What is the average HVAC technician salary in Montana?

The median HVAC technician salary in Montana is $49,800 per year based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). The middle 50% of technicians earn between $36,852 and $66,234 annually.

How does EPA 608 certification affect HVAC salary in Montana?

EPA 608 Universal certification adds approximately $3,500 per year to an HVAC technician's salary in Montana, bringing total annual earnings to around $53,300. NATE certification carries the largest premium — about $8,500/year — because fewer than 10% of techs hold it, pushing certified earnings to roughly $58,300.

What is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Montana?

Controls and Building Management Systems (BMS) is the highest-paying HVAC specialization in Montana, with an estimated median of $65,736 per year — approximately 32% above the residential service baseline. Commercial HVAC and refrigeration roles also pay above average at +14% and +18% respectively.

How does Montana HVAC salary compare to the national average?

Montana HVAC technicians earn $49,800/year, which is $4,428 below the national median of $54,228 (-8%). Montana ranks #42 out of 51 states and territories.

Montana · HVAC Technician Salary

$49,800/year

Median annual salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Montana, based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). Salaries range from $36,852 at the 25th percentile to $66,234 at the 75th.

25th Percentile

$36,852

Median

$49,800

75th Percentile

$66,234

National Rank

#42 of 51

Salary by Experience Level in Montana

Level	Experience	Est. Annual	Est. Hourly
Apprentice / Helper 0–2 yrs Will train; EPA 608 not yet required	0–2 yrs	$34,860	$17/hr
Junior Tech 2–5 yrs EPA 608 Universal typically obtained	2–5 yrs	$43,824	$21/hr
Journeymanmedian 5–10 yrs Median — baseline for this state	5–10 yrs	$49,800	$24/hr
Senior Tech 10–15 yrs NATE certification often present	10–15 yrs	$57,270	$28/hr
Lead / Supervisor 15+ yrs Manages crew or service fleet	15+ yrs	$63,744	$31/hr

Estimates apply BLS-observed seniority wage progression ratios to the Montana median. Actual pay depends on employer, company size, and specialization.

Certification Pay Premium in Montana

EPA 608 Universal+$3,500/yr

Required for any refrigerant work; universal vs. type-specific adds ~$1K

With cert: ~$53,300/yr

NATE Certified+$8,500/yr

Fewer than 10% of techs hold NATE — scarcity drives the premium

With cert: ~$58,300/yr

State Journeyman License+$4,200/yr

Required in ~30 states; often the ceiling without it

With cert: ~$54,000/yr

OSHA 30+$2,000/yr

Opens commercial and government service contracts

With cert: ~$51,800/yr

Premiums are additive and reflect national averages adjusted to the Montana wage level. Source: ACCA salary survey 2024.

Salary by Specialization in Montana

Specialization	Est. Median	vs. Residential
Residential Service Baseline — most common role in the state	$49,800	baseline
Commercial HVAC RTUs, chillers, AHUs — more system complexity	$56,772	+14%
Refrigeration Supermarket and cold-chain specialists command a consistent premium	$58,764	+18%
Controls / BMS Building automation is the highest-paying specialty by a wide margin	$65,736	+32%
New Construction Install Steady work but lower wages than service-call roles	$46,812	-6%

How Montana Compares

vs. National Median

National: $54,228/yr · Montana ranks #42 of 51 states

-8% (-$4,428)

South Carolina

Median: $49,600/yr

-$200

South Dakota

Median: $50,100/yr

+$300

Missouri

Median: $50,200/yr

+$400

New Mexico

Median: $49,400/yr

-$400

Highest-paying states vs Montana

Illinois$72,100+$22,300

Washington$70,200+$20,400

Washington D.C.$68,700+$18,900

Massachusetts$68,400+$18,600

New York$66,900+$17,100

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Need to know licensing requirements in Montana?

EPA 608, state contractor licenses, NATE certification, and more.

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Compare with other states:

South Carolina — $49,600 South Dakota — $50,100 Missouri — $50,200 New Mexico — $49,400

Data source: BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021 · Last updated 2026