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Average Bartenders Salary in Great Falls, MT

Bartenders in Great Falls, MT, earn an average annual salary of $25,810. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $39,890, suggesting that local economic factors and demand within the Great Falls area play a significant role in compensation. The specific economic landscape and the prevalence of hospitality roles in Montana contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $25,810 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $33,210.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this role, Great Falls, MT, presents a moderately sized market for bartenders. The Location Quotient of 2.1 indicates a concentration of these jobs significantly higher than the national average, suggesting a robust demand relative to the general workforce. This concentration implies that opportunities may be more readily available for skilled bartenders within the region compared to national trends.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$25,810

The average Bartenders in Great Falls, MT earns-35.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$12.4

Weekly

$496

Monthly

$2,151

Bartenders Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT

The salary progression for bartenders in Great Falls, MT, typically sees an increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start at the lower end of the pay scale, while senior or lead bartenders, possessing extensive knowledge of mixology, customer service, and potentially management skills, can command higher salaries. The gap between entry-level and senior percentile earnings signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the profession.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Commis ChefPrep work, learning stations, basic knife skills.10% (Entry)$21,420$10.3
Chef de PartieStation chef (Grill, Sauté). Runs a section.25% (Junior)$19,358$9.3
Sous ChefSecond in command. Managing staff & inventory.50% (Median)$22,450$10.8
Executive ChefMenu creation, costing, kitchen management.75% (Senior)$32,263$15.5
Chef OwnerRestaurateur. Multi-venue operations.90% (Expert)$33,210$16

Detailed Bartenders Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$25,810

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$25,810

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $25,810 in Great Falls, MT, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the take-home pay for a bartender in Great Falls offers a comparable standard of living to that of a bartender earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living.

Job Market Context

370

Total Jobs

10.162

Per 1K Jobs

2.1

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Great Falls, MT has 2.1x the national concentration of Bartenders jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.

The Location Quotient of 2.1 for bartenders in Great Falls, MT, signifies a substantial concentration of this profession relative to the national average. This indicates that the job market in Great Falls is more specialized in hospitality roles, potentially leading to a more competitive environment for job seekers but also suggesting a higher demand for experienced individuals within the local service industry.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Bartenders

Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Bartenders make in Great Falls, MT?

The median annual salary for a Bartenders in Great Falls, MT is $25,810. This typically ranges from $21,420 for entry-level positions to $33,210 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 35.3% lower than the national median of $39,890.

Is Great Falls, MT a lucrative place for Bartenders?

No, but the cost of living is average.While the average salary of $25,810 is below the national average, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable.

Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Bartenders?

The Cost of Living Index in Great Falls, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Great Falls, MT?

Some top paying nearby cities include West Montana nonmetropolitan area ($25,280) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.

How does the number of local jobs compare to the national average?

Great Falls, MT has 10.162 bartender jobs per 1,000 workers, which is significantly higher than the national average, indicating a strong local presence of this occupation.

What is the total number of bartenders employed in Great Falls, MT?

There are approximately 370 bartenders employed in Great Falls, MT, representing the local workforce in this specific profession.

Does experience significantly impact a bartender's salary in Great Falls, MT?

Yes, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior bartenders typically earning more than entry-level positions due to increased skills and responsibilities.

How does the concentration of bartenders in Great Falls compare nationally?

With a Location Quotient of 2.1, Great Falls, MT, has more than double the national average concentration of bartenders, suggesting a specialized local job market.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 10.162 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.