Pipefitter in Montana: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Montana employs 1,860 pipefitters, with a statewide median of $79,960 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Montana licensing picture, and where to train.
What Pipefitters Earn in Montana (May 2025)
- Montana median pay
- $79,960 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $48,250
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $94,370
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $100,860
- Employed in Montana
- 1,860
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,970 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for pipefitters in major Montana markets:
- Billings
- $81,690 (360 employed)
- Bozeman
- $81,310 (350 employed)
- Missoula
- $79,750 (290 employed)
- Great Falls
- $77,100 (240 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Montana
Prices in Montana run about 5% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.6 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $79,960 median stretches to roughly $84,524 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Montana (2024–2034)
Montana is projected to grow pipefitters employment +11.6%, faster than the +4.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 200 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Montana License and Certification Requirements
No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship — regulated by the No standalone Montana pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via Board of Plumbers).
- Montana has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
- Apply to a United Association (UA) local apprenticeship (~5 years, earn-while-you-learn).
- Note: plumbing-scope piping work falls under the Montana Board of Plumbers.
Training in Montana
High pay in industrial, mechanical, and HVAC piping. Montana's refining and mining sectors drive demand.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Montana include:
- Montana State University-Northern — Associate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who want strong union wages and enjoy precision mechanical work in industrial or commercial settings.
Think twice if: Industrial job sites, confined spaces, and working with high-pressure systems sound dangerous rather than interesting.
Why it's resilient: Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
First Steps
Contact UA (United Association) Local pipefitter apprenticeship programs in your area — separate from plumber apprenticeships.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do pipefitters make in Montana?
The median wage for pipefitters in Montana is $79,960 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $48,250, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $100,860. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become a Pipefitter in Montana?
No state pipefitter license; UA apprenticeship, overseen by the No standalone Montana pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via Board of Plumbers). Montana has no separate license for industrial pipefitting.
Is being a Pipefitter a good career in Montana?
Pipefitters install and maintain high-pressure industrial piping systems — licensed work with safety-critical stakes in power plants, refineries, and commercial buildings.
Which Montana metros pay pipefitters the most?
Among Montana metro areas, Billings leads at $81,690, followed by Bozeman ($81,310), Missoula ($79,750). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become a Pipefitter in Montana?
Real Montana options include Montana State University-Northern. Most pipefitters start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Pipefitter a growing career in Montana?
Montana projects pipefitters employment to change +11.6% from 2024 to 2034, with about 200 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Montana statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2152. Licensing summary compiled from the No standalone Montana pipefitter license — UA apprenticeship (plumbing-scope work via Board of Plumbers) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Montana wages · Montana licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.