Schneider Electric is bringing a major manufacturing boost to Montana with the announcement of a new 650,000-square-foot facility in Billings that will create 420 jobs and bring $380 million in capital investment to the region. The global leader in energy management and automation has selected Billings as the site for its next-generation production facility, which will manufacture electrical distribution equipment and energy management systems for commercial and industrial customers across the western United States. This expansion represents one of the largest economic development projects in Montana's recent history and positions the state as a key player in the growing energy infrastructure sector.
What Jobs Are Being Created?
Schneider Electric plans to hire 420 workers over a three-year period across multiple departments and skill levels. The facility will need production technicians to operate advanced manufacturing equipment, quality engineers to ensure products meet strict performance standards, and supply chain specialists to manage logistics and inventory for the large-scale operation. Additionally, the company will hire automation engineers to oversee the facility's high-tech production systems and maintain the digital infrastructure that connects modern manufacturing operations.
The hiring timeline will be phased to match the facility's construction and ramp-up schedule. Initial hiring will likely focus on management positions and skilled engineers who can oversee the facility setup and equipment installation. Production roles will follow as manufacturing lines come online. Interested candidates should monitor Schneider Electric's career portal and register for job alerts to stay informed about openings as they're posted. The company typically seeks candidates with experience in manufacturing environments, though entry-level production positions will likely be available with on-the-job training provided.
What Do These Jobs Pay After Taxes in Montana?
Understanding your actual take-home pay is essential when considering a job opportunity. Montana's tax structure includes a progressive state income tax, and residents benefit from no state sales tax, though they do pay federal income taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Here's what various salary levels at Schneider Electric would net you after taxes in Montana:
| Salary | Annual Take-Home | Monthly | Tax Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| $52,000 | $41,614 | $3,467/mo | 20.0% |
| $64,000 | $50,495 | $4,207/mo | 21.1% |
| $78,000 | $59,518 | $4,959/mo | 23.7% |
| $95,000 | $70,475 | $5,872/mo | 25.8% |
These calculations reflect standard deductions for a single filer and include federal, state, Social Security, and Medicare taxes. Your actual take-home may vary based on factors like marital status, dependents, and benefits elections.
Cost of Living — Can You Afford to Live There?
Billings offers a relatively affordable cost of living compared to major metropolitan areas, making those after-tax salaries stretch further. The median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Billings ranges from $800 to $1,100 per month, while a two-bedroom typically runs $1,000 to $1,400. For those looking to purchase a home, the median home price in Billings is approximately $320,000, which remains accessible compared to many western U.S. cities.
Monthly expenses for a single person typically include rent ($1,000), utilities ($150), groceries ($350), transportation ($200), and healthcare ($250), totaling around $1,950 before entertainment and discretionary spending. Someone earning $64,000 annually would take home $4,207 monthly, leaving comfortable room for savings and quality of life expenses. Families will have higher housing and food costs but will still find Billings more affordable than larger cities in the region.
When Will Hiring Begin?
While Schneider Electric has announced the project, specific hiring timelines will depend on construction progress and facility commissioning. Major manufacturing projects typically begin hiring key management and engineering positions 12 to 18 months before production launch, with production worker hiring ramping up 6 to 9 months prior to operations. Given the scale of this $380 million investment, interested job seekers should begin preparing their applications now.
To stay informed about hiring opportunities, visit Schneider Electric's official careers website and create a profile with job alerts enabled. Additionally, Montana's Department of Labor and Industry and local workforce development centers in Billings will likely partner with Schneider Electric to host job fairs and information sessions as hiring approaches. Following Schneider Electric and the Billings Chamber of Commerce on social media can also provide updates on recruitment events.
Skills and Qualifications Needed
Schneider Electric will seek candidates with diverse skill sets depending on the role. Production technicians should have mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, and ideally some experience operating manufacturing equipment or working in production environments. Many production roles require a high school diploma or equivalent, with specialized training provided on-site.
Quality engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, quality assurance, or a related field, along with knowledge of quality management systems and statistical process control. Supply chain specialists should have experience with inventory management, logistics coordination, and proficiency with enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. Automation engineers will need backgrounds in electrical engineering, controls systems, or industrial automation, often requiring a four-year degree and hands-on experience with programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and supervisory control systems.
Soft skills valued across all positions include problem-solving abilities, teamwork, communication skills, and adaptability to new technologies. Schneider Electric's focus on sustainability and energy efficiency means candidates who demonstrate knowledge of or passion for clean energy and environmental responsibility may have an advantage.
If you're considering applying for one of these positions, use our Montana salary calculator to see exactly what any job offer would mean for your monthly budget and financial goals. Understanding your after-tax income helps you negotiate effectively and make informed career decisions.
Sources
- Schneider Electric company press release
- Montana Department of Commerce - Economic Development Division
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- Internal Revenue Service - Federal Tax Withholding Tables
- Montana Department of Revenue - Individual Income Tax Information
- U.S. Census Bureau - American Community Survey (Billings, MT housing and demographic data)
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