Overall, starting a career as an electrician in Montana offers stability, several specializations, and career advancement opportunities. Of course, doing this successfully requires technical knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to safety.
Fundamentally, it requires understanding all the major considerations contributing to career growth. We have created the extensive guide below for this particular reason.
We hope readers of this page are not only adequately prepared to become electricians in Montana but can also check the right boxes to facilitate career opportunities right from the start.
We explore the best training programs and educational options for real-world experience and even provide an overview of key salary figures to expect.
How to Become an Electrician in Montana
Below are the requirements for starting a career as an electrician in Montana.
Getting Started
The minimum age to receive electrician training in Montana is usually around 17. Regardless of their chosen educational destination, candidates will likely be asked to show their high school diploma or provide a GED equivalent.
Training Avenues
Aspiring electricians in Montana don’t have to choose between classroom and hands-on training to start their careers. They must obtain both kinds of training, usually through the following avenues:
- Hands-On Training—Electrical technology is a very hands-on field. Candidates must be able to perform their duties in a real-world environment while still learning.
This is why most people in Montana consult apprenticeship programs to receive the hands-on education necessary to succeed on the job.
- Classroom Training—Although apprenticeship programs offer classroom training in conjunction with hands-on training, candidates looking to immerse themselves in the theoretical principles behind the field often choose to attend an academic program.
Several state community colleges and technical schools (including those listed later) are great options for acquiring such training.
Employment & Continuing Education
The field of electrical technology continues to improve. For this reason, even after completing their training programs, candidates are still expected to improve themselves by participating in continuing education classes.
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Licensure & Certification Requirements
The Montana State Electrical Board, which belongs to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, oversees licensure issues for electricians in the state. The board expects candidates to meet the requirements of classroom training and practical experience before acquiring a license.
The licensing categories for electricians in Montana begin with a residential or journeyman license. To acquire this license, candidates must pay an application fee of $240 and pass the licensure exam.
Once they do so, they will receive their license, but they must renew it every two years. The state requires 16 hours of continuing education and a $200 renewal fee.
Residential/journeyman electricians may obtain a master electrician license after earning an electrical engineering degree or completing 8,000 hours of full-time experience. This license also incurs a $240 application fee and a $200 renewal fee.
Top Electrician Schools in Montana
Prospective electricians in Montana may consider receiving their training from any of the top-class destinations below.
Montana State University
Bozeman, MT Campus Only
Montana State University offers a hands-on training program for aspiring electricians. Thanks to a partnership with the State of Montana Apprenticeship program, the program notably combines classroom training with real-world experience.
Tuition
$8,460 - $33,288Contact
(406) 265-4164
admissions@montana.edu
Flathead Valley Community College
Kalispell, MT Campus Only
Flathead Valley Community College offers a high-quality Certificate program in electrical technology. This program is perfect for candidates who want to complete their education in just one year.
Tuition
$148 - $429 per CreditContact
(406) 756-3893
gdillon@fvcc.edu
Explore electrician schools in Montana by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The key salary figures for electricians in Montana will vary based on experience and location. Naturally, some specialty areas are also more lucrative than others, and the particular establishment of employment will also influence them.
All of these factors contribute to dividing electricians in Montana into three broad categories based on their annual average salaries. In the first category, the lowest-paid take home an annual average salary of $65,829.
The second category consists of electricians in the midpoint, earning an annual average salary of $85,342. Electricians in Montana who fall into the third category with an annual average salary of $110,638 are considered among the state’s highest-paid.
Billings has the highest electrician pay in Montana, with an average annual salary of $108,258. Those in Great Falls are also notable, with an annual average salary of $94,219.