Software Developer in Great Falls, MT

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Software Developers considering a move to Great Falls, Montana.

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The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

As a software developer, your earning potential is the first question on your mind. Let's cut through the noise and look at the data for Great Falls. The city offers a solid financial package for tech professionals, especially when you factor in the cost of living.

First, the raw numbers. The median salary for a Software Developer in Great Falls is $124,434 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.82. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260, but this modest gap is misleading. It’s crucial to view this figure through the lens of Montana's low cost of living, which I'll detail in the next section.

Experience is the single biggest driver of your salary. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and industry standards:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Responsibilities in Great Falls
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Supporting legacy systems, basic web development, QA automation, junior backend tasks.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Full-stack development, managing smaller projects, database design, moderate DevOps responsibilities.
Senior-Level (5-8 years)	$135,000 - $160,000	System architecture, leading development teams, mentoring juniors, complex backend or cloud infrastructure.
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$160,000+	Technical director, principal engineer, strategic tech planning, high-level system design and integration.

Insider Tip: In a smaller market like Great Falls, "senior" roles often demand a broader skillset. You're less likely to be a hyper-specialist (e.g., only Kubernetes) and more likely to be a "full-stack" or "systems" developer who can handle everything from the database to the UI. This versatility is highly valued and can accelerate your path to higher pay bands.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities:

• Bozeman: Higher salaries, often in the $130,000 - $140,000 range, but with significantly higher housing costs (average 1BR rent is $1,200+). The tech scene is more competitive and startup-focused.
• Missoula: Similar salary range to Great Falls ($120,000 - $130,000), with a slightly higher cost of living driven by a vibrant university and outdoor recreation scene.
• Billings: Often slightly lower salaries ($115,000 - $125,000) but also a lower cost of living, making it a strong competitor. Great Falls tends to have more government and aerospace-related tech jobs compared to Billings' energy and healthcare focus.

Great Falls strikes a balance: strong wages relative to the local economy and a cost of living that allows those wages to go much further than in major tech hubs or even other Montana cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A six-figure salary in Silicon Valley feels middle-class. In Great Falls, it provides a comfortable lifestyle. Let's break down a monthly budget for a mid-career developer earning the median salary of $124,434.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $10,369
• Taxes (Est. 28%): This includes federal, state (Montana has a progressive income tax), FICA. Your actual rate will vary.
• Rent: We'll use the citywide average of $745/month for a 1-bedroom apartment.
• Savings/Retirement (15%): A recommended savings rate.
• Utilities, Food, Transportation, Insurance: Based on average consumer expenditures in the region.

Category	Monthly Amount	Percentage of Gross	Notes
Gross Income	$10,369	100%
Taxes (Est.)	-$2,903	28%	Includes federal, Montana state tax, FICA.
Net Income (Take-Home)	$7,466	72%
Rent (1BR Avg.)	-$745	7%	Citywide average. See neighborhoods below for variance.
Utilities	-$180	2%	Electricity, heat, internet, water. Winter heating can be higher.
Groceries & Food	-$550	5%
Transportation	-$450	4%	Car payment, insurance, gas. A car is essential in Great Falls.
Health Insurance	-$300	3%	Varies by employer plan.
Entertainment & Misc.	-$600	6%	Dining out, hobbies, gear for outdoor activities.
Savings & Retirement	-$1,120	11%	15% of net income.
Remaining / Debt	$3,521	34%	Buffer for student loans, vacations, or aggressive savings.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Great Falls is around $260,000 - $280,000. With the substantial monthly surplus calculated above, a developer can comfortably save for a down payment. A 20% down payment on a $275,000 home is $55,000. With a monthly savings rate of over $3,500, that goal is achievable in under two years. Mortgage payments on such a home would likely be comparable to or less than rent in many larger markets. This is one of the biggest financial advantages of living and working in Great Falls.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The tech job market in Great Falls is stable, anchored by government, healthcare, and a growing aviation sector. While you won't find the dense startup scene of Bozeman, the opportunities are reliable and often come with excellent benefits.

1. Malmstrom Air Force Base: This is the economic engine of the city. As a civilian Software Developer, you'll work on systems related to missile maintenance, logistics, and base operations. Jobs are posted on USAJOBS.gov (search for "Great Falls, MT" and filter by "IT"). The hiring process is slow and requires patience (often 6-12 months), but the jobs are secure, offer federal benefits, and are crucial to the local tech ecosystem.
2. Benefis Health System: The largest hospital in the region needs developers for Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems (like Epic or Cerner), patient portals, and internal data management. They hire both full-time staff and contractors. Look for roles like "Healthcare Application Analyst" or "Systems Developer." This is a key area for those with an interest in health tech.
3. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The school district maintains its own IT infrastructure, student information systems, and learning platforms. Developer roles here are often focused on database management, system integration, and supporting educational software. It's a stable employer with a strong community connection.
4. Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Companies like MDA (formerly Space Systems Loral) and AAR Corp have a presence at Great Falls International Airport. They specialize in aircraft maintenance and satellite systems, which require software for simulation, diagnostics, and logistics. These roles often require a security clearance and experience with embedded systems or real-time data processing.
5. State of Montana - Great Falls Offices: Various state agencies (like the Department of Transportation or the judiciary) have regional IT offices. These jobs are listed on the State of Montana Careers website. Work involves maintaining state-level databases, public-facing websites, and internal applications.
6. Local IT Firms & Agencies: Smaller shops like Network Solutions Inc. or Acom Solutions provide IT services to local businesses. While often focused on networking and support, they sometimes hire developers for custom software projects or web applications for their clients. These are great for building a diverse portfolio.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward steady, needs-based hiring rather than explosive growth. Networking is key. The local Great Falls Association of Realtors and Great Falls Development Authority occasionally host business mixers where you can meet IT managers from these major employers.

Getting Licensed in MT

For software developers, "licensing" is not a formal state requirement like it is for lawyers or accountants. There is no state board that certifies you. However, there are crucial steps and considerations for working in Montana.

1. Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications are highly valued by local employers, especially for specialized roles. Cloud certifications (AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Azure Administrator) are in high demand for roles at Benefis and Malmstrom. Project Management Professional (PMP) or Agile (Scrum Master) certifications are also prized for senior roles.
2. Clearances (for Federal Roles): If you're targeting a job at Malmstrom or a defense contractor, you will need to obtain a security clearance. The process is initiated by the employer and can take 6-18 months. Be prepared for a thorough background check. You cannot apply for one on your own.
3. No State-Specific Costs: There are no licensing fees for software developers in Montana.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you're already a developer: Your timeline is 1-3 months. Update your resume (tailor it to local employers, highlighting versatility), start applying via USAJOBS and company websites, and begin networking on LinkedIn with Great Falls-based tech professionals.
• If you're a recent graduate or career changer: Your timeline is 6-12 months. Focus on building a strong portfolio with projects that demonstrate full-stack capability. Consider entry-level roles at local IT firms or GFPS to get your foot in the door. The job market is less competitive than in major cities, so a solid portfolio can make you stand out quickly.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Great Falls is a compact, easy-to-navigate city. Commutes are short (rarely more than 15-20 minutes). Your choice of neighborhood will depend more on lifestyle than on proximity to work.

• West Side / Smelter Avenue Corridor:

  • Vibe: Established, family-friendly, with a mix of older, well-maintained homes and apartment complexes. Close to the historic downtown.
  • Commute: Central. Easy access to Malmstrom (10 mins), downtown (5 mins), and Benefis (10 mins).
  • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR. You get more space for your money here.
  • Best For: Developers who want a quiet, residential feel with easy access to parks and the Missouri River.

• Downtown / Central Business District:

  • Vibe: Urban, walkable, with a growing number of restaurants, breweries, and coffee shops. A mix of historic buildings and modern apartments.
  • Commute: Walk or bike to many downtown offices. 10-15 minute drive to anywhere else.
  • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,200/month for a 1BR. Premium for location and new construction.
  • Best For: Younger developers or those who want a more social, vibrant atmosphere without the big-city price tag. Great if you work for a downtown-based firm or the state.

• North Side / Valley View:

  • Vibe: Quiet, affordable, and residential. Primarily single-family homes with some apartment options. More modern developments than the West Side.
  • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most employers. Direct access to I-15.
  • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR.
  • Best For: Those seeking a peaceful, no-frills neighborhood with quick access to the airport and Malmstrom. Good value for renters.

• University Area / Near Montana State University Great Falls:

  • Vibe: Lively, with a student presence, though the campus is small. A mix of older homes and affordable rentals.
  • Commute: Central, similar to the West Side.
  • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month for a 1BR.
  • Best For: Developers who might be interested in part-time teaching at the university or who enjoy being near campus resources and events.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Great Falls long-term requires a strategic approach. The market isn't as large as a major metro, but growth is possible.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries are reserved for developers with specialized skills that align with the local economy:

  • Cloud & DevOps: As local employers modernize, AWS/Azure expertise is critical.
  • Data Science & Analytics: Benefis and Malmstrom both generate massive amounts of data and need professionals to manage and interpret it.
  • Security: With a federal base and healthcare data, cybersecurity skills are always in demand.
  • Legacy Systems (COBOL, etc.): While not glamorous, expertise in older systems used by government and large institutions can be a lucrative niche.

• Advancement Paths: The typical path is moving from a developer to a senior developer, and then to an architect or team lead. Because teams are smaller, you'll gain leadership experience faster. Another path is to become a consultant for local firms, leveraging your expertise across multiple clients.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% 10-year job growth for tech in the metro area is a strong indicator. This growth is driven by the modernization of existing employers (Malmstrom, Benefis) and the slow but steady diversification of the economy. The number of tech jobs (362) is small, but it's growing. In 10 years, you could be a principal engineer at one of the top employers or running your own local consultancy. The key to long-term growth here is continuous learning and adapting your skills to the needs of the local market.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Great Falls is not a typical tech hub. It's a unique market that rewards a specific type of developer. Use this table to see if it aligns with your priorities.

Pros	Cons
Excellent Affordability: Median salary of $124,434 goes very far with a $745 average rent.	Limited Job Market: Only 362 tech jobs total. Less variety and fewer options than a large city.
Stable Employers: Government, healthcare, and defense provide recession-resistant jobs.	Slower Pace: Less cutting-edge tech work; more focus on maintaining and integrating existing systems.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, fishing, and skiing are minutes away. A great work-life balance.	Isolation: Limited direct flights and a 2-hour drive to the nearest major city (Billings).
Short Commutes: You can live and work anywhere in the city with minimal traffic.	Smaller Tech Community: Fewer meetups, conferences, and networking events than in larger metros.
Low Competition: Less fierce competition for jobs compared to Bozeman or Missoula.	Limited Specialization: Harder to be a hyper-specialist; being a generalist is more common.

Final Recommendation:

Great Falls is an ideal choice for:

• Software Developers who prioritize financial stability and a low cost of living over the high-energy startup scene.
• Those who value outdoor recreation and a slower pace of life alongside their career.
• Professionals with a versatile skillset (full-stack, systems) rather than a narrow specialty.
• Anyone seeking stable, long-term employment with government or large institutions.

It is likely not the right fit for developers seeking rapid-fire career changes, a vibrant nightlife, or deep specialization in a niche technology field.

FAQs

1. Is it necessary to have a security clearance to work in tech in Great Falls?
No, it's not necessary for the entire market, but it is a significant advantage. Roughly 30-40% of the higher-paying developer roles are tied to Malmstrom AFB or its contractors, which require at least a Secret clearance. If you don't have one, focus on healthcare (Benefis), education (GFPS), or state government jobs.

2. How is the remote work culture in Great Falls?
It's growing but not as prevalent as in larger cities. Many local employers still prefer in-house staff. However, given the smaller talent pool, companies are increasingly open to hybrid or fully remote arrangements for the right candidate. If you have a fully remote job from a coastal tech company, your purchasing power in Great Falls is immense.

3. What's the best way to network with other tech professionals?
The tech community is close-knit. The most effective strategies are:

• LinkedIn: Connect with IT managers at Benefis, Malmstrom, and local firms.
• Meetup.com: Look for the "Great Falls Tech" or "Montana Coders" groups, which sometimes host virtual or in-person events.
• Chamber of Commerce Events: The Great Falls Chamber of Commerce hosts business mixers where you can meet decision-makers from non-tech companies who need tech help.

4. I'm a junior developer. Will I find entry-level jobs?
It's challenging but possible. The market favors mid-level and senior developers. Your best bet is to target the IT support or "application analyst" roles at GFPS, Benefis, or smaller local firms