CertOutlook

HVAC Technician in Montana

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for MT. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$58,600
trending_down -2.0% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering
1,050

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Surging
+8.1%

10-yr job growth

payments
$53

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (apprenticeships typically 3-5 years)

Time to complete

route How to become an hvac technician in Montana

In Montana, HVAC technicians are not required to hold a state-specific license. However, any individual who handles refrigerants must obtain an EPA Section 608 certification, which is a federal requirement. HVAC contractors, who operate their own businesses, must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, choosing between a Construction Contractor Registration or an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate. While there are no statewide exams for HVAC technicians, some local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $39,610
25th percentile $47,360
50th (median) $58,600
75th percentile $72,070
90th (experienced) $79,240

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Montana. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Montana requirements

Licensing bodyMontana Department of Labor & Industry (for contractors); EPA (for refrigerant handling)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED recommended; completion of an HVAC training program or apprenticeship is beneficial.
ExamEPA Section 608 (federal requirement for refrigerant handling); no state exam for HVAC technicians
Application fee$53
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
NotesMontana does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians. However, HVAC contractors (business owners) must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. This can be either a Construction Contractor Registration (CCR) for businesses with employees or an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for sole proprietors without employees. Individual technicians who handle refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 certification. Some local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements. Minimum age of 18 years old is generally required. CCR requires proof of workers' compensation insurance.

Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry (for contractors); EPA (for refrigerant handling)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+8.1%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
40,100
Nationwide per year
Total employment
425,200
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.85/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+8.1%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if an hvac technician career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming an hvac technician in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming an hvac technician requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED recommended; completion of an HVAC training program or apprenticeship is beneficial.), pass the EPA Section 608 (federal requirement for refrigerant handling); no state exam for HVAC technicians, and submit your application ($53 fee).
Is a state license required for hvac technicians in Montana? expand_more
No state license is needed to work as an hvac technician in Montana. Note: Montana does not have a statewide licensing requirement for HVAC technicians. However, HVAC contractors (business owners) must register with the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. This can be either a Construction Contractor Registration (CCR) for businesses with employees or an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) for sole proprietors without employees. Individual technicians who handle refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 certification. Some local municipalities may have their own licensing requirements. Minimum age of 18 years old is generally required. CCR requires proof of workers' compensation insurance.
How much does an hvac technician make in Montana? expand_more
The median hvac technician salary in Montana is $58,600 per year. That's roughly in line with the $59,810 national median. Wages range from $39,610 (10th percentile) up to $79,240 (90th percentile).
How many months or years does hvac technician certification take in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming an hvac technician generally takes Varies (apprenticeships typically 3-5 years), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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