Electricians in Montana earn a median of about $76,760 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025), and several accredited programs train electricians near Great Falls. The state employs roughly 2,750 electricians, a location quotient of 1.1. Most enter the trade through a 6 to 12 month certificate or a registered apprenticeship before sitting the state licensing exam.
Great Falls Electrician Quick Facts
Montana median wage: $76,760/yr (Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025)
Montana pay range (10th-90th pct): $49,130 to $89,510 (Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025)
Montana employment: 2,750 electricians (Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025)
National job outlook (2024-2034): +9.5% growth, about 81,000 openings/yr (Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034)
Typical program length: 6 to 12 months (certificate); 3 to 5 yrs (apprenticeship) (Source: BLS OOH Electricians, May 2025)
Electrician Schools near Great Falls
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LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
Electrician licensing in Montana is administered by the state electrical licensing board, which sets the on-the-job training hours, exam, and license classes that apply to workers near Great Falls. A location quotient above 1.0 means the state employs more electricians per job than the national average. Confirm current requirements with the board before you enroll.
How to Become a Licensed Electrician in Montana
Most electricians in Montana follow this pathway:
Complete an approved trade school, community college program, or registered apprenticeship that covers the National Electrical Code.
Log the required on-the-job training hours under a licensed journeyman or master electrician.
Pass the state licensing exam covering the National Electrical Code, safety, and business rules, then apply for your license.
Hour and exam requirements vary by jurisdiction and license class, so confirm the current rules with the Montana licensing board before you enroll.
You can reach the same license through more than one route. A registered apprenticeship pairs paid work with classroom instruction and typically runs 3 to 5 years; trade school or community college certificates (about 6 to 12 months) can shorten the classroom phase and feed into an apprenticeship. Registered apprenticeships are sponsored by groups such as the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) with the Electrical Training Alliance, Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC), and Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC). Confirm exact hour totals with the Montana board, since classroom and on-the-job hour requirements differ by program and license class.
What You Study in an Electrician Program
National Electrical Code (NEC) and how local jurisdictions adopt it.
Electrical theory — circuits, voltage, current, and load calculations.
Wiring methods for residential, commercial, and industrial systems.
Safety and OSHA practices, including lockout/tagout and arc-flash protection.
Blueprint reading and conduit bending in hands-on labs.
Tips for Choosing a School
Confirm accreditation first, then check that credits transfer toward state licensing or a registered apprenticeship.
Tour the lab to see the tools, mockups, and safety gear students use.
Compare schedules — many Great Falls programs offer evening, weekend, or accelerated tracks.
Confirm the program helps you document hours for state licensing or union apprenticeship applications.
How long does electrician training take near Great Falls?
Electrician certificate programs near Great Falls typically take 6 to 12 months of full-time study, while associate degree programs generally run about 2 years. Many electricians instead enter through a registered apprenticeship that combines paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and usually takes 3 to 5 years. Actual time depends on schedule and prerequisite coursework.
How much do electricians earn in Montana?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), electricians in Montana earned a median annual wage of about $76,760. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was about $49,130 to $89,510 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
How do I become a licensed electrician in Montana?
In Montana most electricians complete an approved trade school, community college program, or registered apprenticeship, log the required on-the-job training hours under a licensed journeyman or master electrician, and then pass the state exam covering the National Electrical Code, safety, and business rules. Confirm current hour and exam requirements with the Montana licensing board before enrolling.
Are there online electrician programs for Great Falls students?
Some electrical theory and code coursework can be completed online, but the trade requires extensive hands-on lab work and supervised field hours, so fully online licensure is not available. Look for hybrid programs that pair online theory with in-person labs near Great Falls.
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
Data
Provider
Vintage
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
