Montana is known for having low humidity which contributes to its year round moderate temperatures. Its climate is described as being coastal with temperatures ranging from the high 20s to mid-80s throughout the year. The western portion of the state has cooler summers and mild winters compared to the more arid eastern portion which often faces warmer summers and much colder winters.
Montana HVAC technicians are not required to obtain licensure prior to performing work. HVAC contractors are also not required to obtain licensure but they must register with the Department of Labor and Industry and obtain either an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC) or a Construction Contractor Registration (CR). The ICEC is applicable to HVAC professionals looking to work as sole proprietors and only requires the submission of an application and payment. The CR is applicable to HVAC professionals who will hire employees and requires them to obtain workers compensation insurance as well as submit both an application and pay the application fee.
Montana HVAC License Requirements
Montana does not issue HVAC licenses specifically rather the state requires HVAC professionals that hire employees to obtain a construction contractor license or independent contractor license through the Department of Labor and Industry.
Montana Independent Contractor License
The independent contractor license, or independent contractor exemption certificate (ICEC), is designated for HVAC professionals who are sole proprietors and does not require obtaining worker’s compensation insurance. The cost for applying is $125 and it must be renewed every 2 years.
Montana Construction Contractor Registration
The construction contractor registration (CR) is designated for HVAC professionals who will hire employees. The cost for this registration is $53 and it must be renewed every 2 years. In addition, HVAC professionals who choose this form of licensing must obtain worker’s compensation insurance.
Montana HVAC Education
Montana offers HVAC education in the form of both certificate and degree programs. Schools most commonly chosen for HVAC education include Flathead Valley Community College, HVACRedu and University of Montana – Missoula College. HVACRedu is a popular choice among aspiring HVAC professionals due to it being an online program and also having HVAC Excellence accreditation.
Montana EPA Section 608 Certification
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires all HVAC technicians that work with refrigerants to be certified. In order to obtain EPA certification, HVAC technicians in Montana must take an exam which has 80 multiple choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours. A score of 70% is required to pass the exam and the exam fee is $120.
The three different EPA certification types that HVAC technicians can acquire are Type I, II and III. Type I limits HVAC technicians to working on appliances which contain no more than five pounds of refrigerant. Type II permits HVAC technicians to perform work on high pressure appliances. Type III limits HVAC technicians to working on low-pressure appliances. This certification is transferable among all states and does not expire.
Montana HVAC Salary
HVAC professionals in Montana earn around $36,344 and $46,531 per year with more experienced professionals earning as much as $75,000 a year. Cities with the highest annual salary for HVAC professionals in Montana include Billings, Helena and Missoula.