Becoming an Electrician in Montana

Electricians in Montana have many job opportunities, with demand expected to grow in the coming years. Whether starting as an apprentice or advancing as a master electrician, there are various roles available to match different career stages. [En Español]

Montana Electrical License Requirements

The Montana State Electrical Board (MSEB) oversees electrical licensing, renewals, and regulations. To become an electrician, you must first complete an MSEB-registered apprenticeship, then obtain a journeyman or residential electrician license, and eventually qualify for a master electrician license. While experience is the primary requirement for advancement, completing an electrical technology program at a community college or trade school can accelerate the process and provide valuable classroom training for MSEB exams.

Electrician Apprenticeships in Montana

The are broadly two types of apprenticship program available in Montana: union or non-union.

Union apprenticeships are offered by the local chapters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) and the National Electrical Constructors Association (NECA), via there Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC). There is just one JATC in the state of Montana.

Montana Electrical JATC
2616 Bozeman Avenue
Helena, MT 59601

This apprenticeship program is offered in conjunction IBEW Local 233 in Helena, IBEW Local 532 in Billings and IBEW Local 768 in Kalispell.

Non-union apprenticeships are offered by the Montana chapter of Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), with options in Missoula, Great Falls, Bozeman and Billings, as well as an online training program.

Job Outlook in Montana

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2020 report, there were 2,310 working electricians in Montana. With a projected 39 percent employment rise by 2030, another 370 jobs are expected to be created for electricians. The average annual salary for an electrician in the state was around $64,590, and opportunities to advance your career come with the possibilities of higher pay. Those in the top 10th percentile earned up to $88,680 a year in 2020.

Salaries in Montana by Occupation

Occupation	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Wage	Annual Salary 10th Percentile	Annual Salary 25th Percentile	Annual Salary 75th Percentile	Annual Salary 90th Percentile
Electricians	2,310	$31.05	$64,590	$45,730	$49,000	$76,760	$88,680
Helpers--Electricians	**	$16.19	$33,670	$33,670	$33,670	$33,670	$34,330
Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment	**	$40.19	$83,600	$36,980	$54,640	$93,940	$114,520
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment	150	$32.85	$68,330	$31,970	$47,840	$75,810	$102,480
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay	80	$48.55	$100,980	$83,540	$97,730	$105,440	$108,880
Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers	600	$50.75	$105,560	$67,780	$86,710	$107,640	$116,580

Electrician Salaries in Montana by Region

Area	Total Employment	Mean Hourly Wage	Mean Annual Salary	Hourly Wage 10th Percentile	Hourly Wage 25th Percentile	Hourly Wage 75th Percentile	Hourly Wage 90th Percentile
Billings, MT	280	$31.80	$66,150	$21.00	$23.34	$37.86	$43.78
Great Falls, MT	220	$35.03	$72,870	$21.93	$29.37	$36.17	$45.18
Missoula, MT	220	$31.41	$65,320	$21.58	$23.36	$37.08	$42.25

Electrician Training in Montana

Apprenticeships in Montana can be registered with union or non-union employers through the Montana State Electrical Board (MSEB). Union apprenticeships are easier to apply for since only one non-union option exists in the state. However, union programs require membership approval and a passing score on an aptitude test. For non-union apprenticeships, the Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) trade association, based in Helena, offers apprenticeships.

To qualify for a journeyman or residential electrician license in Montana, an apprentice must complete one of three pathways: 4,000 to 8,000 hours of work experience plus 500 hours of educational training, an associate’s degree with 4,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job experience, or 20,000 hours of combined education and work experience. The Montana State Electrical Board (MSEB) administers open-book exams, and once an electrician meets the requirements, the MSEB sends a registration letter to schedule the exam.

• Montana State University-Northern (MSU-Northern). Located in Havre, MSU-Northern offers an associate degree in electrical technology in conjunction with the State of Montana Apprenticeship Program. The joint program allows students to complete both the educational and work-related experience through one program.
• Flathead Valley Community College. In Kalispell, Flathead Valley Community College offers a certificate program and associate degree in electrical technology. This program does not offer an apprentice program as MSU-Northern does.

An electrician in Montana can apply for a master electrician license with either a degree in electrical engineering and 2,000 hours of work experience or 8,000 hours as a journeyman or residential electrician. Those without a degree must submit a Master Experience Verification Affidavit before qualifying. All applicants must pass an exam administered by the Montana State Electrical Board (MSEB). Master electricians can also apply to become electrical contractors, allowing them to hire and supervise other electricians.

Where to Find Work in Montana

Electricians are in high demand nationwide, and Montana residents have a variety of job opportunities with engineering firms, power companies, and construction companies. Career options include roles as residential or commercial electricians, independent contractors, job estimators, and consultants. While electricians are needed in all areas, cities and surrounding regions typically offer the most job opportunities.

College Programs

• Southwestern Montana Nonmetropolitan Area
• Western Montana Nonmetropolitan Area

Southwestern Montana Nonmetropolitan Area Area

25 Basin Creek Rd, Butte, Montana 59701
(406) 496-3711
Electrical Engineering – Certificate Program

Highlands College of Montana Tech’s Certificate-level Electrical Engineering program is taught at their campus in the town of Butte. Most of the school’s 850 students are on 2-year programs. Fees for tuition for in-state students are likely to be about $3,351 and for students from other states likely to be about $8,974 yearly. Books and supplies can cost about $1,100, although this will depend on the program.

Western Montana Nonmetropolitan Area Area

777 Grandview Dr, Kalispell, Montana 59901
(406) 756-3822
Electrical Technology – Associate Program

Flathead Valley Community College’s Associate program in Electrical Technology is taught at their campus in Kalispell in Flathead County, Montana. This public college has in the region of 2,169 students in total, with the majority of students on 2-year programs. The college is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities. Fees for tuition for in-district students are roughly about $4,638 and are $6,010 and $11,778 for in-state and out-of-state students respectively, while study materials may cost roughly $1,000, depending on the program.

* College accredition status and tuition fees and are, to our best knowledge, correct at the time of writing, and sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (http://nces.ed.gov/). Check all details directly with college before applying.

Neighbor States

Residents of Montana may also wish to review their options in Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota and South Dakota.

FAQs

How much do electricians earn in the state of Montana?

According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in the state of Montana made an average of $60,290 per year in 2019. Entry-level electricians earned around $35,310 and some experienced professionals earned salaries as high as $84,600.