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Montana offers a rare mix for maintenance technicians: steady demand across industries and the kind of wide-open landscapes most people only see on vacation.
From mining operations in the east to aviation hubs and manufacturing plants in larger towns, the state’s opportunities span both rural and urban settings.
All that without giving up the freedom of Montana’s outdoor lifestyle.
Plus, as the popularity of the Montana lifestyle grows, maintenance technicians will always be able to find work.
The state offers plenty of opportunities to grow your maintenance tech skills throughout your career.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Montana
Montana’s path to becoming a maintenance technician is pretty standard compared to other states.
However, you also want to understand the economic landscape before choosing a path.
Here’s how to get started.
- Get a high school diploma or GED. You’ll need it for most training programs and jobs. While you’re at it, brush up on math, basic shop skills, and how to use common tools safely.
- Take a safety course. OSHA-10 General Industry is a smart first step. It’s not just paperwork—it’s knowing how to avoid the accidents that take people out of the field.
- Pick a training program. Montana has solid options, from diesel tech at MSU–Northern to aviation maintenance at Helena College. Online courses can work if you’re already employed and want to level up.
- Get certified where it counts. EPA Section 608 for HVAC, forklift, and aerial lift cards for warehouses, or FAA A&P if you’re going into aviation. Mining jobs? Add MSHA Part 46 or 48 to the list.
- Work with your hands early. Internships, co-op programs, or entry-level tech jobs give you supervised hours and real-world troubleshooting experience.
- Learn the systems. Lockout/tagout procedures, reading schematics, using a multimeter, and basic PLC (programmable logic controller) skills can set you apart from the average new hire. Think of it as learning the “language” of machines—once you can read it, you’re more than just another set of hands on the job.
- Build your starter kit. Quality hand tools, PPE, and job-specific gear. Don’t buy the cheap set—you’ll replace it twice as fast. Also, check job listings to see if top employers will compensate you for your tools or if they provide additional items to do the required work.
- Apply strategically. Look for openings in Billings, Missoula, Bozeman, and Great Falls, as well as industrial hubs in smaller towns. Some remote jobs will want a CDL for equipment transport.
- Keep your skills fresh. New equipment and technology roll out all the time. Extra certifications and manufacturer training can bump your pay and move you into lead roles.
Licensing Requirements to Become a Maintenance Technician in Montana
Hardly any states require general maintenance technicians to have a license, and Montana is one of those.
That doesn’t mean you’re off the hook completely.
Specific state-issued licenses are required for specialized fields such as HVAC.
To narrow down the correct and updated answer to this question, visit the Montana Department of Labor and Industry Professional Boards & Licensing website.
You should also check city and county requirements, depending on which part of Montana you plan to practice.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Montana
While some jobs might take workers straight out of high school, you’ll want to strongly consider getting a certificate or degree to stand out in a crowded job field.
This is especially important as the cost of living increases across Montana.
Montana State University–Northern
Bachelor of Science in Diesel Technology (Field Maintenance Option)
This four-year program blends diesel mechanic training with welding and fabrication skills, preparing graduates for repair work in remote or off-site locations.
Students study diesel engines, diagnostics, and multiple welding types, while also developing professional skills.
Classroom instruction is paired with cooperative education for hands-on experience.
Tuition is based on undergraduate rates, with additional costs for tools, safety equipment, and materials.
Missoula College
University of Montana: Associate of Applied Science in Diesel Equipment Technology
This two-year program focuses on maintaining diesel-powered trucks and heavy equipment.
Coursework covers hydraulics, electrical systems, fuel, power trains, brakes, suspension, engine theory, welding, machining, and applied math.
Designed to meet regional workforce needs, it offers intensive hands-on training.
Space is limited, so early application is encouraged.
Tuition follows standard in-state and out-of-state rates, plus lab and equipment fees.
Montana State University Billings
City College: CAS and AAS in Diesel Technology
Students can earn either a Certificate of Applied Science (about one year) or an Associate of Applied Science (about two years).
Both options include diesel engine diagnosis, hydraulics, electrical systems, fuel injection, and power trains.
The program is NATEF-accredited, and graduates are encouraged to pursue ASE certifications.
Tuition varies by program length, with added costs for tools, books, and testing fees.
Helena College
University of Montana: Aviation Maintenance Technology (AAS)
This two-year program prepares students for FAA certification in aircraft maintenance, offering transferable technical skills useful in other maintenance roles.
Coursework includes electricity, materials, aerodynamics, and both airframe and powerplant systems.
Graduates earn an Associate of Applied Science degree and FAA mechanic certification.
Costs include standard tuition, FAA exam fees, and specialized toolkits.
University of Montana–Western (Online)
Offered entirely online, this flexible program introduces core manufacturing maintenance skills such as power transfer, rigging safety, and equipment maintenance.
It’s ideal for working students or those seeking entry-level technical skills without relocating.
Completion time varies by pace, with tuition set per credit hour and no additional housing or commuting costs.
Expect this special program to cost around $1,700.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Montana State University–Northern | 300 13th St W, Havre, MT 59501, USA |
| Missoula College | 1205 E Broadway St, Missoula, MT 59802, USA |
| Montana State University Billings | 1500 University Dr, Billings, MT 59101, United States |
| Helena College | 1115 North Roberts St Helena Montana, 59601 |
| University of Montana–Western | 710 S Atlantic St, Dillon, MT 59725, USA |
Salary
Salary.com breaks down the salary range by city.
Here’s a brief overview:
- Missoula: $43,500-$63,000 | Median $51,700
- Great Falls: $44,460-$65,800 | Median $54,000
- Billings: $48,200-$71,362 | Median $58,600
We strongly recommend checking the cost-of-living index in any Montana city, as those numbers have skyrocketed since the pandemic.
Housing rates are known to be up to 25% higher than the national average.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Billings | $49,071 |
| Missoula | $48,596 |
| Bozeman | $56,658 |
| Great Falls | $57,168 |
| Helena | $48,721 |
| Kalispell | $53,734 |
| Belgrade | $70,186 |
| Butte | $43,985 |
| Havre | $39,862 |
| Laurel | $48,816 |
Regional Salary in Montana
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings, MT | 920 | $47,540 | $22.86 | $66,430 | $35,360 |
| Bozeman, MT | 750 | $50,390 | $24.23 | $67,610 | $37,640 |
| Great Falls, MT | 350 | $47,220 | $22.70 | $69,510 | $32,240 |
| Helena, MT | 380 | $48,420 | $23.28 | $69,310 | $35,270 |
| Missoula, MT | 570 | $46,760 | $22.48 | $60,400 | $35,650 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a maintenance worker and a maintenance technician in Montana?
A maintenance worker usually handles general upkeep, things like cleaning, painting, basic repairs, and routine inspections, often without needing specialized training.
A maintenance technician works at a higher skill level, diagnosing and repairing mechanical, electrical, or HVAC systems, and may hold trade certifications or complete formal training. Technicians typically handle more complex, technical work than maintenance workers.
Are maintenance technicians in demand in Montana?
Nationwide, the maintenance technician field is expected to see a 5% growth through 2033, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
To get more granular with Montana data, look for the latest report from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
That report is called Montana Employment Projections.
What major companies or agencies are in Montana that offer long-term potential for maintenance tech jobs?
Montana has several stable employers for maintenance technicians.
The Montana Department of Transportation hires for highway, facility, and equipment maintenance statewide.
BNSF Railway offers roles in locomotive and rail system upkeep.
Bridger Aerospace in Belgrade focuses on aviation maintenance, while universities like Montana State University employ HVAC and facilities techs.
Cities, hospitals, resorts, and large property managers in Missoula, Bozeman, and Great Falls also provide steady maintenance jobs with benefits and growth potential.
Maintenance Technician by State