Web Developer in Great Falls, MT

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the tech job market across the Mountain West, I’ve come to see Great Falls as a unique case study. It’s not a tech hub like Seattle or Denver, but for a Web Developer who values a low cost of living, a tight-knit professional community, and genuine Montana lifestyle, it presents a compelling, if unconventional, opportunity. This guide is for the pragmatic developer—the one who wants to know what the numbers really mean after rent and taxes, which local employers are actually hiring, and whether a 20-minute commute to a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood is worth trading the buzz of a big city. Let’s get into the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Great Falls Stands

First, let's ground this in the numbers. The median salary for a Web Developer in Great Falls is $90,690/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.6/hour. This is slightly below the national average for web developers, which sits at $92,750/year. But the crucial context here is the cost of living. Great Falls has a Cost of Living Index of 92.6 (US average = 100), meaning your dollar stretches further here than in most places.

The job market itself is small but steady. There are approximately 120 jobs for web developers in the metro area, with a projected 16% 10-year growth. This growth is significant, indicating that while the base number of jobs is modest, the demand is expanding, driven by local businesses and institutions modernizing their digital presence.

Here’s a breakdown of how salaries typically progress by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Great Falls)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$78,000 - $98,000
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$98,000 - $125,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$125,000+ (often with leadership responsibilities)

When compared to other Montana cities, Great Falls holds its own. It trails the state's tech hub, Bozeman, where salaries can be 10-15% higher due to a higher concentration of tech startups and a larger talent pool. It also falls short of Missoula's median, which is slightly elevated by the University of Montana's influence. However, Great Falls significantly outpaces smaller rural towns and offers a more stable, government-and-healthcare-backed job market than the sometimes volatile startup scene in Bozeman.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $90,690 salary sounds solid, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s run the numbers for a single filer, assuming a standard deduction and Montana's state income tax bracket of 6.75% (the state's top rate, which applies to most of this income). Federal taxes (including FICA) will take another significant chunk.

Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a Web Developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,557.50	$90,690 / 12
Taxes (Federal, State, FICA)	-$2,150	~28.5% effective tax rate (estimate)
Take-Home Pay	$5,407.50
Rent (1BR Average)	-$745	Great Falls average
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$220	Varies by season; winter heating can spike
Groceries & Household	-$400
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	-$600	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	-$300	Typical employee contribution
Retirement (401k 5%)	-$378	Pre-tax contribution
Discretionary Spending	$1,764.50	Entertainment, savings, travel, etc.

The key takeaway is the $1,764.50 in discretionary funds. This is where Great Falls shines. After covering essentials at a very low cost, you have substantial room for savings or lifestyle. The average 1BR rent of $745/month is a fraction of what you’d pay in a major metro. This financial cushion makes homeownership a very real possibility.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Great Falls is around $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. With the take-home pay and low living costs, saving for this is feasible within 3-5 years for a disciplined saver. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,500-$1,600, which would still leave you with a manageable budget, especially if you move in with a partner or roommate.

Where the Jobs Are: Great Falls's Major Employers

The job market for web developers in Great Falls is not dominated by tech giants but by stable, local organizations that need robust web presence and internal systems. Here’s where to look:

1. Benefis Health System: One of the city’s largest employers. Their IT department hires web developers for their patient portals, intranet sites, and public-facing websites. They value stability and reliability over cutting-edge frameworks. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on developers who can work with older systems while helping to modernize them.

2. Great Falls Public Schools (GFPS): The school district maintains a vast network of sites for schools, extracurriculars, and community resources. They often hire developers or contract with local firms for ongoing maintenance and new projects. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to budget cycles, but always in need of reliable maintenance.

3. C.M. Russell Museum: A major cultural institution that requires a developer to manage their digital collections, event ticketing, and donation platforms. This is a great portfolio piece for someone interested in the arts sector. Hiring Trend: Project-based, often contracted, but can lead to long-term retainer work.

4. State of Montana (Great Falls Office): Various state agencies have a presence in Great Falls, including the Department of Transportation and the Department of Labor & Industry. They hire developers for public service websites, data portals, and internal applications. Hiring Trend: Slow-moving but reliable government hiring processes; look for postings on the state’s official jobs site.

5. Local Marketing & Digital Agencies: Firms like Grizzly Digital Marketing or Peak Creative Media are the primary drivers of web development jobs for the private sector. They serve local and regional clients, from law firms to breweries. Hiring Trend: Growing, as more small businesses recognize the need for a professional web presence.

6. Cargill: While not a tech company, Cargill’s large regional office in Great Falls has an IT department that supports its agricultural and food processing operations, which includes web-based logistics and reporting tools. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a need for developers who understand enterprise-level security and data handling.

Insider Tip: The best way to find these jobs isn't always LinkedIn. Check the "Careers" pages directly on these employers' websites. Also, join the Great Falls Technology Association (GFTA) on LinkedIn or Facebook. It’s a small community, and jobs are often shared there before being posted publicly.

Getting Licensed in MT

Here’s the best part for web developers: Montana has no state-specific licensing requirement for web developers. You don’t need a state license, certification, or permit to practice your trade. This is a huge advantage, lowering the barrier to entry and eliminating ongoing fees.

However, there are professional certifications that can boost your credibility and salary. While not state-mandated, the following are recognized and valued by local employers:

• AWS Certified Developer - Associate: Useful for companies moving cloud infrastructure (like Benefis or state agencies).
• Google Professional Cloud Developer: Similar to AWS, relevant for modernizing legacy systems.
• Front-End Frameworks (React, Vue, Angular): While not a "license," demonstrating proficiency in these is crucial. A portfolio with live projects is your best credential.

Timeline to Get Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately. If you need to build your portfolio, a dedicated 3-6 months of project work can make you competitive for a mid-level role. The total cost for certifications is $150-$300 per exam, and you can study for free or low-cost using platforms like freeCodeCamp or Udemy.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Commuting in Great Falls is a breeze. The entire metro is navigable in 20-30 minutes. Your choice of neighborhood will depend on whether you prioritize walkability, space, or proximity to nature.

1. West Side (Sun River Road Area): The classic, family-friendly neighborhood. Older, well-built homes, tree-lined streets, and close to Gibson Park and the river trails. It’s quiet, safe, and has a strong community feel. Average Rent (1BR): $700-$850. Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown.

2. Hillcrest: A more affluent area on the city's north side, with larger lots and newer construction. It offers great views and a serene setting but is less walkable. Ideal for developers who work from home and want a dedicated office space. Average Rent (1BR): $750-$900. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.

3. Downtown/ Central: The only truly walkable area, with a growing number of cafes, breweries, and the historic downtown district. Perfect for the developer who wants to be in the heart of the action and skip the commute entirely. Rent is slightly higher, and inventory is lower. Average Rent (1BR): $800-$1,000. Commute: 0-5 minutes (or walk).

4. Sunrise/Sun Valley: Located on the east side, these neighborhoods are more affordable and offer quick access to the Missouri River and the Great Falls Portage. It’s a bit of a commuter area for those working at Benefis or Cargill, but still only 10-15 minutes from downtown. Average Rent (1BR): $650-$750. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.

5. The South Side (near the University of Great Falls): A mix of student housing and established families. It’s close to the university, which can be good for networking, and has easy access to the south-side retail corridor. Average Rent (1BR): $700-$800. Commute: 5-12 minutes to downtown.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Great Falls, career growth for a web developer is less about vertical climbs in a single company and more about lateral moves and specialization. Due to the small market, you won’t find a deep ladder at one firm like you might in a tech city.

Specialty Premiums: Developers who specialize in full-stack development (especially with a focus on backend languages like Python or Java, which are common in government and healthcare) command the highest premiums. E-commerce specialists (Shopify, WooCommerce) are also in demand to support local businesses. Niche skills like accessibility (WCAG) and security compliance (for HIPAA in healthcare or state data) can set you apart and justify higher pay.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is:

1. Junior Developer at a local agency or small business.
2. Mid-Level Developer at a larger institution (like Benefis or the state).
3. Senior Developer/Team Lead (often by joining a larger firm or becoming a trusted freelance/contractor).
4. Consultant or Entrepreneur – this is where Great Falls offers a unique advantage. The low overhead allows developers to launch their own consulting firms or SaaS products serving regional clients.

10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is a strong signal. As the city’s economy diversifies and existing institutions modernize, the demand for web skills will continue to rise. The key will be staying current with evolving frameworks and cloud technologies. Developers who can bridge the gap between legacy systems and modern web standards will be the most valuable.

The Verdict: Is Great Falls Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further, enabling homeownership and a high quality of life.	Limited Job Market: Only ~120 jobs total; you may need to be flexible or take a contract role.
Stable, Growing Employers: Healthcare, government, and education provide recession-resistant jobs.	Salaries Below National Average: The cost-of-living adjustment is real, but your gross pay will be lower.
Outstanding Work-Life Balance: 20-minute commutes, easy access to outdoor recreation (hiking, fishing, skiing).	Limited Tech Community: Fewer meetups, conferences, and networking events than in a tech hub.
Low Competition: You’re not competing with thousands of other developers for a single job.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold winters can be a significant lifestyle adjustment for some.
Gateway to Adventure: Proximity to Glacier National Park, the Rocky Mountain Front, and vast public lands.	Cultural & Dining Scene is Small: You won’t find the variety of a major city.

Final Recommendation: Great Falls is an ideal choice for a web developer who is pragmatic, values financial stability, and prioritizes outdoor recreation over urban amenities. It’s perfect for a mid-career developer looking to buy a home, start a family, or slow down the pace of life without sacrificing a meaningful career. It’s less ideal for a developer fresh out of school who craves a vibrant, competitive tech scene, or for someone who needs a wide variety of employers to choose from. If you’re self-motivated, can build your own network, and see the value in a $90,690 salary that feels like $120,000 elsewhere, Great Falls could be your perfect fit.

FAQs

Q: Is it feasible to work remotely for a company outside Montana while living in Great Falls?
A: Absolutely. With reliable internet (Great Falls has good coverage from providers like Spectrum and CenturyLink), remote work is a fantastic option. This allows you to access national salary averages while benefiting from the local cost of living. Just be mindful of time zones if you're working for a coastal company.

Q: What’s the tech scene like for networking?
A: It’s intimate. The Great Falls Technology Association (GFTA) hosts occasional mixers and talks. The University of Great Falls and Great Falls College MSU sometimes host public tech events. Your best bet is to be active on LinkedIn and connect with IT managers at the major employers listed above. Don’t expect weekly hackathons, but do expect genuine, one-on-one connections.

Q: How do I handle the winter season as a developer?
A: Invest in a good winter coat, waterproof boots, and a car with AWD or 4WD. Your commute will be short, so the cold is manageable. Many developers use the winter for focused learning—taking an online course or building a side project. The indoor, sedentary nature of development pairs well with Montana winters.

Q: Are there opportunities for freelance or contract work?
A: Yes, especially with the local marketing agencies and small-to-medium businesses that can’t afford a full-time developer. Building a reputation through a few successful projects can lead to steady contract work. This is a common path for senior developers in the area.

Q: What programming languages are most in-demand locally?
A: JavaScript (React, Node.js) is ubiquitous. PHP is still heavily used in legacy systems and WordPress sites (common for small businesses). Python is growing in demand for data-heavy applications (healthcare, government). C#/.NET is also relevant for state agency and larger corporate environments. A full-stack profile with these technologies is your safest bet.