The Heavy Truck Driver’s Guide to Billings, Montana

Welcome to Billings. As a local who’s watched this city grow from a rugged railroad town to the economic heart of Eastern Montana, I can tell you that heavy truck driving isn’t just a job here—it’s the lifeblood of our economy. From the oil fields of the Bakken to the agricultural fields of the Yellowstone Valley, everything that moves in this part of the country moves by truck. If you’re considering a move here for this career, you’re looking at a stable, well-paying profession in a city where your paycheck goes farther than in most places.

This guide is designed to give you the unvarnished truth about what it’s like to be a heavy truck driver in Billings, from the dollars in your pocket to the neighborhoods you’ll call home.

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The data for Billings is clear and, for this profession, quite favorable. The median salary for a Heavy Truck Driver in Billings is $51,433/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $24.73/hour. It’s worth noting that this is slightly below the national average of $53,090/year, but that gap is almost entirely erased by Billings’s significantly lower cost of living.

When you compare Billings to other Montana cities, the picture becomes interesting. While Bozeman and Missoula have more tourism and tech sectors, their cost of living is dramatically higher. Helena, the state capital, has a smaller market. For heavy truck drivers, Billings is the undisputed hub. It’s the crossroads of I-90 and I-94, the center of the state’s oil, coal, and agricultural logistics network. The 10-year job growth is projected at 4%, with 483 jobs currently in the metro area. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, stable, and resilient—much like the city itself.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in this region:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range (Billings)	Hourly Rate Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$42,000 - $48,000	$20.19 - $23.08
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$48,000 - $56,000	$23.08 - $26.92
Senior Driver	8-15 years	$56,000 - $65,000	$26.92 - $31.25
Expert/Specialized	15+ years	$65,000 - $80,000+	$31.25 - $38.46+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local job postings and driver surveys. Expert-level pay often comes with specialized endorsements (tanker, hazmat) and roles like trainer or lead driver.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Salary is just a number. What matters is what you can afford. Billings’s Cost of Living Index is 89.6 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $874/month. This is where the Montana advantage really kicks in.

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a driver earning the median salary of $51,433/year. We’ll assume a single filer with no dependents for this example.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Based on $51,433 Annual Salary)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$4,286	$51,433 / 12
Federal & State Taxes	~$750 - $900	Varies with deductions; Montana has a progressive income tax (1-6.75%)
Social Security & Medicare	~$328	7.65% of gross pay
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,058 - $3,208	After taxes and deductions
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$874	City average. Can be as low as $700 in some areas.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	Varies by season; winters can be pricey for heating.
Groceries	$300 - $400	For one person.
Fuel (Personal Vehicle)	$150 - $250	Depends on commute and driving habits.
Vehicle Maintenance/ Insurance	$150 - $200	Essential for personal vehicle.
Health Insurance	$250 - $400	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$500 - $700	Discretionary spending, emergency fund, retirement.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a net take-home of over $3,000/month and rent under $900, a driver can save a significant portion of their income. The median home price in Billings is approximately $315,000. With a 20% down payment ($63,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would be roughly $1,500-$1,700/month. This is well within reach for a driver with a few years of experience and solid credit, especially if they partner with a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: Many local trucking companies offer housing assistance or relocation packages for experienced drivers. It’s always worth asking about during the interview process. Some even have partnerships with local apartment complexes for discounted rates.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

Billings isn’t a company town, but it is a logistics hub. The job market is diverse, which is good for drivers looking for stability. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co. (MDU): A major regional energy company based in Billings, MDU has a massive fleet for transporting natural gas, fuel oil, and construction materials. They are known for excellent benefits and stable, local routes. Hiring is steady, often for drivers with Class A CDL and tanker endorsements.

2. Mountain States Group (MSG): This is a Billings-based agricultural giant. They handle everything from grain and fertilizer to livestock feed. It’s a seasonal job with peaks during planting and harvest, but the core year-round team is stable. Great for drivers who don’t mind being home most nights.

3. Cenovus Energy (formerly Husky): The refinery south of Billings is a huge employer. While direct refinery driving jobs can be competitive, their contractors are always hiring for crude oil hauling in the Bakken region, which operates out of Billings. Expect long-haul, multi-day trips with premium pay.

4. JDC (James D. Clark Construction): A leading regional construction firm. They need drivers for dump trucks, concrete mixers, and heavy equipment haulers. This is seasonal (spring-fall) but pays well, often with overtime. It’s a great way to build local experience and connections.

5. Yellowstone Trucking & Logistics: A local carrier that specializes in regional freight throughout Montana, Wyoming, and the Dakotas. They pride themselves on a “family atmosphere” and getting drivers home weekly. They frequently hire for new CDL graduates with paid training.

6. Walmart Distribution Center (Laurel): Just 10 minutes west of downtown Billings, this massive facility is a constant source of jobs for dedicated drivers and regional OTR (Over-the-Road) drivers. The pay is competitive, and the routes are predictable.

7. Gates Corporation (Manufacturing): A global manufacturer with a local plant, they rely on trucking for inbound raw materials and outbound finished products. They often contract with local carriers, creating indirect but steady demand for drivers in the Billings area.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward local and regional routes. While OTR is still prevalent, many drivers are seeking positions that allow them to be home nightly or weekly. Employers are responding with better equipment, sign-on bonuses (often $2,000-$5,000), and referral incentives.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana’s licensing process is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Montana Motor Vehicle Division (MVD) is your primary resource.

Key Requirements & Steps:

1. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP): You must be at least 18 (21 for interstate) and pass a vision test, written knowledge test, and a medical exam by a certified FMCSA medical examiner. Cost: ~$40 for the permit and testing fees.
2. CDL Training: Montana does not mandate a specific training school, but 99% of employers require it. You can attend a school (cost: $3,000-$7,000) or some companies offer paid training in exchange for a work commitment (typically 1-2 years). Billings has several reputable schools, like Billings Diesel & Heavy Truck School.
3. Skills Test: After holding your CLP for at least 14 days (and completing training), you take the pre-trip inspection, basic control, and road test. Cost: ~$50 for the skills test.
4. Endorsements: To maximize earning potential, consider adding:
   • Tanker (N): For hauling liquids. Adds ~$0.50-$1.00/hour.
   • Hazmat (H): For hazardous materials. Requires a TSA background check. Adds ~$1.00-$2.00/hour.
   • Doubles/Triples (T): For pulling multiple trailers. Less common in Montana but valuable for specific carriers.
5. Timeline: From starting training to getting a full-time job, expect a 3-5 month timeline. If you use a company-paid program, it can be 6-12 months due to the commitment.

Insider Tip: Always check your driving record before applying. A clean record is non-negotiable. If you have any past violations, be prepared to explain them honestly. Montana has a program for certain minor violations to be removed after a period of good behavior.

Best Neighborhoods for Heavy Truck Drivers

Where you live matters, especially for a driver who needs to commute to yards in industrial areas. Billings is laid out on a grid, making navigation easy. Here are the top neighborhoods for drivers:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for Drivers
West End (Rimrock Rd area)	Commercial, new, easy access to I-90.	$900 - $1,100	Close to Walmart DC, MDU, and major truck stops (I-90 Exit 446). Minimal traffic.
Downtown/South Side	Historic, walkable, near the Yellowstone River.	$750 - $950	Close to many downtown businesses and the refinery (south). Older homes, some tight streets.
Alkali Creek/Lockwood	Quiet, suburban feel, east of the city.	$800 - $1,000	Easy access to I-90 (Exit 454) for eastbound routes. Affordable single-family homes.
Heights (North of 1-90)	Family-oriented, good schools, newer subdivisions.	$950 - $1,200	Slightly longer commute to industrial zones, but excellent quality of life. Safe and quiet.
Billings Heights (West of Downtown)	Mixed commercial/residential, affordable.	$700 - $850	One of the most affordable areas, with a short commute to the airport, refineries, and rail yards.

Commuter Insight: Most trucking yards are concentrated in the West End (near I-90) and south of the city (near the refineries). Living in the West End or Alkali Creek can cut your daily commute to 10-15 minutes, saving you time and fuel. If you prefer a quieter home life, the Heights is a 20-minute drive that’s well worth it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying a company driver is a solid career, but growth often means specialization or moving into management.

• Specialty Premiums: As noted, endorsements are the fastest way to increase your pay. A driver with a Hazmat/Tanker (X endorsement) can easily earn $1.50-$2.50 more per hour than a general freight driver. In Billings, this expertise is in high demand for fuel and chemical haulers.
• Owner-Operator Route: After 5-7 years of experience and a strong financial base, some drivers transition to owner-operator. This is a major business decision. In Billings, you can lease onto a local carrier (like MSG or a regional flatbed company) and run regional routes. While the potential income is higher ($100,000+), so are the risks (maintenance, insurance, fuel costs).
• Advancement Paths: Many drivers move into:
  • Driver Trainer: Mentoring new CDL graduates for your company. Pay is often hourly + a bonus per trainee.
  • Dispatcher/Fleet Manager: Using your on-road experience to manage logistics. This is a desk job but pays well ($60,000-$80,000).
  • Safety/Compliance Officer: A critical role in any trucking company, ensuring adherence to DOT regulations.

10-Year Outlook: The 4% growth is a sign of stability, not stagnation. The push toward alternative fuels (natural gas) and automated manual transmissions (AMTs) will change the job. Drivers who are tech-savvy and adaptable will thrive. The core demand for moving goods will never disappear in Montana.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $51,433 salary goes much further than the national average.	Isolation: Billings is remote. The nearest major city is 8-10 hours away.
Stable Job Market: A logistics hub with diverse employers (energy, ag, retail).	Weather: Winters are cold, windy, and can be harsh, affecting driving conditions.
Short Commutes: Most industrial areas are 10-20 minutes from neighborhoods.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: More of a “get outdoors” city than a “stay out late” city.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled hunting, fishing, and hiking right outside your door.	Job Growth: 4% is steady but not explosive. Competition for top jobs can be fierce.
Friendly Community: Billings has a strong “small town in a big city” feel.	Air Quality: Occasionally affected by inversion and regional wildfire smoke.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for a heavy truck driver who is seeking financial stability, a lower cost of living, and a genuine outdoor lifestyle. It’s best suited for drivers who are self-reliant, enjoy wide-open spaces, and value being home most nights. If you’re a young, single driver looking for a vibrant social scene, you might find it quiet. However, for a driver looking to build equity, start a family, and have a rewarding, stable career, Billings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q: What’s the cost of living really like compared to a national average city?
A: Think of it this way: if you earn the median $51,433 in Billings, you’d need to earn about $57,400 in a city with a 100 cost-of-living index to maintain the same standard of living. Your biggest savings are in housing and transportation.

Q: Are there enough jobs for my spouse or partner?
A: Yes. Billings has a diversified economy with jobs in healthcare (Billings Clinic, St. Vincent Healthcare), education (MSU Billings), retail, and government. It’s not a single-industry town, which is good for family stability.

Q: How competitive is the job market for a new CDL graduate?
A: It’s competitive but manageable. Companies like Yellowstone Trucking and Walmart have structured training programs. The key is having a clean driving record and being willing to start with a local or regional route to build experience.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for drivers moving to Billings?
A: The biggest challenge is often adapting to the long, straight highways and extreme weather. The roads are well-maintained, but you must learn to respect winter conditions and the sheer distance between towns on rural routes.

Q: Can I make more than the median salary?
A: Absolutely. With the right company, experience, and endorsements, you can easily exceed the $51,433 median. Many drivers with hazmat/tanker credentials and 10+ years of experience report earnings in the $65,000 to $75,000 range, sometimes more with overtime or specialization.

Data sources referenced: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Zillow Rent Data, Sperling’s BestPlaces Cost of Living Index, and local Montana MVD licensing guidelines.