Electrician in Billings, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Billings Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Billings offers a solid, stable market for electricians. It's not a boomtown like some West Coast hubs, but the work is consistent, and the cost of living is your best friend. Let's break down the numbers.

First, the baseline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local industry data, the median salary for an electrician in the Billings, MT metro area is $59,629/year. This translates to an hourly rate of $28.67/hour. It's important to understand this is the median—meaning half of all electricians earn more, and half earn less. The national average for electricians sits at $61,550/year, so Billings is slightly below the national mark, but this gap is almost entirely closed by our significantly lower cost of living.

The job market is active, with approximately 362 electrician jobs currently in the metro area. Over the next decade, the field is projected to grow by 11%, which is a healthy, steady pace that should keep demand consistent for new housing, commercial projects, and maintenance work.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are estimates based on local union and non-union pay scales, and the provided median data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000
Mid-Level / Journeyman	2-7 years	$58,000 - $72,000
Senior / Master	7-15 years	$70,000 - $90,000+
Expert / Specialist	15+ years	$85,000 - $110,000+

How does Billings compare to other Montana cities?
Billings is the largest metro in the state, so it offers the most volume of jobs. However, specialty work in a tech hub like Bozeman can sometimes command higher premiums (though Bozeman's cost of living is dramatically higher). Billings is the workhorse of the state—think industrial, healthcare, and commercial construction. For a steady paycheck and a manageable cost of living, Billings is hard to beat in Big Sky Country.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. You’ve landed a job at the median salary of $59,629/year. What does your monthly life actually look like?

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,969
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,869
• Average 1BR Rent (Billings): $874
• Rent as % of Net Income: 22.7% (This is excellent; financial advisors often recommend keeping housing under 30%)

Remaining Monthly Budget: ~$2,995
This remaining amount must cover utilities (electricians often have a good handle on this), groceries ($300-$500), transportation (car payment/gas is essential in Billings), insurance, healthcare, and savings.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. With the median salary, a home purchase is very feasible. Let's assume a modest starter home in a decent neighborhood for $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), your monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,300-$1,400. This is about 35% of your net take-home pay, which is a standard and manageable ratio for a single earner. Building equity in Billings is a realistic goal, not a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Billings's Major Employers

The job market here is driven by a mix of large employers and a robust network of smaller contracting firms. As someone who follows the local construction scene, here’s where the work is:

1. Billings Clinic & St. Vincent Healthcare: These are the two major hospital systems. They have full-time, in-house electrician and maintenance teams for constant facility upgrades, new wings, and critical care power systems. The work is steady, often union, and offers excellent benefits.
2. Local 53 (IBEW): The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 53, is a powerhouse for electricians in Eastern Montana. They manage apprenticeship programs and dispatch for major projects. Even if you don't join, knowing their current projects (often in industrial and commercial construction) is key.
3. MSC Industrial Supply Co.: As a major distributor, their local facility needs industrial electricians for maintenance and operations. It's a different side of the trade than construction.
4. The School Districts (Billings Public Schools, Lockwood, etc.): With a metro population of over 120,000, the school districts are constantly upgrading and building. Their facilities departments hire electricians for long-term, stable employment.
5. Major Construction & Electrical Contractors: Firms like Hinkle Electric, K & S Electric, and Mountain View Electric are always bidding on commercial, industrial, and residential projects. Their hiring needs ebb and flow with the construction cycle, but the demand for licensed journeymen is constant.
6. Energy Sector (Oil & Gas/Utilities): While not as dominant as in the Bakken boom, companies like NorthWestern Energy and service providers for the nearby oil fields need electricians for plant maintenance, substation work, and pipeline electrical systems. This can offer higher, project-based pay.

Insider Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for electricians with skills in renewable energy systems (solar/battery) and EV charger installation. Even in a traditional energy state, this specialty is becoming a premium skill.

Getting Licensed in MT

Montana has a straight-forward licensing process through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI). You cannot work as an electrician without a license.

The Path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): This is the most common path. You work under a licensed electrician while attending classroom hours. You can apply for an Apprentice Electrician License through the DLI. The cost is minimal (around $50/year for the license).
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship (typically 8,000 hours) and passing the state exam, you become a licensed Journeyman.
   • Exam Fee: ~$150
   • License Fee: ~$150 (renewed every 2 years)
3. Master Electrician License: Requires at least 4 years as a Journeyman and passing a more advanced exam. This allows you to pull permits and run your own contracting business.

Total Estimated Cost to Get Licensed: Over 4 years, you'll invest a few hundred dollars in exam and license fees, but the training itself is paid for through your apprentice wages.

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to becoming a fully licensed Journeyman takes about 4 years. You can start earning from day one of your apprenticeship.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Location matters for commute and lifestyle. Billings is spread out, and traffic is minimal, but you don't want a 45-minute drive to your job site.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Estimated 1BR Rent	Why It Works for Electricians
West End	Established, family-friendly, close to downtown.	$900 - $1,100	Central location, easy access to downtown, hospitals, and the I-90 corridor for job sites.
Lockwood	Suburban, growing, more affordable.	$800 - $950	Direct access to I-94 for east-side jobs. Home to the Lockwood school district, a major employer.
Heights	Older, affordable, blue-collar roots.	$750 - $900	Very close to industrial areas, the airport, and many commercial contractors. Very low rent.
Billings Heights	Family-oriented, good schools, quiet.	$950 - $1,200	A bit farther from the core, but a great place to raise a family with a stable income.
Downtown / Historic District	Urban, walkable, trendy.	$1,000 - $1,400+	For the younger journeyman who wants nightlife. A short commute to most downtown job sites, but you'll likely need a car for most other jobs.

Insider Tip: The Heights and Lockwood areas are where you'll find many of the younger tradespeople living. It's affordable, and the community network for job leads is strong.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Billings, "growth" can mean two things: climbing the pay scale as a master electrician, or specializing.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial/Instrumentation: Working in plants or utilities (like NorthWestern Energy) can add a 10-15% premium over standard commercial rates.
• Low-Voltage / Data: Ajourneyman with a data cabling certification can work on security, fire alarm, and network systems, which is a growing niche.
• Project Management: Moving from the tools to a project manager role with a contractor can push your salary well into the six figures, especially with a Master's license.

10-Year Outlook (11% Growth):
The 11% job growth forecast is solid. It won't be explosive, but it will be durable. Billings is the regional hub for eastern Montana and northern Wyoming. As long as the basic economy holds, there will be a need for:

• New housing starts (though slower than national boomtowns).
• Healthcare facility expansions (Billings Clinic is always growing).
• Industrial maintenance and upgrades.
• Renewable energy retrofits.

The key to long-term success here is not just being an electrician, but becoming a reliable, licensed, and local electrician. Reputation is everything in a mid-sized city.

The Verdict: Is Billings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches far further than in Denver or Seattle.	Isolated Location: It's a 2-hour drive to Bozeman/Big Sky, 4.5 hours to Salt Lake City. Travel options are limited.
Stable Job Market: The 362 jobs and 11% growth indicate steady demand.	Weather: Winters are long, cold, and can be harsh. Summers are hot and dry. The climate isn't for everyone.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing, hiking, and skiing (Red Lodge Mountain) are within 1-2 hours.	Limited Cultural Scene: It's a working city. For major concerts, pro sports, or a huge dining scene, you'll need to travel.
Community Feel: Easy to get known in the trade network. Networking happens naturally.	Car Dependency: You need a reliable vehicle. Public transit exists but isn't comprehensive.
Home Ownership is Attainable: The math works for a median income earner.	Economic Ties to Energy: The local economy can be sensitive to oil & gas prices, which can affect construction cycles.

Final Recommendation: Billings is an excellent choice for an electrician who values financial stability, a low cost of living, and easy access to the outdoors over urban hustle. It's a fantastic place to build a life, buy a home, and advance in a trade without the crushing pressure of a high-cost coastal city. If you're a journeyman looking to start a family or a senior electrician seeking a slower pace with good pay, Billings should be at the top of your list.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own tools as an apprentice?
Yes, you are expected to have a basic hand tool set (pliers, strippers, screwdrivers, etc.). Your employer will typically provide power tools and specialty equipment. Apprenticeship programs usually have a list of required tools.

2. Is the licensing process for out-of-state electricians difficult?
Montana has reciprocity with many states. If you're already a licensed journeyman or master in another state, you can often apply for a Montana license without retesting, or you may need to take the Montana exam (which is based on the NEC). Contact the Montana DLI for specifics.

3. How competitive is the apprenticeship program?
It can be competitive, especially with the IBEW Local 53 in Billings. You'll need a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver's license, and will likely take an aptitude test. Persistence is key—apply to multiple non-union and union contractors.

4. What's the deal with the union in Billings?
IBEW Local 53 is active and represents many electricians in the area. Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits (healthcare, pension), and structured training. Non-union shops offer more flexibility and sometimes faster advancement to management if you're entrepreneurial. Both are viable paths in Billings.

5. Can I work as an electrician without a Montana license if I'm just visiting?
No. Montana law requires a state license to perform electrical work for compensation. You cannot "just help out" or work under the table. The fines for unlicensed work are severe. Get licensed through the proper channels.