Pipefitter Career Guide in Montana
Explore pipefitter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Montana.
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How to Become a Pipefitter in Montana
Pipefitters commonly complete a five-year apprenticeship covering industrial and commercial piping, welding, rigging, blueprint reading, mathematics, hydronics, and safety.
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.
Pipefitter Salary in Montana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Montana median wage for pipefitter 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 $62,970, the median wage in Montana is approximately $1,160 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Pipefitters 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 PREPARATIONPipefitter Training Requirements in Montana
Montana pipefitters generally complete a registered apprenticeship and must obtain plumbing credentials when their duties fall within the state’s regulated plumbing scope.
- Register as a plumbing apprentice when performing regulated plumbing work under licensed supervision.
- Complete classroom instruction and the documented work hours required for journeyman eligibility.
- Study pipe layout, welding, industrial piping, hydronics, gas systems, rigging, blueprint reading, codes, and safety.
- Pass the Montana journeyman examination when performing work within the regulated plumbing scope.
- Complete employer-required welding, brazing, OSHA, and industrial-facility certifications.
Pipefitter Training Providers in Montana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Helena College – Welding Technology | Helena | View Program |
| Montana State University–Northern – Plumbing and Mechanical Trades Training | Havre | View Program |
| City College at Montana State University Billings – Welding and Metal Fabrication | Billings | View Program |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech – Welding Technology | Butte | 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 OPPORTUNITIESPipefitter Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Montana Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors Association
Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Pipefitter Licensing Requirements in Montana
Montana licenses plumbing work statewide but does not issue a separate universal industrial pipefitter license. Industrial process piping may be outside the plumbing scope, while plumbing, gas, and certain mechanical connections require appropriate credentials and permits.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPipefitter Job Outlook in Montana
Energy infrastructure, mining, manufacturing, hospitals, commercial development, and retirement-related replacement needs should support pipefitter demand in Montana.
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 pipefitter salary in Montana?
The statewide median wage for pipefitters in Montana is approximately $64,130 per year, or $30.83 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Montana require pipefitter licensing?
Licensing requirements for pipefitter workers in Montana vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Board of Plumbers before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a pipefitter 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 pipefitters in demand in Montana?
Montana projects pipefitter employment to grow by approximately 11% from 2022 to 2032. 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 Pipefitter (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Pipefitter Wages
- Montana Pipefitter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Pipefitter Employment Trends
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Board of Plumbers — Licensing authority. Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Board of Plumbers