. You're not going to find Silicon Valley paychecks, but your dollar stretches significantly further. The median salary for a Software Developer in Billings is $123,289/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.27/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, but the gap feels microscopic when you factor in the cost of living.

Here’s how experience typically translates into pay in our local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Billings)	Notes
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $95,000	Often starts with internships at local firms or remote positions.
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$110,000 - $130,000	This is where the median salary sits. You'll be leading smaller projects.
Senior-Level	7-10 years	$135,000 - $155,000	Requires architectural knowledge and team leadership.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$160,000+	Often in niche roles (e.g., cloud security, healthcare data systems).

When you compare Billings to other Montana cities, it holds its own. Bozeman and Missoula have higher nominal salaries, often pushing past $130,000, but their housing costs are dramatically higher. Billings offers a compelling middle ground: strong wages with a relatively modest cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your budget. Using the median salary of $123,289, here’s a rough monthly breakdown for a single filer (estimates based on Montana's 2024 tax brackets and standard deductions):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $10,274.08
• Federal Taxes (approx.): -$1,800
• Montana State Taxes (approx. 6.5%): -$667
• Social Security & Medicare (7.65%): -$786
• Net Take-Home (approx.): $7,021/month

Now, factor in the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Billings, which is $874/month. This leaves you with a substantial $6,147/month for all other expenses (utilities, groceries, car, entertainment, savings). This is a very comfortable position for most single professionals or dual-income households.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Billings hovers around $325,000. With a 20% down payment ($65,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would run you roughly $1,500-$1,600/month, including property taxes and insurance. That's still well within reach of your take-home pay, especially if you're a mid-level developer or above.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market isn't just about tech startups. Billings' economy is anchored in healthcare, energy, and agriculture, all of which need robust software systems. The metro area has roughly 725 software developer jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 17%, which is healthy. Here’s where you’ll find opportunities:

1. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare (SCL Health): These two major hospital systems are constantly hiring for developers to work on EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems, patient portals, and internal data analytics. They often have dedicated IT departments and work with major vendors like Epic and Cerner.
2. First Interstate Bank: Headquartered right here, this regional bank has a significant technology division. They need developers for mobile banking apps, online security, and core banking systems. It’s a stable, corporate environment with good benefits.
3. The Energy Sector (Refineries & Tech): Companies like ExxonMobil (Billings Refinery) and numerous mid-sized oil & gas service companies rely on custom software for logistics, environmental compliance, and equipment monitoring. Look for roles with titles like "IT Analyst" or "Systems Developer" at firms like Bridger Pipeline or Mountain West Energy.
4. Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings): The university’s College of Business and IT departments sometimes hire for internal systems development or as adjunct instructors. It’s a good networking hub.
5. Agricultural Tech: Billings is a hub for the region's agribusiness. Companies like Farmers Union Oil Company or Montana Flour and Grains often need developers for inventory, supply chain, and logistics software.
6. Remote Work Hubs: An increasing number of Billings developers work remotely for companies based in Seattle, Denver, or the Bay Area. The city is seeing a rise in co-working spaces like The Hub and Elevate Billings, making this a viable option.

Insider Tip: The local job market values reliability and problem-solving over flashy tech stacks. Highlight experience with legacy systems, database management (SQL is king here), and cross-functional collaboration.

Getting Licensed in MT

The good news: there is no state-specific license required to practice as a software developer in Montana. The profession is not regulated by a state board like engineering or architecture.

However, you may need specific certifications depending on your employer's industry:

• Healthcare (HIPAA): While not a license, understanding HIPAA compliance is crucial if you work for a hospital or clinic.
• Banking (PCI-DSS): If you work for a financial institution, knowledge of Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards is a must.
• General Certifications: Certifications from AWS (Amazon Web Services), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud are highly valued due to the prevalence of cloud-based solutions in local enterprises.

Timeline to Get Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately. If you need a specific certification (e.g., AWS Certified Solutions Architect), studying and testing can take 2-3 months of dedicated effort. Costs vary from $150-$300 per exam.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing where to live in Billings depends on your lifestyle. The city is spread out, but commutes are still manageable.

1. Downtown Billings: The heart of the city, with a growing tech and creative scene. You'll be near coffee shops, breweries, and networking events. Rent for a modern 1BR is higher, around $1,100-$1,400/month. Best for single professionals who want an urban feel and a short walk to local offices.
2. West End: A popular area with a mix of older homes and new developments. Offers easy access to major employers like Billings Clinic and downtown. Rent is moderate, about $900-$1,200/month for a 1BR. Good for those seeking a balance between city life and residential quiet.
3. Heights (North of Downtown): A more suburban, family-friendly area with good schools. Commutes are easy via Interstate 90. Rent is reasonable, often $800-$1,100/month. Ideal for developers with families or those who prefer a quieter, more residential neighborhood.
4. South Side: A historically working-class area that's seeing some revitalization. You can find the most affordable rents here, sometimes under $800/month for a 1BR. It's close to downtown but has a distinct character. Be sure to research specific blocks, as it's an area in transition.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Billings is not a major issue. The "rush hour" is short. Prioritize a neighborhood based on your lifestyle, not a 5-minute difference in commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth is less about jumping to a new startup every two years and more about deepening expertise and taking on leadership. The 17% job growth indicates opportunity, but it's concentrated.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with expertise in cloud architecture (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity (especially for healthcare/finance), and data engineering can command salaries at the top of the range. A senior cloud engineer at a major hospital or bank could easily earn $150,000+.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Developer to Senior Developer, then to Lead Developer or Engineering Manager. Because the teams are smaller, you often wear more hats, which can accelerate your leadership experience. Another path is to move from a developer role into a solutions architect or project manager position within a larger local company.
• 10-Year Outlook: The demand for developers who can bridge the gap between legacy systems (common in energy and agriculture) and modern cloud platforms will remain strong. The rise of remote work also means you can work for a Billings-based company while contributing to projects for a global client, keeping your skills sharp.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Local Networking: The tech community is small; you must be proactive.
No State License Required: Low barrier to entry.	Fewer Monolith Tech Companies: Less variety in large-scale tech employers.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Jobs in healthcare, energy, and finance provide stability.	Geographic Isolation: It's a long drive or flight to other major tech hubs.
Short Commutes & Easy Living: More time for life outside of work.	Colder, Winters: Can be long and harsh if you're not used to Montana weather.
Strong 10-Year Growth (17%): The market is expanding.	Smaller Candidate Pool: For very niche roles, you may be competing with remote applicants.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for Software Developers who value quality of life, financial stability, and a straightforward career path over the high-stakes, high-reward chaos of a major tech hub. It's ideal for mid-career developers looking to buy a home, raise a family, or for senior developers who want to become a big fish in a growing pond. If you're a fresh graduate wanting to work on cutting-edge AI in a bustling startup scene, you might feel constrained. But if you seek a sustainable career with a high degree of autonomy and a low-stress environment, Billings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a software developer job in Billings without a local network?
It's not impossible, but it's more challenging. Your best bet is to apply directly to the major employers listed (hospitals, banks, energy companies) and leverage LinkedIn. There's no large tech recruiting firm here, so you must be direct. The 725 jobs in the metro show there's a market, but it's tight-knit.

2. How does the remote work trend affect local salaries?
It's a double-edged sword. Local employers now compete with national salaries for remote workers, which can push local wages up over time. However, for those working remotely for a coastal company, Billings's low cost of living creates a massive financial advantage, as you can earn a $150,000+ salary while paying Billings rent.

3. What's the tech community like for networking?
It's small but active. Look for events hosted by The Hub, Elevate Billings, or the Montana Technology Council. The annual Billings Tech Summit is a key local event. You'll need to be intentional about building connections, often through community groups rather than large conferences.

4. Are there opportunities for developers to work in the renewable energy sector?
Yes, but it's emerging. Companies involved in wind energy (like those maintaining turbines east of the city) and solar projects are starting to need data monitoring and logistics software. It's not as robust as the traditional energy sector yet, but it's a growing niche.

5. What's the best way to prepare for a move to Billings as a software developer?
First, secure a job offer. Second, research neighborhoods based on your lifestyle (use the guide above). Third, prepare for the climate—invest in a good winter coat, headlights for your car, and snow tires. Finally, connect with a local real estate agent early if you're considering buying; the market moves quickly, and a good agent can be invaluable.