Plumber Career Guide in Montana
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Montana.
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How to Become a Plumber in Montana
Most plumbers complete a registered apprenticeship combining paid supervised employment with related classroom instruction. Journeyman applicants generally need approximately 7,500 hours of qualifying 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.
Plumber Salary in Montana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Montana median wage for plumber 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 $16,990 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers 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 PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Montana
Montana plumbers must register or obtain the state license appropriate to their experience and work scope.
- Register as a plumbing apprentice before accumulating qualifying supervised experience.
- Complete a registered apprenticeship or an accepted equivalent combination of practical experience and technical education.
- Study plumbing code, mathematics, blueprints, water distribution, drainage, venting, pipefitting, gas systems, and safety.
- Pass the examination required for journeyman or master plumber licensure.
- Renew the license and complete required continuing education and code-update instruction.
Plumber 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 OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Montana
Montana requires plumbers to hold an apprentice registration or the applicable journeyman or master plumber license. Plumbing contractors must operate under a licensed master plumber and satisfy applicable business requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Montana
Montana projects employment of plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow 23% from 2022 to 2032, from approximately 2,260 to 2,770 jobs, with about 270 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 plumber salary in Montana?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Montana is approximately $79,960 per year, or $38.44 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Montana require plumber licensing?
Yes. Montana requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber 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 — Board of Plumbers.
How long does it take to become a plumber 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 plumbers in demand in Montana?
Montana projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 23% from 2022 to 2032, with about 270 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 Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Plumber Wages
- Montana Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Plumber Employment Trends
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Plumbers — Licensing authority. Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Board of Plumbers