Machinist Apprenticeship in Montana

Wages, programs & career outlook
MT Median Salary
$61,230/yr
+9% vs. national
National Median
$56,150/yr
MT Employment
680
Machinists employed
MT Sponsors
776
Registered programs

Montana Wage Spread

Annual wages for Machinists in Montana across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$36,070
25th %ile
$41,600
Median
$61,230
75th %ile
$68,840
90th %ile
$72,980

Machinist Apprenticeship in Montana

At $61,230/yr, Montana Machinists earn a meaningful premium over the $48,060 national average — 27% more without requiring a bachelor's degree.

The $61,230 median edges out the national average of $56,150 by 9%. Montana is an above-average but not exceptional market for Machinist apprenticeships.

BLS projects 0.0% employment change for Machinists through 2034 — a declining field in aggregate. However, 29,500 annual replacement openings still create opportunities for apprenticeship completers.

With 680 Machinists employed (0.2% of the U.S. total), Montana is a smaller market for this trade. Apprenticeship seekers may find limited local options and should explore neighboring states.

At 8,000 hours over 4 years, the Machinist apprenticeship is comprehensive. You'll spend most of your time working alongside certified professionals, supplemented by classroom training in precision measurement, CNC operations, and metallurgy. Every hour is paid.

Prospective Machinist apprentices in Montana have 776 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Machinists in Montana ($36,070 to $72,980) covers $36,910. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.

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

How much do Machinists make in Montana?
Machinists in Montana earn a median salary of $61,230/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is above the national median of $56,150 for the trade.
How long is a Machinist apprenticeship?
The standard Machinist apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Machinist apprenticeship and trade school?
The key difference: apprenticeships pay you during training while trade schools charge tuition. Many employers prefer apprenticeship-trained Machinists, but trade school can give you a head start on the classroom requirements.
Is there demand for Machinists?
Demand for Machinists is declining, with 0.0% projected growth through 2034. An aging workforce creates replacement openings even in slower-growth scenarios.
Where can I apply for a Machinist 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.
Do Machinist apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $30,615/yr in Montana). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Machinist in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Montana

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