Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Montana

Wages, programs & career outlook
MT Median Salary
$57,060/yr
+15% vs. national
National Median
$49,670/yr
MT Employment
2,720
Automotive Mechanics employed
MT Sponsors
776
Registered programs

Montana Wage Spread

Annual wages for Automotive Mechanics in Montana across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$37,030
25th %ile
$44,480
Median
$57,060
75th %ile
$64,950
90th %ile
$75,530

Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Montana

The median Automotive Mechanic in Montana earns $57,060 annually, outpacing the national all-occupation median by 19%. The trade offers a reliable path to financial stability in the state.

Montana pays modestly above the national Automotive Mechanic median — $57,060 vs. $49,670, a 15% premium. Not a top-paying state, but above average.

Employment for Automotive Mechanics is projected to grow 4.2% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 70,000 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

The Automotive Mechanic workforce in Montana (2,720 workers, 0.3% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications. Every hour is paid.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Montana is extensive: 776 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

Apprentices entering the Automotive Mechanic trade in Montana start near the $37,030 floor but have a clear path to $75,530 — a $38,500 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Montana

776 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Montana. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Shupe's Plumbing & Heating Inc. Absarokee Stillwater County
Anaconda Foundry and Fabrication Company (AFFCO) Anaconda Deer Lodge County
Colbert's Electric INC Anaconda Deer Lodge County
Emerine Contracting LLC Anaconda Deer Lodge County
Tongue River Electric Cooperative, Inc. Ashland Rosebud County
WESTERN SKY ELECTRIC LLC Augusta Lewis And Clark County
Badlands Electric Inc. Baker Fallon County
Direct Electric LLC Baker Fallon County
Timber Creek Plumbing, LLC Ballantine Yellowstone County
1 Plumbing and Heating Belgrade Gallatin County
2nd Nature Plumbing & Heating LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
Accurate Plumbing & Heating Inc. Belgrade Gallatin County
BC Plumbing & Heating Inc. Belgrade Gallatin County
Bob's Plumbing and Drain LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
Bogle Plumbing & Mechanical, LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
CU Electric LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
Campbell's Plumbing & Heating, Inc. Belgrade Gallatin County
Casey Ventures Inc. dba Allied Electric Belgrade Gallatin County
Curt Electric LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
Extreme Plumbing Inc. Belgrade Gallatin County
Gallatin Electric Inc. Belgrade Gallatin County
Grummpy B's Barber Shop Belgrade Gallatin County
Innovative Fire Protection, LLC Belgrade Gallatin County
Kreative Kids Belgrade Gallatin County
Lee Plumbing and Welding Belgrade Gallatin County
+ 5 more sponsors in Montana

Frequently Asked Questions

What do Automotive Mechanics earn in Montana?
The median annual wage for Automotive Mechanics in Montana is $57,060 as of May 2024. Wages range from $37,030 at the 10th percentile to $75,530 at the 90th percentile.
How long is a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship?
Most Automotive Mechanic apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
What's the difference between a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship and trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Automotive Mechanics, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
What is the job outlook for Automotive Mechanics?
The BLS projects 4.2% employment growth for Automotive Mechanics through 2034 — steady demand. About 70000 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship in Montana?
There are 776 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Montana. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
How much do Automotive Mechanic apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Montana, a first-year Automotive Mechanic apprentice might earn around $28,530/yr (roughly half the $57,060 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Automotive Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Montana

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.