Electrician Career Guide in Montana
Explore electrician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Montana.
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How to Become an Electrician in Montana
Most electricians complete a registered apprenticeship combining paid employment with related classroom instruction. Journeyman applicants generally need approximately 8,000 hours of qualifying practical experience.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Electrician Salary in Montana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Montana median wage for electrician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,350, the median wage in Montana is approximately $14,410 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Electricians in Montana
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONElectrician Training Requirements in Montana
Montana electricians must register or become licensed at the classification appropriate to their experience and work scope.
- Register as an electrical apprentice before accumulating qualifying supervised work experience.
- Complete a registered apprenticeship or an accepted equivalent combination of practical experience and technical education.
- Study electrical theory, code, wiring methods, safety, motors, controls, and blueprint reading.
- Pass the examination required for residential, journeyman, or master electrician licensure.
- Renew the credential and complete required continuing education, including National Electrical Code instruction.
Electrician Training Providers in Montana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena | View Program |
| Montana State University–Northern | Havre | View Program |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte | View Program |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESElectrician Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
Montana Electrical JATC
Organization: Montana IBEW–NECA Electrical Training Alliance
Registered Electrical Apprenticeship
Organization: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Electrician Licensing Requirements in Montana
Montana requires electricians to hold the appropriate state license or apprentice registration. Journeyman, residential, and master applicants must meet defined experience and examination requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSElectrician Job Outlook in Montana
Montana projects electrician employment to grow 19% from 2024 to 2034, from approximately 3,160 to 3,740 jobs, with about 350 openings annually.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the electrician salary in Montana?
The statewide median wage for electricians in Montana is approximately $76,760 per year, or $36.90 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Montana require electrician licensing?
Yes. Montana requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt electrician work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Montana Department of Labor and Industry — State Electrical Board.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Montana?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are electricians in demand in Montana?
Montana projects electrician employment to grow by approximately 19% from 2024 to 2034, with about 350 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Montana Wages for Electrician (SOC 47-2111) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Electrician Wages
- Montana Electrician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Electrician Employment Trends
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry — State Electrical Board — Licensing authority. Montana Department of Labor and Industry — State Electrical Board