Montana Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Trade Industry Insights / Montana Skilled Trade Salaries & Job Outlook
Quick Takeaways on Trade Pay in Montana
Montana trade demand is influenced by geographic spread, infrastructure upkeep, and seasonal project windows. Utility work, heavy equipment operation, and maintenance roles supporting essential services are often more reliable than short-term construction projects.
- Higher-paying paths on this page: Lineworker, CDL Truck Driver, AV Technician.
- Highest-paying trade in Montana (from this table): Lineworker ($81,795)
- Typical mid-range trade pay: Median across listed trades is about $54,109 per year.
- Pay range across these trades: About $34,579 separates the highest vs lowest listed trades in Montana.
- Most stable demand in Montana: utility crews, heavy equipment support, and maintenance roles that serve entire regions rather than single job sites.
- Best way to increase earnings: be versatile and mobile—workers who can cover multiple systems tend to stay booked and better paid.
- Top paying trades on this page: Lineworker ($81,795) · CDL Truck Driver ($68,702) · AV Technician ($63,700)
Job Outlook for Skilled Trades in Montana
Demand is shaped most by wide geography, limited labor pools, and infrastructure that can’t afford downtime across long distances, plus licensing rules, employer mix, and metro growth.
Montana wages reflect distance more than density—skilled tradespeople often cover wide service areas, making reliability and versatility more valuable than chasing individual job sites.
- Outlook: Limited but Steady (regional coverage)
- What drives demand: wide geography, limited labor pools, and infrastructure that can’t afford downtime across long distances.
- Where it’s hottest: major metros + fast-growing corridors (varies by trade).
- Biggest pay factors: experience, union coverage, licensing, overtime, and employer type.
Average Skilled Trade Pay in Montana
Below is a snapshot of typical pay for popular trades in Montana. Click a trade name to explore training paths, licensing steps, and career details.
Note: Some trades can rank high across many states due to national labor demand and standardized pay structures, but the exact pay levels still vary by state and metro area.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $24.61 | $984 | $4,268 | $51,166 |
| AV Technician | $30.62 | $1,225 | $5,308 | $63,700 |
| Carpenter | $24.00 | $960 | $4,160 | $49,920 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $33.03 | $1,321 | $5,725 | $68,702 |
| CNC Machinist | $22.70 | $908 | $3,935 | $47,216 |
| Construction | $24.09 | $964 | $4,176 | $50,107 |
| Concrete Finisher | $26.41 | $1,056 | $4,578 | $54,933 |
| Diesel Technician | $27.45 | $1,098 | $4,758 | $57,096 |
| Electrician | $29.09 | $1,164 | $5,042 | $60,507 |
| Heavy Equipment | $23.77 | $919 | $3,980 | $47,766 |
| HVAC Technician | $26.69 | $1,070 | $4,637 | $55,638 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $26.37 | $1,055 | $4,572 | $54,865 |
| Ironworker | $25.12 | $1,003 | $4,349 | $52,183 |
| Lineworker | $39.32 | $1,573 | $6,816 | $81,795 |
| Marine Mechanic | $27.30 | $1,092 | $4,731 | $56,724 |
| Mason | $25.65 | $1,026 | $4,446 | $53,352 |
| Plumber | $30.90 | $1,191 | $5,164 | $61,966 |
| Roofer | $23.23 | $929 | $4,027 | $48,318 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $24.57 | $937 | $4,060 | $48,722 |
| Welder | $23.43 | $934 | $4,049 | $48,586 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
About this table: wage data sources and methodology.
Why Montana Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Montana’s trade economy is driven by residential construction, infrastructure maintenance, energy production, utilities, mining-related support, and year-round service trades. Population growth in key cities combined with vast rural coverage creates consistent demand for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, heavy equipment operators, and construction trades statewide.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Bozeman: Rapid residential growth, commercial construction, and ongoing demand for electrical, HVAC, and plumbing services.
- Billings: Regional hub for healthcare construction, utilities, energy support services, and industrial maintenance.
- Missoula: Commercial development, infrastructure upgrades, and public works projects.
- Statewide rural areas: High demand for service trades due to distance, climate, and limited contractor availability.
Major Employers and Contractors in Montana
Tradespeople in Montana commonly work with employers tied to energy, utilities, and large construction projects, including:
- NorthWestern Energy — Electrical and utility infrastructure supporting lineworkers and maintenance trades.
- Stillwater Mining Company — Mining operations supporting industrial electricians, welders, and maintenance roles.
- Dick Anderson Construction — Montana-based contractor involved in commercial and institutional projects.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Montana
Montana is primarily a non-union trade state, particularly in residential construction, service trades, and smaller commercial projects. Union opportunities exist on larger infrastructure, energy, and industrial projects but are less widespread than in heavily unionized states.
Union Apprenticeships in Montana
Union apprenticeship opportunities in Montana are typically tied to utilities, infrastructure, and select industrial projects.
- IBEW Local 44 — Electrical workers serving much of Montana, including utilities and infrastructure projects.
- IBEW Local 532 — Electrical training supporting western Montana.
- UA Local 30 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships serving Montana and neighboring states.
- Operating Engineers Local 400 — Heavy equipment operator training tied to infrastructure and construction projects.
Ready to start a trade career in Montana?
Compare accredited trade schools and registered apprenticeships across Montana.
Montana Trade Schools & Apprenticeships