Application Fee
See agencyVerified by MT Board of Public Safety
Firefighter Licensing in Montana
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Montana, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Montana
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- No exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Building Codes Bureau - Fire Protection
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$64,020 median (8% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#14 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (6)
- 1. Meet Montana eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: No exam required.
- 5. Submit the application to Building Codes Bureau - Fire Protection and monitor board communications.
- 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Montana
With a median salary of $64,020, Firefighters in Montana earn 8% above the national median of $59,530. Montana ranks #14 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+3.6%Average Weekly Wage
$1,173Median annual salary
$64,020Hourly estimate
$30.788% above national median
Difference: +$4,490
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationFirefighter Salary Ranking
#14 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Washington | $93,490 |
| #2 | New York | $88,380 |
| #3 | New Jersey | $87,660 |
| #4 | California | $83,400 |
| #5 | Illinois | $79,080 |
Nearby States Comparison
Firefighter licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | $64,020 | No educational requirements | No exam required | Varies by board |
| North Dakota | $53,660 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| South Dakota | $47,520 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Wyoming | $51,850 | Specific course required | State exam required | 1-3 years |
| Idaho | $53,860 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana | 25 | Low | Limited or restricted active licensing status. State-specific exam conditions may apply. |
| North Dakota | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| South Dakota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Wyoming | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Idaho | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: No longer licensed.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
Building Codes Bureau - Fire Protection
301 South Park, 4th Floor, PO Box 200513, Helena, MT, 59620-0513
Phone: 4068412064
Related Careers in Montana
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Corrections Officer | $49,700 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Police Officer | $69,910 | Varies by state board | Varies by board |
| Security Guards | $38,300 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Acupuncturist | $78,140 | Degree required | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Firefighter in Montana?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Firefighters in Montana?
Montana lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.
What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Montana?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Firefighter licensure in Montana.
What is the typical Firefighter salary in Montana?
The median annual salary for Firefighters in Montana is $64,020. Salaries range from $46,640 (10th percentile) to $78,880 (90th percentile).
How does the Firefighter salary in Montana compare to the national average?
Firefighters in Montana earn 8% above the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $64,020.
How many Firefighters work in Montana?
Montana employs approximately 960 Firefighters according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Firefighter license to Montana from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: No longer licensed. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Firefighters in Montana?
The licensing agency is Building Codes Bureau - Fire Protection. Review agency details at https://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/fire-protection/.
How often do you renew a Firefighter license in Montana?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.