Construction & Real Estate Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Urban Planner Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median urban planner salary in Great Falls, MT is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 7.4% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$69,995
vs State Avg
$-5,568
vs National
$-9,545
Cost of Living
88%

Urban Planner Pay in Great Falls: What to Expect (2026)

Great Falls offers a median urban planner salary of $69,995, which is $5,568 below the Montana state average of $75,563. Compared to the national median of $79,540, 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 $69,995 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $79,540 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for urban planners seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for urban planners in Great Falls spans from $44,000 at the 10th percentile to $107,360 at the 90th percentile — a $63,360 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $45,760, while senior urban planners with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $103,840. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Urban Planner Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level urban planner earns around $45,760, while experienced professionals earn up to $103,840 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,760
$-6,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,280
$-9,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$103,840
$-14,160 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $44,000
25th Percentile $55,440
Median (50th) $69,995
75th Percentile $88,000
90th Percentile $107,360

Urban Planner Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$91,471
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$81,131
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$76,358
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$74,768
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Urban Planner in Great Falls

Education

Most urban planner positions require a master's degree. Great Falls and the surrounding Montana area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Urban PlanningGISZoning LawCommunity EngagementData AnalysisAutoCAD

Job Outlook

Nationally, urban planner 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 Urban Planner Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open urban planner positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Urban Planner Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Urban Planner make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median urban planner salary in Great Falls, Montana is $69,995 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $79,540. Salaries range from $44,000 (10th percentile) to $107,360 (90th percentile).
How much does a Urban Planner make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,995, a urban planner 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 urban planner pay? ▼
Great Falls's median urban planner salary of $69,995 is 7.4% below the Montana state average of $75,563. 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 urban planner salary of $69,995 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a urban planner in Great Falls? ▼
Most urban planner positions in Great Falls require a master's degree. Key skills include Urban Planning, GIS, Zoning Law, Community Engagement. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.