Technology Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Systems Administrator Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median systems administrator salary in Great Falls, MT is $71,240 per year, which is 16% below the national median and 7.7% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$71,240
vs State Avg
$-5,937
vs National
$-13,570
Cost of Living
88%

Systems Administrator Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median systems administrator salary of $71,240, which is $5,937 below the Montana state average of $77,177. Compared to the national median of $84,810, 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 $71,240 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $80,955 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for systems administrators seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for systems administrators in Great Falls spans from $43,680 at the 10th percentile to $110,880 at the 90th percentile — a $67,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $46,200, while senior systems administrators with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $105,000. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Systems Administrator Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level systems administrator earns around $46,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$46,200
$-8,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$72,240
$-13,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,000
$-20,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $43,680
25th Percentile $56,280
Median (50th) $71,240
75th Percentile $90,720
90th Percentile $110,880

Systems Administrator Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$94,139
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$83,114
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$78,025
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$76,329
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Systems Administrator in Great Falls

Education

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

Key Skills

LinuxWindows ServerActive DirectoryNetworkingVirtualizationScripting

Job Outlook

Nationally, systems administrator 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.

Find Systems Administrator Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open systems administrator positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Systems Administrator Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Systems Administrator make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median systems administrator salary in Great Falls, Montana is $71,240 per year, which is 16% below the national median of $84,810. Salaries range from $43,680 (10th percentile) to $110,880 (90th percentile).
How much does a Systems Administrator make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $71,240, a systems administrator in Great Falls earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for systems administrator pay? ▼
Great Falls's median systems administrator salary of $71,240 is 7.7% below the Montana state average of $77,177. 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 systems administrator salary of $71,240 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a systems administrator in Great Falls? ▼
Most systems administrator positions in Great Falls require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Linux, Windows Server, Active Directory, Networking. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.