How to Become an Electrician in Montana

Considering a career as an electrician?

Well, you should be!

The continuous potential for growth within this field makes it a very profitable career path to pursue.

Plus, electricians are more in demand than ever in this ever-evolving world!

And that means great pay and consistent work, which is what most people are searching for.

So, if you’re interested in becoming an electrician in Montana, keep reading to find out how you can!

Electrician Job Duties and Skills In Montana

Hard Skills:

• Advise management on whether continued operation of equipment could be hazardous.
• Perform business management duties, such as maintaining records or files, preparing reports, or ordering supplies or equipment.
• Construct or fabricate parts by using hand tools and according to specifications.
• Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or other fixtures using hand tools or power tools.
• Perform physically demanding tasks, like digging trenches to lay conduit or moving or lifting heavy objects.
• Inspect electrical systems, equipment, or components to identify hazards, defects, or the need for repair

And more.

Soft Skills:

• Empathy
• Customer service
• Problem-solving
• Team work
• Critical thinking

So, as you can see, it will take a mix of hard and soft skills to be a good electrician.

How to Become an Electrician In Montana

If you’re still interested in becoming an electrician, here’s how you can do it!

Make Sure to Meet The Requirements

If you want to be eligible for an electrical license in Montana, you must be 18 years old or older.

You must also have a high school diploma or a GED.

You have to have a valid driver’s license as well.

Before you apply to take the licensing exam, make sure you’ve reached these basic requirements!

Complete All the Required Classroom Hours

You must be sure to complete a minimum of 500 classroom hours before you can apply for your electrical license in Montana.

Be sure to meet this requirement or you will not be able to obtain your license.

Successfully Complete Your Training

You have to make sure to gain at least 8,000 hours of hands-on work experience, or else you won’t be eligible to receive an electrical license in Montana.

You can gain all the required hours by completing an apprenticeship program or while attending a technical or vocational school, or community college.

Apply to Get Your License

Once you’ve met all the requirements, you can apply for your electrical license!

To do this, you need to take and pass the electrical exam.

This exam includes 60 questions in multiple choice or true/false format

If you can pass the exam, you can get your license!

Training Programs for Electricians In Montana

Helena College University of Montana

Helena College offers a Residential Electrician program, which promises to prepare students for an entry-level career as an electrician.

The program teaches its students the fundamental skills and lays down the groundwork necessary to succeed, such as electrical theory, wiring and installation practices, customer service skills, the National Electrical Code®, and more.

The course features 3D models–including main panels, circuit breakers, and more–to help familiarize its students with working with these programs.

It’s a very hands-on program that also promises to prepare students for the licensing exam.

Western Dakota Technical College

Western Dakota Technical College offers the Electrical Trades program, which allows students to practice technical skills under the guidance of instructors who are true experts.

The school assures its students that they will graduate with knowledge and abilities that will set them apart from the rest of the crowd.

The four-semester Associate of Applied Science degree program incorporates some classroom time, but the majority of time will be spent learning by doing.

The program not only focuses on teaching students how to become good electricians, but also on training them to work with high tech, like programmable controls, and computerized networking. 

North Idaho College

North Idaho College has Apprenticeship Classes that are offered to anyone over the age of sixteen.

This apprenticeship can be completed in 144 hours–16 hours a month for 9 months.

Students will have the opportunity to earn their Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degree.

This apprenticeship will provide students with the basic knowledge they’ll need in order to become a successful electrician.

It’ll also contribute to the required hours needed to earn an electrical license while giving students the opportunity to train on the job.

Overall, like many apprenticeship programs, this is a great choice for students who are just looking to get started on their learning journey and get their foot in the door of the electrical industry.

Electrician Salaries In Montana

In Montana, entry-level electricians may be able to earn about $41,000 per year.

However, on average, most electricians in Montana will make $56,000 or more!

The amount you earn depends on a bunch of different factors, such as your experience, expertise, and even your city.

Check out the chart below to see how Montana electricians’ pay varies from city to city.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Billings	$62,780
Miles City	$61,801
Kalispell	$58,443
Great Falls	$57,474
Havre	$56,496
Helena	$56,091
Missoula	$55,112
Butte-Silver Bow	$55,112
Bozeman	$55,112
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County	$55,112

Regional Salary in Montana

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Electricians, OCC Code 47-2111, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do electricians apprentice make in Montana?

Between $40,000 and $50,000 per year, on average.

How many programs does the Montana Electrical JATC offer?

The Montana Electrical JATC offers 3 programs to choose from.

What states reciprocate with Montana electrical license?

Arkansas, Wisconsin, Nebraska, North Dakota, Montana, Colorado, Minnesota, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

Electrician Info by State