Montana is known for its beautiful wildlife and the Bighorn Mountains, but it’s also known as a great place for industrial career opportunities — including welding. There are many ways to pursue a welding career in Montana, but you need to know where to start. Find out whether you need to be licensed and what kind of schools you can go to in order to become a welder in Montana.
What Does a Welder Do?
Welding is the practice of fabricating metal by joining two separate parts by applying high heat. The ensuing cooling process then allows the pieces to be fused. A welder conducts this process using a variety of tools, and they work with a wide range of materials, including various thermoplastics and metals. Welders in Montana are often responsible for installing and maintaining oil pipelines that are found throughout the state.
Welding Schools Near Me in Montana
Finding the right school is essential to jumpstarting your career in welding.
Montana Technological University
The welding program at Montana Technological University boasts graduates who work for aircraft manufacturers, national defense, and NASCAR.
- Location: Butte, MT
- Phone number: (800) 445-8324
- Programs available: Certificate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
- Program duration: One year to earn certificate, one additional year to complete Machining Technology CAS
- Average cost: $7,390 annually for in-state students, $22,540 for out-of-state students
University of Montana
The University of Montana at Missoula offers two program options — a certificate and an Associate’s degree — to best suit students’ goals.
- Location: Missoula, MT
- Phone number: (406) 243-7647
- Programs available: Certificate of Applied Science in Welding Technology, Associate of Applied Science in Welding Technology
- Program duration: One year to earn certificate, two years to earn an associate degree
- Average cost: $7,430 annually for in-state students, $27,256 for out-of-state students
Montana State University at Billings
Welding & Metal Fabrication is one of the many technical programs offered by Montana State University at Billings’ City College.
- Location: Billings, MT
- Phone number: (406) 247-3000
- Programs available: Certificate of Applied Science in Welding & Metal Fabrication, Associate of Applied Science in Welding & Metal Fabrication
- Program duration: One year to earn certificate, two years to earn an associate degree
- Average cost: $5,980 annually for in-state students, $19,310 for out-of-state students
Welding Career Opportunities in Montana
There is no shortage of welding career opportunities in Montana. In addition to the aforementioned work that’s available on oil pipelines, residents will find many positions to support the ongoing construction occurring in the state. There is also a need for tank welders in Montana who can fabricate and repair tanks for underground storage.
How Much Do Welders Make in Montana?
One of the most attractive parts of a career in welding is its lucrative earning potential. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for welders throughout the U.S. is $47,010 annually or $22.60 per hour. Data from job postings, though, indicate that there are plenty of positions open in Montana that offer salaries over $50,000 for welders with more experience.
Major Employers of Welders in Montana
Several major companies in Montana employ welders. Some of the state’s top welder employers include the following:
- Bechtel Corporation: Welders needed for construction positions, average pay of $43.83 per hour
- Toyota: Welders needed for automotive fabrication jobs, average pay of $40.63 per hour
- Vector Force Development, LLC: Welders needed for the manufacture of military equipment, average pay of $42.43 per hour
How to Become a Certified Welder in Montana
Though many welders invest in training before starting their careers, there is no state-mandated licensure or certification in Montana. Nonetheless, there are several professional welding organizations that offer certification to welders, including the American Welding Society (AWS). Benefits of AWS certification include the following:
- Demonstrate your commitment to the profession
- Develop skills beyond those covered in training
- Become more attractive to competitive employers
You may be able to find work without certification, but welders who have completed the AWS program will always have an advantage over you in the job market. You can level up your credentials by becoming an AWS certified welder.
Do You Need a License to Be a Welder in Montana?
There is no licensure required by the state of Montana in order to work as a welder. You can pursue positions in this field without completing a specific program or passing any exam, but most welders find that elective training and certification — such as the aforementioned AWS program — greatly improves their job prospects.
Montana Welding FAQs
1. How long does it take to become a welder?
How long it takes to become a welder depends on what path you take. If you pursue training, you can likely complete a program in one to two years and obtain an entry-level welding position.
2. Does a welder need insurance in Montana?
If you are employed as a welder for a company in Montana, you are not required to have insurance. If you own and operate your own welding company, however, you will likely need to have liability and business insurance.
You can easily request a free commercial insurance quote from our partners using the tool below.
3. Who can I contact if I have questions?
The American Welding Society is a great resource for aspiring welders. There are also many local unions, such as the Iron Workers Local 732, serving welders and their communities in Montana and Idaho. The Montana office can be contacted at (208) 234-7543.
4. Is it dangerous to become a welder?
There are many risks found in the welding profession, including the fumes that are emitted throughout the process and the high voltage of electrical equipment that’s used. It’s imperative that welders be familiar with all safety protocols and wear the appropriate personal protective equipment in order to mitigate these hazards.
For More License and Career Guides
To find out how to become a Welder in another state, start here.
For information on other trades in Montana, click on a link below to learn more about the licensing requirements:
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