Montana Electrician Salary and Job Outlook

The Big Picture: Montana Electrician Salary in 2024

With a high demand for skilled labor, the average Montana electrician salary is competitive. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023 data, the mean annual wage for electricians in Montana is approximately $61,500, with a mean hourly rate of around $29.57. However, an average salary only tells part of the story. Your actual earnings depend heavily on your license level, specialization, and location within the state. A typical Montana electrician hourly rate can range from $22 for entry-level professionals to over $40 for top earners. The salary spectrum is broad, with the bottom 10% of earners starting around $46,000 and the top 10% of earners with a Master license or running their own business exceeding $83,000.

Salary Expectations by License and Experience Level

Your career and earning potential as an electrician in Montana will grow as you gain experience and advance your license. The path is clearly defined, with compensation increasing at each stage from apprentice to master electrician.

Apprentice Electrician Salary Montana

As you begin your career in an apprenticeship, you earn while you learn. An apprentice electrician salary in Montana for an entry-level position can be estimated to start around $46,270, which represents the 10th percentile of wages for electricians in the state according to May 2023 BLS data. This starting wage is designed to increase steadily as you accumulate on-the-job hours and complete your required classroom instruction at an electrician school or approved training program.

Journeyman Electrician Salary Montana

Upon completing your apprenticeship and passing the state exam, you become a licensed journeyman electrician. This is where your earning potential sees a significant jump. Based on BLS data, the median journeyman electrician salary in Montana can be estimated around $66,700 per year, which aligns with the median annual wage for all electricians in the state. At this level, electricians can work independently on a wide range of projects, and those with specialized skills can command even higher wages, with the 75th percentile of earners in the state making over $73,000.

Master Electrician Salary Montana

At the pinnacle of the profession is the Master Electrician. Achieving this license requires years of journeyman experience and passing a rigorous exam. The advanced expertise and supervisory responsibilities are reflected in compensation. While the average wage for most electricians hovers around $61,500, the Master electrician salary in Montana can be significantly higher. Top-earning electricians in the state, who are often Master electricians or contractors, can earn more than $83,380 annually, a figure that represents the 90th percentile of wages according to the BLS.

How Specialization Impacts Your Paycheck

Beyond your license level, the type of work you do plays a major role in your earnings. Different sectors of the electrical industry have unique demands and pay scales.

• Residential Electrician Pay Montana: With a housing boom in full swing, the demand for skilled residential electricians is high. These professionals handle everything from wiring new homes to installing modern smart home systems. The residential electrician pay in Montana is often aligned with the statewide median wage, which the BLS reports as $66,700 annually.
• Commercial Electrician Salary Montana: Electricians working on commercial projects like office buildings, retail centers, and schools often earn more due to the complexity of the systems. The commercial electrician salary Montana reflects the need for expertise in three-phase power, complex conduit runs, and large-scale installations, pushing earnings toward the higher end of the state’s pay scale.
• Industrial Electrician Jobs Montana: The highest-paying jobs are often found in the industrial sector. Industrial electrician jobs Montana, particularly in mining, manufacturing, and energy production, involve working with heavy machinery and high-voltage systems. Data from the BLS shows that electricians in industries like utility system construction and coal mining earn a higher national average wage, which often translates to premium electrical contractor wages Montana.

What’s Fueling the Big Sky Boom? Job Outlook and Key Drivers

The electrician job outlook in Montana is exceptionally strong, driven by several key economic factors. The state’s construction industry is expanding rapidly, with nonfarm construction employment growing approximately 21% between February 2020 and August 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Current Employment Statistics (CES) data. This growth in new homes, commercial buildings, and infrastructure projects directly fuels the need for electricians. You can learn more about this trend in our deep dive on the Montana electrician job market.

Furthermore, Montana is experiencing significant investment in renewable energy. Large-scale solar and wind farm projects, such as the Judith Gap Wind Farm and upcoming solar developments, are creating new, specialized opportunities for electricians skilled in green energy technologies. This diversification of the energy sector provides long-term stability and new career pathways for tradespeople across the state.

Highest Paying Cities for Electricians in Montana

While opportunities exist statewide, certain cities may offer more competitive salaries due to concentrated growth and a higher cost of living. According to May 2023 BLS wage data, some of the highest paying cities for electricians in Montana include:

• Billings (Annual mean wage: $68,360)
• Bozeman (Annual mean wage: $64,330)
• Missoula (Annual mean wage: $58,010)
• Western Montana nonmetropolitan area (includes areas like Big Sky; Annual mean wage: $60,860)
• Eastern Montana nonmetropolitan area (includes areas like Sidney; Annual mean wage: $57,380)

These areas are often hubs of construction and economic activity, creating a high demand for licensed electricians and driving wages upward.

From Good to Great: Boosting Your Earning Potential

Advancing your career and income is about more than just putting in the hours. Strategic professional development is key. One of the most critical aspects is staying current with the National Electrical Code (NEC) Montana, as the state has adopted the 2020 NEC, effective since March 26, 2021. Staying on top of code changes is not just good practice; it’s a requirement, as stipulated by the Montana Administrative Rules (ARM 24.141.402).

The Montana State Electrical Board requires licensed electricians to complete 16 hours of continuing education for renewal, including hours dedicated to code updates. Investing in quality electrician continuing education Montana or taking online electrical courses not only satisfies these requirements but also makes you a more valuable asset to employers. For more ideas, explore these 5 smart ways electricians can boost their earning potential.

Cost of Living vs. Electrician Salary Montana

While the cost of living vs. electrician salary in Montana is a crucial consideration, electrician wages in the state are generally competitive. The median salary for an electrician in Montana is higher than the average wage for all occupations in the state. According to the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC), Montana’s overall cost of living is near the national average. This means that while wages are strong for the region, on a national scale Montana ranks in the mid-tier for electrician pay when adjusted for cost of living, rather than at the very top. However, the state still offers a comfortable lifestyle and a unique quality of life that attracts many professionals, distinguishing it from simply being one of the top paying states for electricians on salary alone.

Take the Next Step in Your Montana Electrical Career

The future for electricians in Montana is bright and full of opportunity. Whether you’re starting an apprenticeship or you’re a master electrician looking to capitalize on a hot market, the demand for your skills is undeniable. To ensure you meet state requirements and stay ahead of the competition, it’s vital to stay on top of your licensing and education. Fulfilling the Montana electrical license requirements is the foundation of a successful career.

Ready to advance your skills and ensure you’re compliant with the latest codes? ExpertCE offers state-approved courses designed for Montana electricians. See our comprehensive electrician salary guide for more national trends and browse our courses today to power up your career.