HVAC Technician Schools in Montana

HVAC technicians in Montana work indoors and outdoors, in tight spaces and extreme temperatures, and can be called upon to work in both residential and commercial environments. State residents who want to start a career in this profession must be prepared for their upcoming duties.

Adequate preparation involves understanding what starting a career in this field entails and acquiring the right education. The guide on this page shows readers exactly how to achieve these objectives.

We explore the preparatory requirements, educational pathways, certification and licensing steps, and the expected salary brackets for HVAC technicians in Montana based on several crucial factors.

How to Become an HVAC Technician in Montana

Candidates in Montana may start their careers by following the steps below.

Basic Prerequisites

In Montana, the basic prerequisites for becoming an HVAC technician are basic mathematics and reading skills, a high school diploma or a GED equivalent, and being at least 18 years old—which is the minimum age requirement for most employers.

Enroll in a Training Program

HVAC technicians in Montana have a greater chance of career success if they enroll in a training program to learn fundamental skills in the field. These programs will also help them obtain degrees and certificates that will prove valuable during employment and throughout their careers.

HVAC technology training programs may last 6 months or up to 2 years, depending on whether a student is pursuing a certificate or an associate degree.

Real-World Experience

Candidates are advised to participate in an on-the-job training arrangement under the supervision of a qualified HVAC technician in the state to build real-world experience before they secure employment. This will also help them become more confident in their abilities to take on significant tasks without supervision.

Explore other trades with similar paths:

• Become a plumber in Montana

Licensure & Certification Requirements

HVAC technicians in Montana are to obtain EPA certification to handle refrigerants.

Professionals in the state may also consider certification from top organizations to improve their employment and career prospects.

As for licensing, HVAC techs in the state are not expected to be licensed by any regulatory body before they can secure employment. However, those starting their own business must register with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.

Additionally, business owners receiving significant contracts will have to acquire a construction contractor or independent contractor license.

To do this, they will need to pay a licensing fee of $70 and acquire workers’ compensation insurance. A contractor license in Montana must be renewed every two years to maintain validity.

Top HVAC Technician Schools in Montana

The entries below are some top training programs for future HVAC technicians in Montana.

Apprenticeship Training

Lastly, individuals may want to acquire their HVAC technology education through an apprenticeship program. In this case, they may consider the programs offered by the UA Local 30 Union, Local 41 in Butte, and Local 459 in Missoula.

All programs emphasize hands-on training and are notable for offering significant career assistance for subsequent growth and continuing education.

Explore HVAC technician schools in Montana by City:

• HVAC technician schools in Billings

Salary & Career Outlook

It is possible to divide HVAC technicians in Montana into three broad categories depending on how much they make at the end of the year. Those who fall within the lower end of the spectrum manage an annual average salary of $43,412 – which is good enough for them to be among the lowest-paid in the state.

However, with time and more experience, professionals can increase their earnings to around $65,537 per year, which is good enough for the median earning category and ultimately up to $98,940 – relevant for the highest-paid in the top 10%. Along with time and experience, location is another factor that can help HVAC technicians in the state increase their yearly returns.

Currently, those who work in Helena are the highest-paid in the state, with an annual average salary of $76,99. They are followed by those who work in Belgrad, who make around $74,321 per year on average. HVAC technicians in Bozeman manage an annual average salary of $72,605.