HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Montana

Wages, programs & career outlook
MT Median Salary
$58,600/yr
-2% vs. national
National Median
$59,810/yr
MT Employment
1,050
HVAC Technicians employed
MT Sponsors
776
Registered programs

Montana Wage Spread

Annual wages for HVAC Technicians in Montana across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$39,610
25th %ile
$47,360
Median
$58,600
75th %ile
$72,070
90th %ile
$79,240

HVAC Technician Apprenticeship in Montana

HVAC Technicians in Montana earn $58,600/yr at the median — 22% above the $48,060 national average across all occupations. A solid middle-class income that typically comes without student debt.

Wages for HVAC Technicians in Montana ($58,600/yr) track close to the $59,810 national median — within 2% either way. The state sits squarely in the middle of the pack.

Job growth for HVAC Technicians is projected at 8.1% through 2034. Combined with 40,100 annual openings from retirements and expansion, apprenticeship completers are well-positioned.

Montana's 1,050 HVAC Technicians represent just 0.3% of the national workforce. A thinner market means fewer apprenticeship sponsors and potentially longer waits for program openings.

A HVAC Technician apprenticeship runs 4 years at 8,000 hours. The time-based structure means you're logging real work alongside experienced tradespeople from week one, learning mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics in evening or weekend classes.

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

Wages for HVAC Technicians in Montana range from $39,610 at the entry level to $79,240 for veterans — a $39,630 spread that maps directly to experience, certifications, and willingness to take on complex jobs.

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 is the average HVAC Technician salary in Montana?
The BLS reports a median wage of $58,600/yr for HVAC Technicians in Montana (May 2024 data). Experience, union membership, and specialization all affect where you fall in the range.
How many years does it take to become a HVAC Technician through apprenticeship?
Most HVAC Technician 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 HVAC Technician apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 4 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
What is the job outlook for HVAC Technicians?
The BLS projects 8.1% employment growth for HVAC Technicians through 2034 — strong demand. About 40100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a HVAC Technician 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 HVAC Technician apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $29,300/yr in Montana). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

HVAC Technician in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Montana

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