Building Inspector Salary in Great Falls, MT: $56,056 (2026)

Building Inspector Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median building inspector salary of $56,056, which is $4,459 below the Montana state average of $60,515. Compared to the national median of $63,700, Great Falls pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Great Falls's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $56,056 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $63,700 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for building inspectors seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for building inspectors in Great Falls spans from $35,200 at the 10th percentile to $89,760 at the 90th percentile — a $54,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,960, while senior building inspectors with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,600. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Building Inspector Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level building inspector earns around $36,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$36,960

$-5,040 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$57,200

$-7,800 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$83,600

$-11,400 vs national

Percentile	Great Falls	MT State	National
10th Percentile	$35,200	$38,000	$40,000
25th Percentile	$44,000	$47,500	$50,000
Median (50th)	$56,056	$60,515	$63,700
75th Percentile	$72,160	$77,900	$82,000
90th Percentile	$89,760	$96,900	$102,000

Percentile

Great Falls

10th Percentile

$35,200

25th Percentile

$44,000

Median (50th)

$56,056

75th Percentile

$72,160

90th Percentile

$89,760

How to Become a Building Inspector in Great Falls

Education

Most building inspector positions require a high school diploma. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Building CodesInspection TechniquesBlueprint ReadingDocumentationSafety RegulationsCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, building inspector employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Frequently Asked Questions: Building Inspector Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Building Inspector make in Great Falls, MT? ▼

The median building inspector salary in Great Falls, Montana is $56,056 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $63,700. Salaries range from $35,200 (10th percentile) to $89,760 (90th percentile).

How much does a Building Inspector make per hour in Great Falls? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $56,056, a building inspector in Great Falls earns approximately $27 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for building inspector pay? ▼

Great Falls's median building inspector salary of $56,056 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $60,515. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT? ▼

Great Falls has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a building inspector salary of $56,056 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a building inspector in Great Falls? ▼

Most building inspector positions in Great Falls require a high school diploma. Key skills include Building Codes, Inspection Techniques, Blueprint Reading, Documentation. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.

Building Inspector Salary in Great Falls, Montana