Electrician in Montana
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT
How to Become an Electrician in Montana
To become a licensed Journeyman Electrician in Montana, individuals must complete a board-approved apprenticeship program or have 8,000 hours of practical experience. After meeting the experience requirements, applicants must pass the Montana Journeyman Electrician Exam, administered by PSI, and pay a $240 application fee and a $70 exam fee. Licenses are renewed every two years, requiring 16 hours of continuing education per cycle, with at least 8 hours focused on National Electrical Code updates. Montana also offers reciprocity for Journeyman electricians from several states under a 'Substantial Equivalency' model.
Electrician Requirements in Montana
| Detail | Montana |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Labor & Industry, State Electrical Board |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of a registered apprenticeship program. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Montana Journeyman Electrician Exam (PSI) ($70) |
| Application Fee | $240 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 16.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Minimum age is typically 18 for apprenticeship programs. The application fee includes the first licensing period. A temporary work permit for exam candidates is available for an additional $50. |
Source: Department of Labor & Industry, State Electrical Board
License Tiers
Montana offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Residential | 4,000 |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
Electrician Salary in Montana
The median electrician salary in Montana is $68,980 per year, which is 10.6% above the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,030 |
| 25th | $54,980 |
| 50th (median) | $68,980 |
| 75th | $78,540 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,520 |
Montana employs approximately 2,830 electricians.
Electrician Job Outlook
AI Impact on Electricians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.78/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming an Electrician in Montana Worth It?
Factors to consider: Montana's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.