CertOutlook

Welder in Montana

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

Median annual salary
$51,280
trending_up +0.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Montana.

engineering
1,340

Jobs (MT)

monitoring Stable
+2.2%

10-yr job growth

payments
$35

Licensing fees

schedule
Varies (e.g., AWS CW performance tests can be maintained every 6 months; boiler operator licenses have varying experience requirements).

Time to complete

route How to become a welder in Montana

To become a welder in Montana, a state license is not generally required. Instead, welders typically pursue industry-recognized certifications such as those offered by the American Welding Society (AWS) for general welding, or ASME Section IX certification for working on boilers and pressure vessels. Boiler operators, however, must obtain a state license from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau, which involves meeting specific age, experience, and examination requirements.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $40,080
25th percentile $46,580
50th (median) $51,280
75th percentile $61,570
90th (experienced) $78,290

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, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau
State license Not required
EducationNo formal education is required for general welding, but training programs are recommended. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, ASME Section IX certification is required, which typically involves passing a performance qualification test. Some boiler operator licenses require specific training courses and supervised experience.
ExamAWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests for general welding; ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test for boiler and pressure vessel welding. Montana also has specific written examinations for various classes of boiler operator licenses. ($35)
NotesMontana does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily managed through industry-recognized bodies like the American Welding Society (AWS) for general welding and ASME for boiler and pressure vessel welding. Boiler operators, however, do require state licenses issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau. Minimum age for boiler operator licenses is 18.

Source: Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+2.2%
Average
Annual openings
45,600
Nationwide per year
Total employment
457,300
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.20/1.00

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_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if a welder career is the right fit?
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Frequently asked questions

What are the steps to becoming a welder in Montana? expand_more
In Montana, becoming a welder requires you to complete the required education (No formal education is required for general welding, but training programs are recommended. For boiler and pressure vessel welding, ASME Section IX certification is required, which typically involves passing a performance qualification test. Some boiler operator licenses require specific training courses and supervised experience.), and pass the AWS Certified Welder (CW) performance tests for general welding; ASME Section IX Welder Qualification Test for boiler and pressure vessel welding. Montana also has specific written examinations for various classes of boiler operator licenses..
Do I need a license to work as a welder in Montana? expand_more
welders in Montana are not required to hold a state license. Note: Montana does not require a general state welding license. Certification is primarily managed through industry-recognized bodies like the American Welding Society (AWS) for general welding and ASME for boiler and pressure vessel welding. Boiler operators, however, do require state licenses issued by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Building and Commercial Measurements Bureau. Minimum age for boiler operator licenses is 18.
How much do welders make in Montana? expand_more
The median welder salary in Montana is $51,280 per year. — within a few percent of the $51,000 national figure. Entry-level (10th percentile) starts at $40,080, while experienced professionals (90th percentile) earn $78,290.
What's the total cost to get welder certified in Montana? expand_more
Costs include exam fee ($35). The estimated total investment is varies, including education and training.
What's the timeline to become a welder in Montana? expand_more
The typical timeline in Montana is Varies (e.g., AWS CW performance tests can be maintained every 6 months; boiler operator licenses have varying experience requirements).. This includes completing education, gaining any required experience, and passing the licensing exam.

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