Montana Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Montana has a lot to offer to a budding electrician. The state is constantly expanding, and with every new construction project, there is a need for skilled electricians to perform custom wiring projects. In fact, job growth for electricians in Montana is expected to grow at a rate of 27% over the next decade. Electrician job growth across the country already outpaces overall job growth, at 11% over the next 10 years,

Electrical licensing promotes a uniform set of qualifications for tradesmen providing electrical services, helping ensure high-performance standards across the profession. This guide examines the requirements for attaining a Montana electrical license, the different types of licenses, Montana electricians’ unions, and electrician insurance. It also provides helpful links to all the information you need to get started on this exciting career.

Does Montana require an electrical license?

Yes, you must have a Montana electrical license. The Montana Department of Labor and Industry, State Electrical Board oversees the licensing process. In addition to requiring a license for all residential and commercial electrical work, Montana also requires all electrician apprentices to register with the state.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Montana?

Montana issues five types of electrical licenses:

• Residential Electrician
• Journeyman Electrician
• Master Electrician
• Limited Electrical Contractor
• Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Apprentices are not licensed, but they do have to register with the State Electrical Board.

Limited electrical contractors are either licensed journeyman electricians or employ journeyman electricians; they can only work on residential construction consisting of five or fewer units. Unlimited electrical contractors can work on all residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional structures.

Professional certifications for Montana electricians

To work independently, take on government projects, or run your own business, you need an electrician’s license. While not required, professional certifications can enhance your career and open up new opportunities. Earning certifications from recognized organizations helps prove your expertise in specialized electrical work. These credentials are accepted in all 50 states and can set you apart in the field, making it easier to advance and secure better jobs.

NECA professional certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the largest and most respected organization for professional electricians in the U.S. Open to all electricians, NECA offers excellent opportunities for networking, continuing education, and career development. It provides certifications designed for electricians at different career levels, helping them showcase their skills and expertise. Earning a NECA certification not only boosts your professional credibility but also makes you more appealing to potential employers and customers, setting you apart in a competitive field.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes top electricians nationwide and is accepted in all 50 states. For those not yet ready for CPE certification, IEC offers a variety of other certifications, including specialized options for niche fields. IEC also provides continuing education resources to keep electricians up to date with industry advancements and connect them with apprenticeship opportunities. If you’re not going through a union apprenticeship or trade school, IEC can be a great alternative for foundational electrical training.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) offers certifications for electricians specializing in fire suppression systems, building security alarms, and related technologies. It’s also responsible for creating and updating the National Electric Code (NEC). These certifications demonstrate your expertise in these crucial areas and strengthen your professional credentials. NFPA provides a range of certification options tailored to different career paths and experience levels. It also offers continuing education resources, helping electricians stay up to date with evolving industry standards, safety regulations, and new technologies, ensuring they remain competitive and knowledgeable in the field.

Average wages for electrical professionals in Montana:

How much do electricians make? Your pay depends on your experience, training, and education. Different positions pay different wages. The average pay for the most commonly advertised electrician jobs in Montana is as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $27.99 per hour
• Electrical technician: $23.93 per hour
• General electrician: $81,977 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $41.52 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $41.52 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $103,183 per year

Not only is Montana seeing one of the highest job growth rates for electricians in the country, but the pay for most electrician jobs is also considerably higher than the national average. For example, an apprentice electrician in Montana can earn an average of $28 per hour, compared to the U.S. average for an apprentice, $22 per hour. The average salary for general electricians in the U.S. is $63,627 per year, compared to $81,977 in Montana. 

Electricians who are paid by the hour may earn overtime if they work more than 40 hours per week, although whether OT is available can depend on your employer. Some employers may also pay more for electricians who work nights or weekends to handle emergency calls. And, while salaried electricians may not earn overtime pay, there may be bonus opportunities. Finally, if you choose to open your own electrical contractor business, you could earn considerably more than you could if you were working for someone else.

How to get an electrician license in Montana

Most candidates for a Montana electrical license participate in an apprenticeship program. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) coordinates with unionized electrical contracting businesses to facilitate apprentice training programs.

Non-union apprenticeships are available through the Independent Electrical Contractors Association, too. Individuals also may enroll in an electrical technology course at a Montana community college affiliated with the Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, or they can approach a non-union electrical contractor independently.

Coursework is incorporated into apprenticeship programs. You’ll learn the basics of electrical theory and how to program electrical circuits. You’ll also study the National Electrical Code (NEC) and many types of wiring systems, as well as how to bend conduits and read blueprints. As an electrical apprentice, you’ll be expected to own your own tools.

Residential Electrician License

To attain a Montana Residential Electrician License, you must pass an examination and meet one of the following three requirements for experience:

• Complete an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board, plus complete at least 4,000 hours of practical experience (residential) or 8,000 hours of practical experience (journeyman,) OR
• Earn an associate degree in electrical engineering, along with logging at least 4,000 hours of practical experience for residential electricians or 8,000 hours for journeyman electricians, OR
• Submit proof of at least 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience

The exam is an open-book test that consists of 50 questions on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. A passing grade is 75%. You’ll have two and a half hours to take the test. The exam fee is $50. If you pass the exam, the license application fee is $240. You can find practice exams and study guides here and here.

Once you’ve successfully registered for the exam, you can obtain a temporary residential electrician permit that will allow you to work while you wait to take your exam.

Journeyman Electrician License

To obtain a Journeyman Electrician License, you’ll have to pass an examination based on the NEC. The State Electrical Board must approve your exam application. You must meet one of the following experience qualifications:

• Complete of an electrical trade apprenticeship program or equivalent training program approved by the State Electrical Board, OR
• Submit proof of at least 8,000 hours of practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, OR
• Submit proof of at least 20,000 hours of employment in the electrical maintenance field with a minimum of 8,000 hours of practical experience

The fee for the 60-question exam is $60. The exam focuses on the National Electrical Code, Ohm’s Law, and the layout and installation of electrical circuits. You’ll have three hours to take the exam, and a passing score is 75%. You can find at-home prep resources here and here.

Applying for a temporary journeyman electrical permit will allow you to work while you wait to take the journeyman exam.

Master Electrician License

Master electricians must pass an examination. Your examination application must be approved by the State Electrical Board. In addition, you must have one of the following types of experience:

• An electrical engineering degree from an accredited college or university with a minimum of 2,000 hours of practical experience, OR
• 8,000 hours of journeyman practice installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical wiring and heating, lighting, and power equipment, of which 20 to 50% must be spent working on residences

The master electrician test consists of 80 questions. It’s an open-book exam. Test topics include electrical theory, the National Electrical Code, electrical circuit layouts, cost estimates, procurement, and handling. You can find practice tests and other study resources here and here.

Limited Electrical Contractor

To be licensed as a limited electrical contractor, candidates must either be a journeyman electrician or employ a journeyman electrician in a full-time capacity. The candidate also must submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation and unemployment insurance.

Unlimited Electrical Contractor

Individuals applying for an Unlimited Electrical Contractor License must either be master electricians themselves or employ a master electrician full-time. They also need to submit proof that they carry Montana Workers’ Compensation insurance and unemployment insurance.

Should I join an electrician union in Montana?

The largest electrician union in Montana—and the U.S.—is the International Brotherhood of Electricians (IBEW.) IBEW is very proactive in the provision of apprentice training programs throughout Big Sky Country. It’s also true that, on average, union electricians earn higher wages and qualify for better benefits, including retirement pensions. However, joining a union means abiding by the union’s many rules, and this condition may not work well for every electrician.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Organizations like the IBEW, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and the Independent Electrical Contractors Association offer networking opportunities to help with employment.

Positive referrals can also spur employment, so make sure you make a good impression during school and your apprenticeships.

Prospective employers are likely to ask questions about your previous work experience and how you solve work challenges. Many may require a practical demonstration of your skills, so make sure you bring your tools, just in case.

You can also look online for jobs. Popular sites like Career Builder, Indeed, and Zip Recruiter post electrician jobs. The state of Montana also has government electrician jobs on its website.

Electrician insurance in Montana

Montana law requires individuals who hold Limited Contractor Licenses and Unlimited Contractor licenses to carry Workers’ Compensation and Unemployment Insurance. Given the many types of professional risks, it’s also advisable for electrical contractors to carry general and professional liability insurance as well as commercial property insurance to protect business belongings against theft or damage. Employees will be covered by their employer’s insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Electricians and other construction professionals can expect the demand for energy-efficient buildings to increase over the next decade. Understanding how to design circuits that reduce the amount of energy a structure uses will give electricians a competitive edge in the job market. Many people are moving toward alternative energy for their homes and vehicles; if you know how to install residential solar panels, for example, or EV charging ports, you could have a steady source of business.

Smart grids also are becoming increasingly popular, and electricians who understand this technology should see a greater interest in their services. Wind energy is booming in Montana; it’s one of the windiest states in the country and, as such, is becoming one of the major locations for wind farms. If you can install and repair the turbine or transfer harvested wind energy into local grids, or both, you could have a very successful career as a Montana wind energy engineer.

FAQ

Is my license only valid in Montana?

Montana has reciprocity agreements for Journeyman Electrical Licenses with Alaska, Arkansas, Colorado, Minnesota, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and South Dakota.

The State Electrical Board does not reciprocate Master Electrician Licenses. The only way to obtain this Montana electrical license is through examination.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Montana?

All electricians’ licenses are good for two years. The license renewal fee for Residential, Journeyman, and Master Electrician Licenses is $135; the license renewal fee for Limited and Unlimited Electrical Contractors is $275.

How can I change the information on my electrician license, like my name or address?

To change information on your electrician license in Montana, like your name or address, you can log in to the EBiz online portal, access your professional license account, and update the details directly through the “Account Management” section; if you need assistance, contact Montana’s Department of Labor & Industry customer service at (406) 444-6880.