Plumbing Schools in Montana: The Ultimate Guide

Accredited Montana Plumber Training Programs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), “Most plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters learn on the job through an apprenticeship. Some attend a vocational-technical school before receiving on-the-job training. Most states require plumbers to be licensed.” All of this holds true in Montana.

In Montana, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. The state oversees every level of this workforce, including registered apprentices, and licensed journeyman plumbers, master plumbers, and contractors. Montana issues plumbing licenses through the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division. Specifically, the Montana Board of Plumbers licenses and regulates the industry.

Plumbing apprentices must register with the State of Montana Department of Labor, and enroll in a Montana Registered Apprenticeship program, a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship—or work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. The Montana Registered Apprenticeship website offers a list of current registered apprenticeship programs, including for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.

Plumbing apprenticeships are also available through your local United Association Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders, & Service Techs. Montana has three local chapters:

• UA Local 30 in Billings

• UA Local 41 in Butte

• UA Local 459 in Missoula

The following Montana technical college offers a plumbing training program:

• Montana State University Northern in Havre

Plumbing Degrees & Certificates

As you weigh the benefit of getting some formal training at a technical school, community college, or online, you may want to speak with people in the field in the state where you plan to work. The licensing requirements vary from state to state, and some, like Montana, require you to gain work experience under a licensed contractor.

Finding a job as a plumber’s helper can be very competitive, and you will need to find ways to move up the ranking list to be selected. There are often classes applicants can take in high school and college to prepare and perhaps be ranked higher on the candidate list.

They include trade classes such as blueprint reading and construction classes, and math classes like Algebra I & II, Calculus, Geometry, and Trigonometry.

Very few plumbers pursue a bachelor’s degree unless they’re seeking a related engineering or building construction degree. If this is a path that interests you, you may want to explore the Mechanical Engineering degree programs at one of the four-year universities in Montana such as:

• University of Montana in Missoula

• Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman

Typical Courses in Technical College Programs

Plumbing programs at technical colleges are all intended to prepare students for careers in plumbing, pipefitting, and related fields. All class instruction combines theory and practical skills. Most develop academic, technical, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

Among the plumbing courses you’ll take are:

• Introduction to Plumbing Technology

• Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC)

• Plumbing Blueprints and Codes

• Isometric Analysis 

• Waste, Sanitary Drainage Systems, and Venting Systems

• Water Supply and Water Distribution Systems

• Plumbing Fixtures and Appliance Installation

Further along will be intermediate and advanced plumbing concepts, pipe fabrication, and welding technology fundamentals, among other education courses, and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certification, too.

School Selection Criteria

There’s much to consider when picking the plumbing apprenticeship school or program that is right for you.

Cost

Cost is, of course, at the top of the list. According to Community College Review, tuition at Montana community colleges on average is $4,139 per year for in-state students and $8,788 for out-of-state students. There will be some variations in fees at each school, too, so be sure to review all of the costs involved. 

You will also incur costs for books and tools, but those tools are yours to keep as you enter your field. All students who are interested in receiving financial aid in the form of a federal (Pell Grant) and any state grants can apply by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form online.

Program Length

Program length varies based on the type of program (certificate, degree, etc.) and the school. It takes at least five years in a registered apprenticeship program to get approval from the Board of Plumbers to qualify to take the plumbing journeyman license exam in Montana. To become licensed as a master plumber, it will take an additional four years of experience to qualify.

Benefits

There are many benefits to formal education if you want to join the plumbing profession. Many employers will choose an applicant with a certificate or pre-apprenticeship over one without. Those credentials can also give you an edge in the selection process for an apprenticeship. Having some basic knowledge helps you to hit the ground running and secures your place in a shop full of professionals.

Online vs. In-person

You may choose to get that jump on plumbing training through an online program. Only you know if this type of independent curriculum will work for you. 

Penn Foster and Ashworth College are two of the most recognizable online plumbing programs. Bob Vila’s website and the CPA Accounting Institute for Success both list them at the top of their posts about the Best Online Courses for Plumbing.

If you know your learning style relies more on personal instruction, the traditional in-person classes and accredited programs listed above are fairly accessible throughout the state.

Level of Difficulty

Plumbing programs are designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in the plumbing trade in commercial, industrial, or residential sectors. Curriculum includes an understanding of mathematics and physics. Plumbers must learn a lot of different things to be successful, including: how to follow blueprints or other design specifications to install or repair plumbing systems (including water heaters); troubleshoot issues at residences or commercial properties; execute on remodels or new installations that involve running all water, gas and sewage lines; know how and when to use different material pipes and how to fit them together properly; understand the plumbing code; and keep accurate records of work performed. And, of course, especially in residential work, customer service is key.

School Comparison: At a Glance

There are currently three trade schools accredited by the Montana Board of Plumbers — North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton, Montana State University Northern in Havre, and Flathead Community College in Kalispell.

Montana State University Northern, Havre

• Offers a Plumbing Technology program through the College of Technical Sciences that awards students with an Associate Degree in Applied Science upon completion. The program integrates theory and applications of today's plumbing materials, technology, and installation practices with state plumbing code requirements to prepare students to become a plumbing industry apprentice. offers both a Plumbing Associate of Applied Science degree and a Plumbing Certificate through its College of Technical Sciences. The estimated cost of attendance, tuition and fees, for a resident is about $3,000 per semester and $9,300 per semester for non-residents. MSU Northern also offers a Related Training correspondence education option for the individual apprentice working for an approved plumbing or electrical firm in Montana. Through the successful completion of these 15 courses, the student can fulfill the education requirements of their plumbing or electrical apprenticeships.

Flathead Community College in Kalispell

• Offers a Plumbing Apprenticeship Program. In the Plumbing 1 course apprentices will begin to learn about the Uniform Plumbing Code and Montana Code Annotated as well as cover several NCCER modules. Students must be in a registered apprenticeship with the State of Montana in order to enroll in this course, or have instructor approval. The cost is $645. Plumbing 2 continues the instruction and costs $785.

North Dakota State in Wahpeton

• The plumbing program at North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton is a certificate program that provides theory, code and hands-on training to prepare students for work in the plumbing field. The program also provides training in blueprint reading, drafting and electricity as well as a course that focuses on workplace safety. It is 37-credit hours, and the total cost of the program is estimated at $16,418.47.

Steps for Enrollment in Montana

Every college has its own way of doing things, but in general the process begins with applying for admission on the school’s website. Some require that you pay an application fee and provide several documents. In general, the application process has the following steps:

1. Complete your application.

2. Pay the application fee (if applicable).

3. Provide proof of residency to qualify for in-state tuition.

4. Have sealed official high school transcript or GED scores sent.

5. Submit placement test scores.

6. If applicable, apply for on-campus housing.

If you choose to start with an apprenticeship, you will want to contact the Local Union or non-union trade organization chapter closest to you. Each organization has a slightly different application process, but the application requirements in general are:

• Must be at least 18 years of age.

• Must be a high school graduate, senior scheduled to graduate or have earned a GED certificate. Applicants will be required to provide a copy of their diploma or GED certificate, and an official transcript of their grades following submission of the application.

• Must have a valid driver’s license.

• Have passed high school algebra or an equivalent post-high school algebra class with a “C” or better or pass an aptitude test.

• Pass a drug screen and criminal background checks.

Plumbing Career Requirements in Montana

You must be at least 18 and have a high school diploma or GED. You must enroll in a Montana Registered Apprenticeship, U.S. Department of Labor apprenticeship, or work under the supervision of a licensed master plumber. To apply for the journeyman exam, you must complete a registered apprenticeship or document at least five years of experience in the field of plumbing. To apply for the master plumber exam, you must have four years of licensed journeyman experience with three of those years in a supervisory capacity or with a licensed master plumber.

After you become a licensed master plumber and you would like to own your own plumbing business, a contractor license is needed. All plumbing contractors must be registered with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry and provide proof of workers’ compensation insurance coverage or apply for the independent contractor exemption certificate if you have no employees.

To maintain your Montana plumbing license, the law requires four hours of continuing education in a board-approved course every year for each active license. All testing is administered through the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). For a detailed explanation of Montana’s plumbing licensing requirements and how to fulfill them, check out our essential guide to getting your Montana Plumbing License. 

Salaries for Plumbers in Montana

Before paying for technical education and getting started in the plumbing field, you’ll want some idea of what you can expect in terms of the return on your investment of time, effort, energy, and money. In other words, what average salary can you expect to make as a plumbing professional in Montana? Payscale.com data provides an answer based on your experience. The median plumber annual salary in Montana for 2023 is:

• Entry level <2 years: $45,000

• Intermediate 2-4 years: $54,300

• Senior 4-6 years: $58,600

For more information about plumber salaries, visit this state-by-state guide.

Industry Apprenticeships   

Montana requires plumber applicants to complete an apprenticeship recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor (The Montana Registered Apprenticeship program meets these standards). These programs provide plumbing apprentices the experience needed to obtain licensure and show their commitment to the field.

The following Montana unions offer plumbing apprenticeships:

UA Local 30, Billings

• Offers a five-year Apprentice Training program where students earn hourly wages while they learn their craft.

UA Local 41, Butte

• Offers a five-year Apprentice Training program where students earn hourly wages while they learn their craft.

UA Local 459, Missoula

• Offers a five-year Apprentice Training program where students earn hourly wages while they learn their craft.

Other School Options

In addition to the training programs and schools already mentioned, there are training centers in neighboring South Dakota and Idaho.

• Southeast Technical College in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

• College of Western Idaho in Nampa, Idaho.

You can find the training you need to excel in a career as a plumber in Montana. The opportunities are all around you.