Average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary in Great Falls, MT
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT, earn an average annual salary of $55,850. This figure is slightly below the national average of $58,380, suggesting that while demand exists, local economic factors or industry specifics in Montana may influence compensation. The cost of living in Great Falls aligns perfectly with the national average, making the nominal salary's purchasing power comparable.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $55,850 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,660.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 450 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Great Falls, MT, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market for this profession. The Location Quotient of 0.92 indicates that the concentration of these drivers is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced supply and demand dynamic. The presence of 12.316 jobs per 1,000 workers further reinforces the consistent need for skilled truck drivers in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT earns-4.3%below the national average.
$26.9
$1,074
$4,654
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Great Falls is not provided, the trucking industry nationally has experienced consistent demand over the past four years, driven by e-commerce growth and supply chain needs. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls have also seen a gradual upward trend, mirroring national patterns and reflecting the ongoing importance of logistics in the Montana economy.
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary Distribution in Great Falls, MT
Salary progression for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT, typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with extensive driving records, specialized endorsements (like hazmat or doubles/triples), and a proven safety record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior-level pay signifies clear career advancement opportunities within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $42,680 | $20.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,888 | $20.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $52,920 | $25.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $69,813 | $33.6 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,660 | $33 |
Detailed Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$55,850
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$55,850
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $55,850 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT, is directly comparable to the national average, given that the local Cost of Living Index is exactly 100. This means that the purchasing power of the Great Falls salary is effectively on par with the national average, offering no significant advantage or disadvantage from a cost-of-living perspective when considering relocation.
Job Market Context
450
Total Jobs
12.316
Per 1K Jobs
0.92
Location Quotient
Great Falls, MT has 0.92x the national average concentration of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.92 for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT, signifies that the concentration of these professionals in the area is nearly identical to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where opportunities are readily available but not overwhelmingly abundant, indicating a healthy balance between the number of available drivers and the demand for their services.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $54,880↓ 2% | 56 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,340↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $58,350↑ 4% | 56 mi |
| Helena, MT Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers Salary | $56,410↑ 1% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Great Falls, MT
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers make in Great Falls, MT?
The median annual salary for a Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT is $55,850. This typically ranges from $42,680 for entry-level positions to $68,660 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Great Falls, MT is 4.3% lower than the national median of $58,380.
Is Great Falls, MT a lucrative place for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
It is a stable, average-paying location for Truck Drivers.The average salary of $55,850 is slightly below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a comparable market.
Is Great Falls, MT a good place to live for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers?
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 ($54,880) and East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the Great Falls truck driver salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT, is $55,850, which is slightly lower than the national average of $58,380.
What is the cost of living in Great Falls, MT for truck drivers?
The cost of living in Great Falls, MT, is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning your salary's purchasing power is on par with the rest of the country.
How concentrated is the truck driver job market in Great Falls, MT?
The job market concentration, measured by the Location Quotient of 0.92, is very close to the national average, indicating a balanced supply and demand for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers.
What is the total number of Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers in Great Falls, MT?
There are approximately 450 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers employed in Great Falls, MT, contributing to a steady demand for their services.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 450 employees in the Great Falls, MT area with a job density of 12.316 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Great Falls, MT