Montana Firefighter Salary (2026) – City Breakdown, Overtime & Real Take-Home
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Montana firefighter compensation varies by department, schedule, overtime policy, and benefits. This guide breaks down what Montana firefighters actually earn — from entry-level pay to top-step with overtime — and what shapes take-home pay across the state's major departments.
Based on BLS Occupational Employment Statistics and department pay scales (BLS mean: $48,820):
Level
Annual Base Pay
Entry-level (probation / step 1)
$40,000–$52,000
Mid-career (5–10 years)
$52,000–$66,000
Top-step Firefighter
$62,000–$78,000
With overtime (realistic)
$72,000–$92,000
Engineer / Driver-Operator
$68,000–$84,000
Captain
$80,000–$100,000
Source: BLS OES May 2023, department HR postings, union contracts. Numbers reflect base pay; total compensation with OT and benefits is higher.
City-by-City Breakdown
Department
Typical Range
Notes
Billings Fire Department
$50,000–$78,000
Largest city in Montana; best pay and OT in the state.
Missoula Fire Department
$46,000–$72,000
University city; wildland-urban interface. USFS proximity creates training opportunities.
Great Falls Fire Rescue
$44,000–$68,000
Central Montana; smaller department, stable employment.
Bozeman Fire Department
$46,000–$74,000
Fastest-growing city in Montana; compensation improving rapidly.
Overtime and Premium Pay
Wildfire season is a significant OT driver in Montana. Many Montana departments participate in USFS mutual aid agreements, creating substantial summer income for certified wildland firefighters. Billings has the most year-round OT.
Use the Salary Comparison Tool to model different overtime assumptions before comparing departments.
Retirement and Pension
Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA) — Firefighter tier. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions around 6-8% of gross pay.
Cost of Living — What Your Salary Actually Buys
Montana housing costs have risen sharply since 2020, particularly in Bozeman, Missoula, and Billings. The state is no longer the affordable mountain retreat it once was. Bozeman now rivals some coastal markets in housing cost-to-income ratio.
MT Firefighter Career Outlook
Wildland fire certifications (Red Card, Incident Command) are very valuable in Montana and can substantially supplement career fire income. Lifestyle appeal drives strong competition for positions.
How to Compare Two Montana Departments
Match the same rank and step (entry vs. 5-year vs. top step).
Confirm the schedule type and how overtime is calculated under your contract.
Get the actual pension contribution rate — not just the benefit formula.
Ask for healthcare premium costs for your coverage tier.
Subtract deductions, then compare take-home against housing costs in that specific city.
Add conservative overtime — use low-end estimates, not maximum scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average firefighter salary in Montana?
The BLS mean wage for firefighters in Montana is $48,820. Career firefighters typically earn $52,000–$66,000 in base pay depending on rank, step, and department. With realistic overtime, total compensation ranges from $72,000–$92,000.
Do Montana firefighters get a pension?
Montana Public Employee Retirement Administration (MPERA) — Firefighter tier. Defined-benefit. Employee contributions around 6-8% of gross pay.
Is Montana a good state for a firefighter career?
Wildland fire certifications (Red Card, Incident Command) are very valuable in Montana and can substantially supplement career fire income. Lifestyle appeal drives strong competition for positions.
