Creative & Education Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Social Worker Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median social worker salary in Great Falls, MT is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$48,708
vs State Avg
$-3,875
vs National
$-6,642
Cost of Living
88%

Social Worker Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median social worker salary of $48,708, which is $3,875 below the Montana state average of $52,583. Compared to the national median of $55,350, 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 $48,708 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $55,350 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for social workers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for social workers in Great Falls spans from $32,032 at the 10th percentile to $77,264 at the 90th percentile — a $45,232 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,440, while senior social workers 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.

Social Worker Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level social worker earns around $33,440, 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)
$33,440
$-4,560 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,280
$-6,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,160
$-9,840 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $32,032
25th Percentile $38,896
Median (50th) $48,708
75th Percentile $61,952
90th Percentile $77,264

Social Worker Salary in Other Montana Cities

How to Become a Social Worker in Great Falls

Education

Most social worker positions require a bachelor's degree. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Case ManagementCounselingCrisis InterventionCommunity ResourcesAdvocacyDocumentation

Job Outlook

Nationally, social worker employment is projected to grow 7% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Social Worker Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open social worker positions in Great Falls, MT:

Frequently Asked Questions: Social Worker Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Social Worker make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median social worker salary in Great Falls, Montana is $48,708 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $55,350. Salaries range from $32,032 (10th percentile) to $77,264 (90th percentile).
How much does a Social Worker make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $48,708, a social worker in Great Falls earns approximately $23 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for social worker pay? ▼
Great Falls's median social worker salary of $48,708 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $52,583. 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 social worker salary of $48,708 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a social worker in Great Falls? ▼
Most social worker positions in Great Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Case Management, Counseling, Crisis Intervention, Community Resources. The job market is projected to grow 7% nationally over the next decade.