Salary & Cost of Living in Great Falls, MT
Great Falls, MT: $50,000 median salary, cost of living index 90, $10.55/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$50,000
$24/hr
Cost of Living
90
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$10.55
per hour
Unemployment
3.2%
rate
Great Falls, MT Overview
Population
60,442
Median Salary
$50,000
Average Salary
$55,500
Avg Commute
16 min
Median Home Price
$230,000
Median Rent
$900/mo
Job Growth
+0.8%
Sales Tax
0%
Great Falls is located in Montana with a population of 60,442. The median household salary is $50,000 per year ($24/hour), which is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 16 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +0.8%.
Great Falls Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Great Falls, MT, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$39,264
$3,271.96/month · $1,510.13/biweekly · Effective Rate: 21.5%
Gross Pay
$50,000
Federal Tax
-$3,962
State Tax
-$2,950
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$3,825
Net Pay
$39,264
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $4,166.67 | $50,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$330.13 | -$3,961.50 |
| Montana State Tax (5.9%) | -$245.83 | -$2,950.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$258.33 | -$3,100.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$60.42 | -$725.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $3,271.96 | $39,263.50 |
Salary Comparison: Great Falls vs Other Cities
See how Great Falls's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | $50,000 | 90 | $55,556 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| Modesto, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Moreno Valley, CA | $50,000 | 100 | $50,000 |
| Salinas, CA | $50,000 | 110 | $45,455 |
| Lakeland, FL | $50,000 | 92 | $54,348 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Great Falls
Great Falls's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100). Living in Great Falls is 10% less expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$230,000
Median Monthly Rent
$900
Annual Rent Cost
$10,800
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $39,264 annual take-home pay in Great Falls has the purchasing power of approximately $43,626 in an average-cost US area. Your $50,000 salary stretches further here than in most US cities.
Top Industries in Great Falls
Great Falls's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $50,000.
Salary Tips for Great Falls Workers
- Maximize pre-tax deductions. With a 5.9% state income tax rate, maximizing 401(k) contributions (up to $23,500 in 2026) and HSA contributions can significantly reduce both your federal and state tax burden.
- Research top industries. Great Falls's top industries include Military, Healthcare, Agriculture. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $50,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Great Falls, MT?
The median salary in Great Falls, MT is $50,000 per year, or $24 per hour. The average salary is $55,500. This is $9,384 below the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT?
Great Falls's cost of living index is 90 (national average = 100), meaning it is 10% less expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $230,000 and the median monthly rent is $900.
What are the best industries in Great Falls?
The top industries in Great Falls, MT include Military, Healthcare, Agriculture. The city has a job growth rate of 0.8% and an unemployment rate of 3.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $50,000.
How does Great Falls's salary compare to other cities?
Great Falls's median salary of $50,000 is 15.8% below the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 90), the real purchasing power is approximately $55,556.
What is the minimum wage in Great Falls, MT?
The minimum wage in Great Falls, MT is $10.55 per hour. This equals approximately $21,944 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This is $3.30 above the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.