Why Montana is a Great State for Trade School and Pursuing a Trade

When most people think of Montana, they picture rolling hills, wide-open skies, and rugged landscapes. It’s a state where the outdoors reign supreme, where the air is clean, and where the pace of life is a little slower. But beyond the beauty and tranquility, Montana has another hidden gem that a lot of people overlook—its booming trade industry. Whether you’re looking to get into construction, plumbing, electrical work, welding, or HVAC, Montana has a lot to offer. In fact, if you’re thinking about going to trade school or pursuing a career in the trades, there’s no better place to start. Let’s break it down and see why Montana is a goldmine for tradespeople.

1. Booming Economy Means More Job Opportunities

First and foremost, Montana’s economy is on the rise. While the state may not have the big-city hustle and bustle of places like New York or LA, it’s got something that a lot of those cities can’t offer—a thriving, diverse economy that’s in need of skilled workers. Over the last few years, Montana has seen significant growth in several key industries, including construction, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture. The state is growing, and with that comes a need for all kinds of skilled tradespeople to support the expansion.

Think about it: As more people move to Montana and as businesses grow, the need for housing, infrastructure, and services grows with it. Cities like Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls are seeing a boom in construction, which means contractors, electricians, plumbers, and HVAC techs are in high demand. This isn’t just a short-term trend either. Montana’s economic growth is steady, and the need for skilled labor is expected to continue to rise for years to come. So, if you’re looking for job security in the trades, Montana’s got you covered.

2. High Pay, Low Cost of Living

One of the best things about pursuing a trade career in Montana is that it offers high pay without the crazy cost of living you’ll find in other places. Let’s face it: you don’t want to spend your hard-earned cash on overpriced rent or sky-high utility bills. Montana gives you a break on that front. While cities like Billings and Bozeman are more expensive than rural areas, the overall cost of living in Montana is still lower than what you’d find in places like Denver, Seattle, or San Francisco. And the pay isn’t bad either.

For example, electricians in Montana can expect to make an average of $55,000 to $75,000 per year. Plumbers and HVAC techs can expect similar salaries, with experienced professionals in these fields earning up to $70,000 or more annually. Of course, the pay can vary depending on location, experience, and specialization, but overall, the trade industry in Montana offers solid pay that allows you to live comfortably. And since the cost of living is lower than in many other states, you’ll get more bang for your buck. Whether you’re buying a house, renting an apartment, or just looking to save some cash, Montana lets you stretch your paycheck further.

3. Excellent Trade Schools and Apprenticeships

If you’re looking to get into a trade, Montana has some of the best trade schools and apprenticeship programs in the country. Whether you want to work in welding, construction, plumbing, electrical, or HVAC, Montana has schools and programs that will get you the skills you need to succeed. One of the most well-known schools is Montana State University in Bozeman, which offers a variety of programs in engineering, construction management, and other technical fields. But that’s just one example. Schools like Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell and Carroll College in Helena also offer excellent trade programs that prepare students for real-world jobs.

But it’s not just about going to school for a couple of years and walking away with a diploma. Montana has a strong apprenticeship culture, which means you can learn on the job while getting paid. Many of Montana’s most successful tradespeople got their start as apprentices, learning directly from seasoned professionals in the field. Programs like the Montana Apprenticeship Program offer hands-on training in a variety of trades, from plumbing to electrical work, all while earning a paycheck. It’s a win-win situation: you get paid to learn, and you build the skills and experience you need to be successful. Apprenticeships can take anywhere from one to five years, depending on the trade, but they set you up for long-term success in the industry.

4. Job Opportunities Across Various Trades

If you’re looking to get into the trades in Montana, you’ve got plenty of options. Montana’s diverse economy means that there’s a constant need for skilled workers in a variety of fields. Construction is one of the fastest-growing industries in the state. With more businesses opening up and more people moving to Montana, there’s a constant demand for residential and commercial construction projects. Whether you’re working as a carpenter, plumber, or general contractor, there’s always work to be done.

Welding is another field that’s booming in Montana. The state is home to a large number of manufacturing facilities, mines, and oil refineries, all of which require skilled welders to keep operations running smoothly. Montana also has a strong energy sector, with natural gas, coal, and wind energy being key contributors to the state’s economy. Technicians who specialize in wind and solar power are in high demand as the state continues to grow its green energy industry.

In addition to construction and manufacturing, Montana has a strong need for HVAC technicians, electricians, and plumbers. With the state’s extreme weather conditions—hot summers and freezing winters—there’s always a demand for skilled technicians to keep homes and businesses comfortable. Whether you’re working on heating systems, air conditioning, or electrical systems, Montana’s diverse range of job opportunities in the trades means that there’s something for everyone.

5. Quality of Life: The Montana Advantage

It’s not all about work, though. Montana offers an unbeatable quality of life that makes it a great place to live and work. If you’re the type of person who loves the outdoors, you’ll feel right at home. Montana is known for its stunning landscapes, with national parks like Yellowstone and Glacier offering some of the most breathtaking views in the country. Hiking, fishing, hunting, and camping are just a few of the activities that make Montana such a great place to live. If you’re a fan of big skies and wide-open spaces, Montana is the place for you.

Montana also has a slower pace of life compared to the hustle and bustle of big cities. This means less traffic, less stress, and more time to enjoy life. Whether you’re working in a small town or a bigger city, you’ll find that Montana’s laid-back vibe makes it a great place to relax after a long day of hard work. And with a low crime rate, excellent schools, and a strong sense of community, Montana is a great place to raise a family while building a career in the trades.

6. Independence and Flexibility in the Trades

One of the best parts about working in the trades in Montana is the level of independence and flexibility it offers. If you’ve got the skills, you can work for yourself. Whether you’re starting your own plumbing business, running a general contracting firm, or offering welding services, Montana has a supportive business climate that makes it easy to go out on your own. The state’s low taxes and minimal red tape mean that you can focus on building your business rather than dealing with a bunch of bureaucratic hurdles.

Being your own boss is a huge perk. You can set your own hours, choose the projects you want to work on, and build a reputation that will attract more clients. Plus, Montana’s growing economy means that there’s always demand for skilled tradespeople. If you’ve got the right certifications and a good work ethic, you can make a killing running your own business in this state.

7. Union Support and Job Security

Another reason why Montana is a great place to pursue a trade is the support from unions. Montana has a strong union presence, with organizations like the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) providing excellent benefits and job security for tradespeople. Unions are a great way to ensure that you’re getting fair pay, good benefits, and a safe working environment. They also offer additional training and educational opportunities, which can help you advance in your career.

Unions also provide a strong network of workers, meaning that if you ever need a job, there’s always someone who can help connect you with opportunities. This kind of support can make a big difference when you’re just starting out or if you’re looking to level up your career.

Montana is a hidden gem when it comes to pursuing a career in the trades. With a growing economy, high pay, low cost of living, top-notch trade schools, and job opportunities across multiple industries, it’s an ideal state for anyone looking to build a solid career in the trades. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills, Montana has everything you need to succeed. Plus, with the added benefits of a great quality of life, independence, and union support, you can’t go wrong by choosing Montana as your trade career destination.