Public Service Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Firefighter Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median firefighter salary in Great Falls, MT is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$45,478
vs State Avg
$-3,618
vs National
$-6,202
Cost of Living
88%

Firefighter Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median firefighter salary of $45,478, which is $3,618 below the Montana state average of $49,096. Compared to the national median of $51,680, 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 $45,478 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $51,680 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for firefighters seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for firefighters in Great Falls spans from $26,048 at the 10th percentile to $81,664 at the 90th percentile — a $55,616 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,160, while senior firefighters with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,160. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Firefighter Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level firefighter earns around $28,160, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,160 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,160
$-3,840 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $26,048
25th Percentile $33,968
Median (50th) $45,478
75th Percentile $62,656
90th Percentile $81,664

Firefighter Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$59,432
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$52,714
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$49,613
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$48,579
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Firefighter in Great Falls

Education

Most firefighter positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

FirefightingEmergency MedicalHazmatPhysical FitnessTeamworkEquipment Operation

Job Outlook

Nationally, firefighter employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Firefighter Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open firefighter positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Firefighter Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Firefighter make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median firefighter salary in Great Falls, Montana is $45,478 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $51,680. Salaries range from $26,048 (10th percentile) to $81,664 (90th percentile).
How much does a Firefighter make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $45,478, a firefighter in Great Falls earns approximately $22 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for firefighter pay? ▼
Great Falls's median firefighter salary of $45,478 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $49,096. 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 firefighter salary of $45,478 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a firefighter in Great Falls? ▼
Most firefighter positions in Great Falls require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include Firefighting, Emergency Medical, Hazmat, Physical Fitness. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.