The Web Developer's Guide to Billings, MT

If you're a web developer eyeing the Mountain West, Billings, Montana, offers a unique proposition. It's a city of stark contrasts: the largest metro in the state, yet with a small-town feel; an energy and healthcare hub with growing tech needs, but without the cutthroat competition of coastal tech giants. As a local who's watched the tech scene evolve from dial-up to downtown fiber, I can tell you that Billings isn't for everyone. But for the right developer, it's a place where your skills are genuinely in demand, and your paycheck goes a lot further. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the job market, and the lifestyle of a web developer in the "Magic City."

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

Let's get straight to the data. Web developers in Billings earn a competitive wage, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a web developer in the Billings metro area is $89,856/year, which translates to roughly $43.2/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the difference is negligible when you consider the financial landscape here.

The local job market for tech is stable and growing. There are currently about 241 web developer jobs listed in the metro area, a solid number for a city of this size. The 10-year job growth projection is 16%, which is healthy and indicates sustained demand, particularly as local businesses continue to digitize and the healthcare and energy sectors expand their digital footprints.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Billings. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry reports, reflecting the local market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$55,000 - $70,000	Basic front-end work (HTML/CSS/JS), content management system (CMS) updates, junior developer support.
Mid-Level	$70,000 - $89,856	Full-stack capabilities (React, Node.js, .NET), independent project work, database management.
Senior-Level	$90,000 - $115,000	Architecture decisions, mentoring junior developers, leading projects, complex backend integration.
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	Technical direction, managing dev teams, strategic planning, high-level consulting for major local employers.

Insider Tip: While national averages are useful, in Billings, your specific tech stack matters more. Developers skilled in .NET (for healthcare and government contracts), modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue), and Python (for data-heavy roles in energy) can command salaries at the higher end of their experience bracket. There's less emphasis on niche, bleeding-edge frameworks and more on stable, maintainable technologies that local businesses rely on.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

How does Billings stack up against other tech hubs in the state? It's the clear leader in terms of volume of jobs, but Bozeman often steals the spotlight for salary.

City	Median Salary (Web Developer)	Key Industries	Job Market Vibe
Billings	$89,856	Healthcare, Energy, Finance, Government	Stable, growing, less saturated.
Bozeman	~$95,000 (est.)	Tech Startups, Tourism, University	High competition, higher cost of living, startup-centric.
Missoula	~$82,000 (est.)	University, Healthcare, Outdoor Retail	Smaller market, creative focus, lower salaries.

Billings offers the best balance of salary, job availability, and affordability for a mid-career developer. Bozeman's tech scene is more dynamic but also more expensive and competitive. Missoula is great for a lifestyle-focused developer but with fewer opportunities and lower pay.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $89,856 looks different when you factor in Montana's state income tax (a progressive system from 1% to 6.75%) and federal taxes. After a conservative estimate for federal and state taxes (assuming a single filer, no dependents), your take-home pay might be around $66,000 - $68,000 annually, or roughly $5,500 - $5,650 per month.

Now, let's talk housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Billings is $874/month. This is a game-changer for your budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Web Developer at Median Salary: $89,856/year)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,550	After taxes & deductions.
Housing (1BR)	$874	City average; varies by neighborhood.
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes internet, which is widely available.
Groceries	$350 - $450	Slightly above national avg due to transport costs.
Transportation	$200 - $400	Gas, insurance, minimal car maintenance.
Healthcare	$150 - $300	Employer-provided is common.
Entertainment/Savings	$1,500 - $2,000	Ample room for savings, travel, or hobbies.
Total Expenses	$3,224 - $4,024
Monthly Surplus	$1,526 - $2,326	Significant room for savings or investing.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is perhaps the biggest draw for web developers in Billings. With a surplus of over $1,500 per month, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Billings hovers around $300,000 - $325,000. A developer earning the median salary could comfortably afford a mortgage on a starter home (2-3 bedrooms) while still saving for retirement and other goals. The cost of living index for Billings is 89.6 (US avg = 100), meaning your money stretches about 10% further than the national average. For a web developer, this translates to the ability to own a home much earlier in your career than in most other tech hubs.

The Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market here isn't dominated by Silicon Valley-style tech companies. Instead, it's a mix of large local corporations, healthcare systems, and government entities that have robust internal IT and digital marketing teams.

1. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare: Both major healthcare systems (Billings Clinic is part of the Intermountain Health system) are massive employers. They have large IT departments for their patient portals, electronic health records (EHR), and public-facing websites. They frequently hire for .NET developers, front-end specialists, and database administrators.
2. First Interstate Bank: A regional powerhouse with its headquarters in Billings. Their digital banking platform, mobile apps, and marketing sites require a dedicated team of developers. They tend to hire for full-stack roles with a focus on security and reliability.
3. The State of Montana & Local Government: Billings is the county seat of Yellowstone County and a state government hub. Agencies like the Department of Revenue, the judiciary, and the county IT department have ongoing web development needs for public-facing services. These jobs offer excellent stability and benefits.
4. Energy Companies (e.g., ExxonMobil, Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.): While not always hiring publicly, the energy sector's supporting companies and contractors in Billings have digital needs. This can include internal tools, reporting dashboards, and employee portals. Roles here often require more specialized, secure development.
5. Marketing & Design Agencies: Billings has a handful of established agencies (like The Wheeler Group, or smaller boutiques) that serve local and regional clients. These are great for developers who prefer agency work—variety of projects, collaborative environments, but sometimes tighter deadlines.
6. Yellowstone Bank & Other Local Financial Institutions: Similar to First Interstate, these institutions need developers for online banking and customer portals. They often look for developers with experience in financial software and a strong understanding of compliance.

Hiring Trend Insight: There's a slow but steady shift from legacy systems to modern web frameworks. Many local employers are now open to remote work for certain roles, but they still prefer developers who are local or willing to relocate, as in-person collaboration is valued for complex projects.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana does not require a state-specific license to practice as a web developer. You do not need to pass a state bar exam or get a certification from the Montana Board of Web Developers. The industry is skill-based, and your portfolio and experience are what get you hired.

However, there are a few things to consider:

• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, vendor-specific certifications (e.g., Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate, AWS Certified Developer) can boost your resume, especially when applying to larger employers like First Interstate or healthcare systems.
• Business Licensing: If you plan to work as a freelance developer or start your own consultancy, you will need to register your business with the Montana Secretary of State and obtain a local business license from the City of Billings. The cost is minimal (often under $100 for initial registration).
• Timeline to Get Started: If you're moving to Billings to take a job, your timeline is just the standard notice period and relocation. If you're starting a freelance business, the process of registering and getting a local bank account can be done in 2-4 weeks.

Insider Tip: Your best "license" in Billings is your network. Join the Billings Technology Professionals group on LinkedIn, attend meetups at the Billings Public Library or local coworking spaces like The Factory, and connect with developers at the major employers. In a smaller market, who you know can be as important as what you know.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Billings is geographically spread out, with distinct neighborhoods. Your choice will depend on your desired commute, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown/Heights: The core of the city. A walkable area with restaurants, bars, and a growing arts scene. Best for developers who want to be in the thick of it, enjoy walking to work (to a downtown office), and appreciate an urban vibe. Commute to most major employers (like the hospitals) is under 10 minutes.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
2. West End: More commercial and big-box stores, but also home to some of the city's best new apartment complexes. It's centrally located and offers a straightforward commute anywhere. Good for developers who want modern amenities and easy access to shopping and dining.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050/month for a 1BR.
3. South Side/Alkali Creek: This is the quieter, more residential area. It's close to the Billings Clinic and has easy access to the interstate. Ideal for developers who want a more suburban feel, more space for the money, and a peaceful home office environment.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,000/month for a 1BR.
4. Lockwood (East of the City): A separate community but part of the metro area. It's rapidly growing, with new housing developments. Commute to downtown is 15-20 minutes. Good for developers looking to buy a home with a larger lot and don't mind a short drive.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month for a 1BR (more rental houses than apartments).

Insider Tip: Billings traffic is generally light, so a "bad" commute is rarely more than 20-25 minutes. Choosing a neighborhood based on lifestyle (walkability vs. space) is more important than worrying about a long drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Billings may not have the endless ladder of a FAANG company, there are clear paths to advancement and increased earnings.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with skills in cloud architecture (AWS, Azure), cybersecurity, and mobile app development (Swift, Kotlin) can command a premium. These are becoming critical for the city's major employers as they modernize. A developer with these skills can easily push their salary from the median to the $100,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is:
  1. Junior Developer -> Mid-Level (2-4 years)
  2. Mid-Level -> Senior Developer (3-5 years)
  3. Senior -> Team Lead or Architect (5-8 years)
  4. From there, options include moving into management, becoming a specialized consultant (highly paid in the local market), or starting your own agency.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is promising. Billings is positioning itself as a regional tech hub, not just for Montana but for the Northern Plains. The rise of remote work has also benefited local developers, who can now work for national companies while enjoying Billings' low cost of living. In 10 years, expect to see more specialized tech startups and a more mature tech community.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Billings is not for the developer who craves the vibe of a coastal tech city. It's for the developer who values financial freedom, work-life balance, and a genuine sense of community.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living: Your salary goes far, allowing for home ownership and savings.	Limited Networking: Fewer large tech conferences and meetups than in bigger cities.
Stable Job Market: Strong demand from healthcare, finance, and government sectors.	Niche Specialties: Some cutting-edge tech roles may be limited; you might need to work remotely for them.
Outdoor Access: Unparalleled access to hiking, fishing, and hunting right outside the city.	Cultural Scene: Smaller arts and music scene compared to Bozeman or Missoula.
Low Competition: Easier to stand out and land a good job compared to saturated markets.	Weather: Long, cold winters and windy springs; not for everyone.
True Work-Life Balance: Employers generally respect personal time; 9-to-5 is common.	Geographic Isolation: It's a long drive to other major cities (6 hours to Denver, 4 to Salt Lake).

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for mid-career web developers (3-10 years of experience) looking to build long-term wealth and a stable life. It's particularly great for those with families or who want to own a home without being house-poor. If you're an early-career developer looking for a high-energy startup scene, Bozeman or a larger city might be a better fit. But if you value substance over flash, Billings is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is remote work common for web developers in Billings?
Yes, and it's growing. Many local employers now offer hybrid roles, and many Billings-based developers successfully work for fully remote national companies. The city's cost of living makes it an attractive base for remote workers earning national salaries.

2. What's the tech community like?
It's small but tight-knit and supportive. There are regular meetups (like the Python Billings group), an annual Tech Summit hosted by local organizations, and active online communities on LinkedIn and Slack. It's easy to get involved and make connections.

3. Do I need a car?
Yes, for the most part. Billings is a car-centric city. While downtown is walkable, most major employers and neighborhoods are spread out. Public transportation exists but isn't as comprehensive as in larger cities.

4. What's the internet speed like?
Good and improving. CenturyLink and Spectrum offer broadband in most areas, with fiber expanding in parts of the city. For a remote developer, getting a reliable high-speed connection is straightforward and affordable.

5. How does the job search work in a smaller market?
Use a mix of online job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed, local sites like JobsInMontana.com) and direct outreach. Many jobs are filled through referrals. It's worth sending a speculative application to the IT departments of the major employers listed above, even if a job isn't posted.