How to Become an Electrician in Montana

Complete requirements, licensing steps, and career outlook for electricians in Montana

Quick Facts

Median Salary: $59,680/year
Job Outlook: 9% growth (2024-2034)
Licensing Required: Yes
Continuing Ed: 16 hours/biennial (2 years)

✓ Information verified from official sources (Last updated: 2025-01-27)

⚠️ Important Note for Montana

Montana reciprocity agreements with several neighboring states

Electrician License Requirements in Montana

Licensing Authority

Montana Board of Electricians

Phone: (406) 841-2330

Website: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/electricians

Official Source: https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/electricians

License Types & Requirements

Electrical Apprentice

  • Exam Required: No
  • Application Fee: $25
  • Requirements: Must register with the board

Journeyman Electrician

  • Required Hours: 8,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $100
  • Requirements: 8,000 hours experience, 576 hours related instruction, pass exam

Master Electrician

  • Required Hours: 10,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $150
  • Requirements: 10,000 hours total including 2,000 as journeyman, pass master exam

Residential Electrician

  • Required Hours: 4,000 hours of supervised work experience
  • Exam Required: Yes - PSI
  • Application Fee: $75
  • Requirements: 4,000 hours experience, limited to residential

Path to Becoming an Electrician in Montana

Step 1: Complete High School Education

Earn a high school diploma or GED. Focus on math (especially algebra and trigonometry), physics, and shop classes if available.

Step 2: Enter an Apprenticeship Program

Apply to an apprenticeship program through a union (IBEW) or independent electrical contractor. In Montana, you'll typically need 8000 hours of on-the-job training.

Step 3: Complete Required Hours

Work under supervision while logging your hours. Most apprenticeships in Montana take 4-5 years to complete.

Step 4: Pass Licensing Exam

Study for and pass the PSI journeyman electrician exam.

Step 5: Apply for Your License

Submit your application to Montana Board of Electricians with proof of hours, exam scores, and fees.

Electrician Salary in Montana

Entry Level: $41,520/year
Median Salary: $59,680/year
Experienced: $78,340/year

Source: BLS May 2024

License Reciprocity

Montana has reciprocity agreements with the following states:

  • Colorado
  • Wyoming
  • North Dakota
  • South Dakota

This means if you're licensed in one of these states, you may be able to obtain a Montana license with reduced requirements.

Major Cities Hiring Electricians in Montana

  • Billings
  • Missoula
  • Great Falls
  • Bozeman
  • Helena

Continuing Education Requirements

To maintain your electrician license in Montana, you must complete 16 hours of continuing education every biennial (2 years).

Start Your Electrician Career in Montana

Contact the Montana Board of Electricians for application details and approved training programs.

Visit Licensing Board

Recommended Resources

📘
NFPA 70: NEC 2026 Required for most exams
📗
Ugly's Electrical References Quick reference guide
🔧
Klein Tools Apprentice Tool Set Essential hand tools

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