Lineworker Career Guide in Montana
Explore lineworker salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Montana.
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How to Become a Lineworker in Montana
Montana Tech offers a dedicated pre-apprentice line program. Graduates can pursue outside-line, utility, or electric-cooperative apprenticeships and paid field training.
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.
Lineworker Salary in Montana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Montana median wage for lineworker 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 $92,560, the median wage in Montana is approximately $17,760 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Lineworkers 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 PREPARATIONLineworker Training Requirements in Montana
Montana lineworkers may complete a pre-apprentice line program before entering paid utility or outside-line training.
- Meet employer education, physical, and commercial-driver requirements.
- Develop climbing, rigging, grounding, and electrical-safety skills.
- Complete supervised apprentice field progression.
- Check electrical-board requirements if the proposed work falls outside ordinary utility line duties.
Lineworker Training Providers in Montana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Highlands College of Montana Tech — Pre-Apprentice Line Program | Butte | View Program |
| Fort Peck Community College — electrical lineworker training | Poplar | View Program |
| Helena College University of Montana — related electrical training | Helena | View Program |
| Great Falls College Montana State University — related technical training | 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 OPPORTUNITIESLineworker Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
Lineworker Employment and Training Pathway
Organization: Flathead Electric Cooperative
Lineworker Licensing Requirements in Montana
Montana regulates covered electrical work through its State Electrical Board. A general individual lineworker license should not be inferred for every utility assignment; requirements depend on the work and employer.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSLineworker Job Outlook in Montana
Montana projects 13% growth from 2024 to 2034 and approximately 60 annual openings.
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 lineworker salary in Montana?
The statewide median wage for lineworkers in Montana is approximately $110,320 per year, or $53.04 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Montana require lineworker licensing?
Licensing requirements for lineworker workers in Montana vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Montana State Electrical Board before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a lineworker in Montana?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 3–4 Years to Journey Level, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are lineworkers in demand in Montana?
Montana projects lineworker employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2024 to 2034, with about 60 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 Lineworker (SOC 49-9051) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Lineworker Wages
- Montana Lineworker Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Lineworker Employment Trends
- Montana State Electrical Board — Licensing authority. Montana State Electrical Board