Welder Career Guide in Montana
Explore welder salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Montana.
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How to Become a Welder in Montana
Montana welders commonly train at two-year colleges, through ironworker or pipe-trade apprenticeships, or with agricultural, mining, energy, and manufacturing employers. Industry certification depends on the process and project.
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.
Welder Salary in Montana
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Montana median wage for welder 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 $51,000, the median wage in Montana is approximately $2,760 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Welders 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 PREPARATIONWelder Training Requirements in Montana
Welders in Montana generally prepare through college-level technical training, apprenticeship, or supervised employer instruction.
- Complete hands-on instruction in SMAW, GMAW, FCAW, GTAW, cutting, fabrication, layout, and blueprint reading.
- Develop proficiency in structural, pipe, agricultural, mining-equipment, or industrial welding as required by the employer.
- Pass AWS, ASME, API, or employer qualification tests for code-controlled welding.
- Complete safety training covering hot work, ventilation, fire prevention, compressed gases, confined spaces, and personal protective equipment.
- Verify contractor-registration and regulated-trade requirements before contracting for welding-related construction work.
Welder Training Providers in Montana
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Helena College University of Montana | Helena | View Program |
| Great Falls College Montana State University | Great Falls | View Program |
| Highlands College of Montana Tech | Butte | View Program |
| Gallatin College Montana State University | Bozeman | 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 OPPORTUNITIESWelder Apprenticeship Programs in Montana
Boilermaker Apprenticeship
Organization: Western States Joint Apprenticeship Committee
Montana Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Montana Department of Labor and Industry
Welder Licensing Requirements in Montana
Montana does not issue a general occupational license for welders. Construction contractors with employees must register, while plumbing, gas, boiler, pressure-vessel, public-works, and local permit requirements may apply to specialized welding work.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSWelder Job Outlook in Montana
Montana’s latest available projection indicates strong demand for welders, with approximately 13% employment growth and 230 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
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 welder salary in Montana?
The statewide median wage for welders in Montana is approximately $53,760 per year, or $25.85 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Montana require welder licensing?
Licensing requirements for welder workers in Montana vary by work scope, license category, and jurisdiction. Applicants should verify current requirements with Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Contractor Registration before beginning work or applying for an examination.
How long does it take to become a welder in Montana?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are welders in demand in Montana?
Montana projects welder employment to grow by approximately 13% from 2022 to 2032, with about 230 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 Welder (SOC 51-4121) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Welder Wages
- Montana Welder Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Montana Welder Employment Trends
- Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Contractor Registration — Licensing authority. Montana Department of Labor and Industry — Construction Contractor Registration