Can A Welder Afford Rent in Billings, MT?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.7% of gross income.
Billings rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Montana state estimate).
About rent and a welder salary
Welder pay tracks the US median household income closely. Pipeline and underwater welders earn materially more. At the national-average welder salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,285 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Montana cities have lower median rent than Billings, which improves the affordability math on a welder salary:
Compare with full rent data for Billings
View full rent data for Billings, MT →Frequently asked questions
Can a welder afford rent in Billings, MT?
Median rent in Billings is $1,458 a month. A typical welder in Montana earns about $45,241 a year, which makes that rent 38.7% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a welder afford in Billings?
Using the 30% rule, a welder salary in Montana (~$45,241/yr) supports up to $1,131 a month in rent. Billings's current median rent is $1,458/mo, which is $327/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a welder work to cover rent in Billings?
At an hourly equivalent of about $22 an hour, a welder in Montana works roughly 67 hours a month to cover Billings's median rent of $1,458.
Where is rent cheaper than Billings for a welder?
Nearby Montana cities with lower median rent include Helena ($1,457/mo), Missoula ($1,456/mo), Missoula ($1,452/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a welder salary.