Welder in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

If you're a welder eyeing Billings, the first question is about the paycheck. Let's get the numbers on the table. The median annual salary for a welder in the Billings metro area is $48,042/year. This breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.1/hour. It’s important to put this in context: the national average for welders sits at $49,590/year, meaning Billings pays slightly below the U.S. norm, but not drastically so.

The job market here is stable but not explosive. There are approximately 241 welding jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%. This isn't a boomtown market; it's a place built on steady industrial work. You're not coming here for rapid-fire promotions, but for reliable, consistent employment.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages, based on regional data patterns:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$36,000 - $42,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$46,000 - $55,000
Senior	8-15 years	$56,000 - $68,000
Expert/Supervisor	15+ years	$65,000 - $80,000+

Billings is the largest city in Montana, but comparing it to other in-state cities shows its place. The Billings metro area has a higher cost of living than smaller cities like Great Falls or Missoula, but it also has more industrial employers. The median salary in Billings is competitive with the state's mid-sized cities, but you may find slightly higher wages in the more specialized, remote oil and gas fields near Shelby or Lewistown, though those jobs come with longer commutes and less urban amenities.

Insider Tip: The $48,042 median is your baseline. Your actual earnings will hinge heavily on your certification (AWS D1.1, D1.2, etc.), the specific industry (construction vs. oil & gas vs. manufacturing), and overtime. Many local shops offer significant overtime, which can push earnings 15-20% above base.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s translate that $48,042 annual salary into a monthly reality. We'll assume you file as a single filer with no dependents, taking the standard deduction (for 2023). This is a rough estimate; your actual take-home will vary with benefits, state tax withholdings, and 401(k) contributions.

• Gross Monthly: $4,003
• Est. Federal Tax: ~$410
• Est. State Tax (MT): ~$210
• FICA (7.65%): ~$306
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$3,077/month

Now, factor in the rent. The average one-bedroom apartment in Billings costs $874/month. Let's build a practical monthly budget for a welder living in Billings.

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,077
Rent (1BR)	$874	28% of take-home (a healthy ratio)
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season; winters are heating-intensive
Groceries	$350	Billings has several major grocery chains
Car Payment/Gas/Ins.	$400	Essential; public transit is limited
Health Ins. Premium	$200	If employer doesn't cover fully
Phone/Internet	$100
Misc. & Savings	$1,003	Debt, entertainment, emergency fund, retirement

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, but it requires discipline. The median home price in Billings hovers around $320,000. With a $48,042 salary, lenders will stretch your debt-to-income ratio. A welder's budget, if they save aggressively ($800+ monthly), could accumulate a $20,000 down payment in about 2-2.5 years. A 3% FHA loan would then have a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $1,700-$1,900. This is high for a single earner at this income level. The key is dual-income households or advancing to a senior welder role ($65k+) to make home ownership comfortably affordable.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

Billings is the industrial and oil & gas service hub for eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. The job market is driven by energy, agriculture, and construction. Here are the major local players:

1. Montana RailLink: Based right in Billings, this shortline railroad is a massive employer for welders who maintain and repair railcars and track infrastructure. They have a large welding shop and constantly need certified welders for MIG and stick welding on heavy steel. Hiring trends are stable, with openings posted on their website and local job boards like the Billings Job Service.

2. Parker Hannifin (Parker Steel): This major global manufacturer has a significant presence in Billings, specializing in hydraulic cylinders and components. They are a consistent hirer for MIG and TIG welders in a manufacturing environment. The work is precise, often on stainless steel and aluminum. They value AWS certifications and offer a structured career path.

3. Sullivan & Sons (acquired by SiteOne Landscape Supply): A key player in the local construction and agricultural supply chain. They need welders for custom fabrication, repairing farm equipment (tractors, balers), and building custom trailers. This is a great spot for a welder who enjoys variety and working directly with local farmers and contractors.

4. Oil & Gas Service Companies (e.g., Basic Energy Services, now Superior Energy Services): These companies service oil rigs in the Bakken and surrounding fields. While some work is remote, their Billings yards need welders for pipe fabrication, tank repair, and equipment maintenance. This work is often project-based and can involve significant overtime. Insider Tip: These jobs are less about a 9-to-5 and more about being on-call for field breakdowns. The pay can exceed the median during boom cycles.

5. City of Billings (Public Works): The city maintains its own welding shop for water, sewer, and street departments. These are stable, union-adjacent government jobs with excellent benefits and pension plans. Hiring is competitive and often posted on the City's official website. It's a classic "set it and forget it" career path.

6. Local Fabrication Shops (e.g., Montana Fabricators, local HVAC companies): Billings has a network of smaller, family-owned shops that do custom metalwork for everything from ornamental iron gates to commercial kitchen hoods. These are often the best places for learning a trade from the ground up and offer a more personal work environment.

Hiring Trends: The demand is for welders with experience in Pipe Welding (6G certification) and Structural Welding (D1.1). The push toward robotic welding is present, but skilled manual welders are still in high demand for custom, repair, and field work.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana does not have a state-level welder license. Instead, certification is based on the American Welding Society (AWS) standards. Your credentials are your ticket.

• State-Specific Requirements: The only state requirement is for Pressure Vessel Welders. If you're welding pressure vessels or piping that will carry flammable or hazardous materials, you must be certified through the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI). This is a specialized, advanced certification.

• Costs & Timeline: For the vast majority of welders, getting AWS certified is the goal.

  • Cost: A typical AWS certification test costs $150 - $300 per position (e.g., D1.1 structural, 6G pipe). Many employers will pay for this testing and provide training if you're hired.
  • Timeline: If you're starting from scratch, attending a technical college program (like at Montana State University Billings - College of Tech) takes 9 months to 2 years. For an experienced welder moving from another state, you can test at a local AWS-accredited testing facility (often found at community colleges or large employers). You could be certified and working within 2-4 weeks of arrival.

Insider Tip: Before moving, have your AWS certifications current. If they're expired, the Billings location of Advanced Welding School (in nearby Laurel) is a top-rated spot for recertification. Bring your previous test records if you have them.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Billings impacts your commute, cost, and lifestyle. The city is spread out, but traffic is minimal.

1. West End (Near Downtown): This is the classic industrial corridor. You're close to Parker Hannifin, many fabrication shops, and the rail yards. Commutes are under 15 minutes. It's a mix of older bungalows and new apartments. Rent estimate: $900 - $1,100 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Gritty, practical, and right in the action.

2. Heights (Northwest Billings): A sprawling, family-friendly suburb. It's the best option if you work at Sullivan & Sons or on the north side. Commutes are easy via I-90. You get more space and newer apartments. Rent estimate: $850 - $1,000 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Quiet, safe, with good schools. Not much nightlife.

3. Downtown: For welders who want a more urban vibe. You can walk to breweries and restaurants, but most shops are a short drive away. It's more expensive for less space. Rent estimate: $950 - $1,200 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Energetic, social, but less practical for storing a work truck or tools.

4. South Side (Along King Avenue): A more affordable, older neighborhood. It's centrally located, giving you decent access to most employers. It's less polished than the Heights or West End. Rent estimate: $700 - $850 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Budget-friendly, no-frills, authentic Billings living.

5. Lockwood (East of Downtown): An unincorporated community that's rapidly growing. It's where many workers in the energy sector live due to its proximity to I-90 and lower housing costs. Commute to the West End is about 20-25 minutes. Rent estimate: $750 - $950 for a 1BR. Lifestyle: Suburban, practical, with a small-town feel and big-box store convenience.

Insider Tip: If you work in the West End industrial area, live on the same side of the Yellowstone River (west side). Crossing the river during rush hour adds 10-15 minutes to your commute for just a few miles.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about increasing your skill premium and moving into specialized or supervisory roles.

• Specialty Premiums: Certifications are the fastest way to boost your pay.

  • 6G Pipe Certification: Can add $5 - $10/hour to your base rate. This is the gold standard for oil & gas and plumbing work.
  • TIG (GTAW) Welding: Essential for aerospace, food-grade, and stainless steel fabrication. Often pays a $2-$4/hour premium over MIG-only welders.
  • AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This is a major career jump. It moves you from the booth to the supervisory/quality control side. Salaries can jump to the $70,000 - $90,000 range. The exam is difficult and requires significant experience.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Welder: Move from shop work to traveling to job sites (pipelines, remote facilities). This often comes with a per diem and overtime, significantly increasing income.
  2. Welding Supervisor/Foreman: After 10-15 years, you can lead a team. This role requires strong communication and organizational skills, not just welding prowess.
  3. Fabrication Shop Owner: The ultimate path. Many experienced welders start their own small shops in Billings, catering to niche markets (custom trailers, architectural metalwork). The low cost of living helps when bootstrapping a business.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% job growth is telling. Billings won't see a surge, but the need for replacement welders is constant. The energy sector will dictate volatility—periods of high demand and layoffs. The most secure welders will be those with diverse skills (pipe, structural, TIG) and those who can pivot between industrial, construction, and repair work. The move toward automation will impact entry-level positions, but it will also create more jobs for welders who can program, maintain, and operate robotic welding cells.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Billings is a city of pragmatism. It's for welders who value stability and a low cost of living over a fast-paced, high-growth career.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further here.	Limited Job Growth: The 2% projection means you're not in a booming market.
Stable Industrial Base: Energy and agriculture provide consistent demand.	Weather: Harsh, windy winters with extreme cold (sub-zero temps).
Short Commutes: You can live in any neighborhood and be to work in 20 minutes.	Geographic Isolation: 2-3 hours from a major airport; limited cultural amenities.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are in your backyard.	Economy Tied to Commodity Prices: Oil/gas and ag sectors can be cyclical.
Clear Path to Home Ownership: With discipline, a single income can support a mortgage.	Limited Diversity in Work: Fewer niche industries compared to coastal cities.

Final Recommendation:

Come to Billings if you are a mid-career welder looking to buy a home, raise a family, and enjoy the outdoors. It's an ideal place for someone who is finished with job-hopping and wants to build a stable life. The combination of $23.1/hour and a $874 rent makes financial stability achievable.

Look elsewhere if you are a young welder seeking rapid career advancement, a vibrant social scene, or an urban environment. The 2% growth and quiet culture may feel limiting. For you, a city like Denver or Houston, with more diversified economies and larger welding communities, might be a better fit.

Bring your AWS certifications, a reliable 4x4 truck (essential for winter and job sites), and a love for wide-open spaces.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding truck in Billings?
Not for most shop jobs, but for field work (energy, construction, agricultural repair), it's a major asset. Many employers will provide a work vehicle, but having your own truck with a generator and welder can make you more attractive for side jobs and field roles.

2. How is the overtime situation?
Very common in the construction and energy sectors. During the summer build season and during oil field booms, 50-60 hour weeks are not unusual. This is the primary way welders here exceed the median salary. Shop jobs typically have more predictable hours.

3. What's the winter work like?
It slows down for outdoor construction but picks up for indoor fabrication, repair, and maintenance. Many shops use the winter to catch up on custom orders and equipment overhaul. You will weld year-round, but outdoor work requires extreme cold weather gear (safety glasses, heated jackets, etc.).

4. Is Billings a good place for a welding business?
Yes, for a specific niche. The low overhead costs and strong agricultural/industrial base provide a built-in client list. Success depends on networking with local farms, contractors, and oil field service companies. The main challenge is finding skilled welders to hire as you grow.

5. How does the lack of a state income tax in nearby Wyoming affect me?
While Wyoming has no state income tax, most welding jobs in Billings are in Montana. You will pay Montana state income tax on that $48,042 salary. Living in Wyoming (like in Sheridan or Cody) and commuting to Billings is possible, but it adds commute time and you'd be subject to Wyoming property taxes, which can be high. For most, staying in Billings is simpler.