Carpentry Schools in Montana

The state of Montana is known to be very accommodating to trade professionals, and the same is true of carpentry.

State residents who would like to consider a carpentry career must ensure that they are as well-prepared as possible before taking any steps. The way to achieve this is to understand all of the requirements and possible optimizations for career growth right from the beginning.

Readers of this page will be able to achieve this objective, as we have provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major requirements to become a carpenter in Montana below. We examine the several educational options for candidates to choose from, the licensing and certification requirements, and the top training destinations, among other things.

How to Become a Carpenter in Montana

Below are the requirements and considerations needed to become a thriving carpenter in Montana.

Step 1: Basic Education

Prospective carpenters in Montana need a basic education in mathematics, geometry, and drafting from the high school level. This is one reason why training institutions and apprenticeships tend to require a high school diploma as an admission requirement.

Candidates who don’t have a high school diploma can always use their GED results in its place.

Step 2: Apprenticeship

Apprenticeship programs are great at preparing prospective carpenters due to their holistic approach to the trade. This means that candidates will not only receive classroom instructions but also be able to practice with actual tools and equipment as early as possible.

Because functional trade unions and organizations offer them, apprenticeship students also tend to enjoy direct interactions with practicing professionals who have a wealth of experience to share.

Step 3: Formal Education

While apprenticeship programs can be sufficient to give candidates the required skills to secure employment as carpenters, those who consolidate their education with formal academic programs can distinguish themselves from the competition.

They will be able to earn a certificate or an associate degree, which can help them with their earnings and salaries.

Some programs will also include entrepreneurial and marketing classes, so candidates can launch their businesses and work as contractors in the state.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• How to become an aircraft mechanic in Montana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

Individuals must receive a license and register with the state to work as licensed contractors in Montana. Of course, contractors are different from regular workers who are only part of a construction team.

For those who will be working under licensed contractors, a state license is not necessary. Licensing only becomes necessary when candidates want to branch out and start taking on contracts of their own.

All construction contractors in Montana must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. Candidates must show proof of workers’ compensation and general liability insurance to register successfully.

Top Carpentry Schools in Montana

All of the schools below are notable for excellent carpentry programs for candidates in Montana.

Explore carpentry schools in Montana by city:

• Carpentry schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

According to a survey of carpenters in Montana carried out on Indeed, the annual average salary to look forward to as a regular professional in the field is $65,197. This is the figure most common to the median earners, and is also in line with the national average.

Of course, candidates can fall either above or below this figure if, for instance, they are among the top 10% or the bottom 10%. Those in the former category manage an annual average salary of around $91,708, while those in the bottom category can expect an annual average salary of around $46,349.

Experience and location can be optimized to improve carpentry salaries in Montana. Currently, the places with the highest average returns are Whitefish, with an annual average salary of $78,576; Kalispell, with an annual average salary of $70,596; and Great Falls, with an annual average salary of $69,081.