Carpenter Apprenticeship in Montana

Wages, programs & career outlook
MT Median Salary
$58,110/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$59,310/yr
MT Employment
4,240
Carpenters employed
MT Sponsors
776
Registered programs

Montana Wage Spread

Annual wages for Carpenters in Montana across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$44,670
25th %ile
$48,450
Median
$58,110
75th %ile
$63,960
90th %ile
$76,230

Carpenter Apprenticeship in Montana

At $58,110/yr, Montana Carpenters earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 21% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

The $58,110 median in Montana is within striking distance of the $59,310 national figure. Average wages, but apprenticeships here may still offer strong local placement.

Employment for Carpenters is projected to grow 4.5% through 2034, roughly in line with the overall economy. About 74,100 positions open annually through both growth and replacement.

The Carpenter workforce in Montana (4,240 workers, 0.5% of national employment) is relatively small. Fewer employers means fewer apprenticeship slots — competition for available programs can be stiffer.

The pathway to journeyman Carpenter takes 4 years of structured training — 8,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in blueprint reading, building codes, and material estimation, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

With 776 sponsors on record, Montana ranks among the top states for apprenticeship access. Whether through IBEW locals, contractor-run programs, or state-sponsored initiatives, entry points are plentiful.

From $44,670 at the 10th percentile to $76,230 at the 90th, Carpenter wages in Montana are fairly compressed. Flat wage structures are common in heavily unionized trades where pay scales are negotiated collectively.

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 Carpenters earn in Montana?
Carpenters in Montana earn a median salary of $58,110/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $59,310 for the trade.
How long is a Carpenter apprenticeship?
Most Carpenter apprenticeships run 4 years. Apprentices work under a journeyman while attending classes, typically earning wages from day one with scheduled increases.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Carpenters?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Carpenters, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Is there demand for Carpenters?
Demand for Carpenters is steady, with 4.5% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
How do I find a Carpenter apprenticeship in Montana?
Contact one of the 776 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Montana, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Carpenter apprentices earn?
Apprentices are paid employees from the start. In Montana, a first-year Carpenter apprentice might earn around $29,055/yr (roughly half the $58,110 journeyman median), with scheduled raises throughout the 4-year program.

Carpenter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Montana

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