Long winters, major temperature swings, and shorter but active cooling seasons in warmer pockets drive consistent year-round HVAC demand across Montana. Average pay tracks $62,260/year with 1,230 HVAC techs employed across Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$41,900
entry-level
25th Pct
$48,150
early career
Median
$60,850
typical wage
75th Pct
$75,790
experienced
90th Pct
$81,230
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Montana Department of Labor & Industry — Construction Contractor Registration (CCR)
License type: Construction Contractor Registration (CCR) or Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC)
Threshold or scope: All contractors with employees must register; no HVAC-specific trade exam at state level
Continuing education: None at state level
Key details: Local jurisdictions may add HVAC-specific rules. EPA 608 still required for refrigerant work.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
143
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
1,230
SOC 49-9021
12.66¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#11 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
6B
Cold-Dry
extreme_heating
Heating dominates Montana's Cold-Dry climate. Deep winters create high-stakes demand for furnace, boiler, and heat pump reliability — HVAC technicians here build careers around heating systems with short but intense summer cooling demand.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Montana earn a mean annual wage of $62,260, about 3.9% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $41,900, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $81,230. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The two largest HVAC job markets in Montana are Billings with about 300 HVAC mechanics and Bozeman with about 210 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Montana are Bitterroot College - University of Montana, Missoula College, and Flathead Valley Community College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
