Trades & Labor Great Falls, MT Pop. 60,442

Welder Salary in Great Falls, Montana

The median welder salary in Great Falls, MT is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median and 7.2% below the Montana state average.

City Median
$42,309
vs State Avg
$-3,291
vs National
$-4,701
Cost of Living
88%

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

Great Falls offers a median welder salary of $42,309, which is $3,291 below the Montana state average of $45,600. Compared to the national median of $47,010, 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 $42,309 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $48,078 in an average-cost city. This makes Great Falls an attractive option for welders seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for welders in Great Falls spans from $29,880 at the 10th percentile to $63,720 at the 90th percentile — a $33,840 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $28,800, while senior welders with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $61,200. Great Falls is a smaller market (pop. 60,442), which may mean fewer openings but also less competition for available positions.

Welder Salary in Great Falls by Experience

In Great Falls, an entry-level welder earns around $28,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $61,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$28,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$43,200
$-4,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$61,200
$-6,800 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Great Falls, MT

Percentile Great Falls
10th Percentile $29,880
25th Percentile $34,920
Median (50th) $42,309
75th Percentile $52,380
90th Percentile $63,720

Welder Salary in Other Montana Cities

Bozeman, MT
$55,002
Pop. 53,293
Missoula, MT
$48,890
Pop. 75,516
Billings, MT
$46,070
Pop. 117,116
Helena, MT
$45,130
Pop. 32,315

How to Become a Welder in Great Falls

Education

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

Key Skills

MIG/TIG WeldingBlueprint ReadingMetal FabricationQuality InspectionSafetyCutting Tools

Job Outlook

Nationally, welder employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Great Falls may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Welder Jobs in Great Falls

Browse open welder positions in Great Falls, MT:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Welder Salary in Great Falls

How much does a Welder make in Great Falls, MT? ▼
The median welder salary in Great Falls, Montana is $42,309 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $47,010. Salaries range from $29,880 (10th percentile) to $63,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a Welder make per hour in Great Falls? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $42,309, a welder in Great Falls earns approximately $20 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Great Falls compare to the Montana state average for welder pay? ▼
Great Falls's median welder salary of $42,309 is 7.2% below the Montana state average of $45,600. 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 welder salary of $42,309 in Great Falls has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a welder in Great Falls? ▼
Most welder positions in Great Falls require a high school diploma. Key skills include MIG/TIG Welding, Blueprint Reading, Metal Fabrication, Quality Inspection. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.