Firefighter in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Public safety
Montana employs 1,010 firefighters, with a statewide median of $59,310 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Firefighters Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $59,310 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $32,810
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $68,100
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $76,620
- Employed in Montana
- 1,010
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $57,120 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for firefighters in major Montana markets:
- Bozeman
- $77,430 (100 employed)
- Missoula
- $76,620 (130 employed)
- Billings
- $68,100 (130 employed)
- Great Falls
- $60,080 (70 employed)
- Helena
- $54,260 (80 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $59,310 median stretches to roughly $62,696 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow firefighters employment +5.6%, faster than the +3.4% projected nationally. The state expects about 70 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001) — regulated by the Montana fire departments / state fire training.
- Complete a fire academy (a department-run or approved academy).
- Earn Firefighter I and II certification (NFPA 1001-based).
- Add EMT certification — most departments require it — then apply to departments.
Official requirements: Montana fire departments / state fire training →
Training in Montana
Competitive hiring; EMT (or paramedic) plus academy certs make you a stronger candidate. Wildland firefighting is also a major Montana path.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Helena College University of Montana — Certificate / Associate
- Montana State University Billings — Associate
Where Firefighters Work in Montana
Real Montana fire departments that employ firefighters include:
- Absarokee Volunteer Fire Rescue Department — Absarokee
- Frenchtown Rural Fire District Station 5 — Alberton
- Alder Rural Fire District — Alder
- Alzada Volunteer Fire Control — Alzada
- Anaconda Fire Department Station — Anaconda
- Georgetown Lake Volunteer Fire Company Station 1 — Anaconda
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People drawn to public service, physical challenge, and team-based work with a clear civic purpose.
Think twice if: Shift work, physical fitness testing, fire and smoke exposure, and civil service hiring timelines sound prohibitive.
Why it's resilient: Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
First Steps
Research your local fire department's recruitment cycle and start EMT-Basic training as the first practical step.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do firefighters make in Montana?
The median wage for firefighters in Montana is $59,310 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $32,810, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $76,620. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Firefighter in Montana?
Firefighter I / II certification (NFPA 1001), overseen by the Montana fire departments / state fire training. Complete a fire academy (a department-run or approved academy).
Is being a Firefighter a good career in Montana?
Firefighting requires physical presence, real-time judgment, community trust, and licensed skills that are inherently resistant to automation.
Which Montana metros pay firefighters the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Bozeman leads at $77,430, followed by Missoula ($76,620), Billings ($68,100). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Firefighter in Montana?
Real Montana options include Helena College University of Montana, Montana State University Billings. Most firefighters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Firefighter a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects firefighters employment to change +5.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 70 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 33-2011. Licensing summary compiled from the Montana fire departments / state fire training (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Montana wages · Montana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities; Employer lists from CMS Provider of Services, the FAA Part 145 directory, EIA Form 860, and USGS/state EMS registries (2026).
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.