Licensing Guides
State Roofing License: How to Become a Roofing Contractor in Montana
Roofing, MT
Table of Contents
Roofing License Requirements in Montana
Types of Roofing Licenses in Montana
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Montana
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Montana
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Montana?
How Much Does it Cost to Get a Roofing License in Montana?
How to Get a Roofing License in Montana
How Long Does it Take to Get a Roofing License in Montana?
Montana Roofer Training Programs and Schools
Montana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Montana?
Do I Need to Renew My Montana Roofing License?
Continuing Education
Does Montana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Does My Montana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
National Roofing Certifications
Other Requirements Unique to Montana
We all need a good roof over our heads, so the people who build and maintain that part of our homes need to know what they’re doing. Many states require roofers to be licensed. Others simply require proof of insurance coverage to back up that essential work.
There are 135,140 roofers nationwide according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), and Montana employs 470 of them. The national number is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, adding more than 13,000 of these skilled workers to the ranks. According to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate in Montana is more than three times higher than the average at 22% for roofers.
If you’re thinking about starting a roofing contracting business or you want a job in the field, you need to know the requirements and licensing process in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need to get started in the state of Montana.
Roofing License Requirements in Montana
Montana doesn’t offer a state license for roofing, however any general contractor or subcontractor who performs roofing work must register as a Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).
According to the DLI, a Construction Contractor is defined as any person that “in the pursuit of an independent business, offers to undertake, undertakes, or submits a bid to construct, alter, repair, add to, subtract from, improve, move, wreck, or demolish for another a building, highway, road, railroad, excavation, or other structure, project, development, or improvement attached to real estate.”
The Construction Contractor license is required for all businesses in the building and construction industry that have employees. “This includes businesses that are corporations and manager-managed limited liability companies even if the only employees are officers of the corporation or managers of the manager-managed limited liability company,” according to the DLI.
The Independent Contractor license requirements specify that anyone “engaged in their own independently established business, occupation, trade, or profession” must obtain licensure. Independent contractors must be covered under a self-elected workers' compensation insurance policy or obtain an Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate (ICEC).
While not required in Montana, some jobs, especially those for government agencies, may require a surety bond.
Types of Roofing Licenses in Montana
You need a Montana Construction Contractor License if you perform any type of roofing work and have employees or subcontractors. The Construction Contractor License is issued by the Construction Contractor Registration Unit, a division of the DLI.
The Independent Contractor License is intended for individuals who perform roofing work and have no employees. The license is issued by the Independent Contractor Central Unit, also a division of the DLI.
Steps to Get a Roofing License in Montana
Complete the following steps to apply for a Construction Contractor license in Montana.
Complete the Construction Contractor Registration application.
LLCs and corporations must register their business entity with the Montana Secretary of State’s office.
Provide proof of a valid Montana workers’ compensation insurance policy.
Pay the $70 license application fee.
Complete the following steps to apply for an Independent Contractor license in Montana.
Complete the Application for Independent Contractor Exemption Certificate.
Submit the Waiver of Workers’ Compensation Benefits.
Pay the $125 application fee.
Candidates can mail licensing application forms to the Montana Department of Licensing and Industry: P.O. Box 8011 Helena, MT 59604
Benefits of Getting a Roofing Contractor License in Montana
There are many benefits to getting a contractor license in Montana.
First, and most important, the state requires a Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor license to legally perform roofing services.
A license is proof of your experience and skill in the roofing industry.
In many municipalities, only licensed contractors can operate a business and advertise roofing services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits, pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
Licensing gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It also increases your earning potential.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Roofer in Montana?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the annual mean pay for roofers nationally as $50,030, and $51,360 for those in Montana. As you might expect, salaries increase as you acquire more experience.
According to Indeed the average hourly wage for roofers in Montana is $26.93 with $6,375 of overtime per year. The average annual salary is $62,809.
Pay ranges can vary widely, depending on the city and many other important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your years of experience.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a roofing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one roofing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Roofing License in Montana?
Getting started in the roofing field in Montana is relatively affordable. Since there is no requirement for higher education, people entering the field can learn on the job.
Montana requires the following application fees:
Construction Contractor: $70
Independent Contractor: $125
Additional costs for working as a Montana roofer may include:
The average cost of workers’ compensation coverage in Montana is $1.64 per $100 of payroll.
The average cost of general liability insurance is $504 per year.
Surety bonds average between 1% and 15% of the total bond amount.
How to Get a Roofing License in Montana
As mentioned above, you need a Montana Construction Contractor License, issued by the Construction Contractor Registration Unit, if you perform any type of roofing work and have employees or subcontractors.
Individuals who perform roofing work and have no employees need to apply for an Independent Contractor License, issued by the Independent Contractor Central Unit.
Both licenses require applicants to file an application and also pay an application fee.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Roofing License in Montana?
Neither license requires demonstrating previous work experience or passing an exam, so candidates typically receive licensure in a matter of weeks.
Montana Roofer Training Programs and Schools
If you choose to start your career path at a college or university, you can pursue a degree in construction management or construction engineering. There are many higher-education options throughout Montana that offer these types of programs.
Here are a few options:
Montana Technological University | Butte | BS in Construction Management — 4 years
University of Montana | Missoula | Construction Management Program — 2 years
Montana State University | Bozeman | BS in Construction Engineering Technology — 4 years
Montana Roofing Licensing Exam Details
Montana doesn’t require examination to obtain the Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor license.
Who Issues Roofing Licenses in Montana?
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is responsible for issuing the Construction Contractor and Independent Contractor licenses.
Do I Need to Renew My Montana Roofing License?
The Construction Contractor and Independent Contractor licenses require renewal every two years. The DLI will mail a renewal application approximately 60 days before the license expires. The renewal fee is $70 for the Construction Contractor license and $125 for the Independent Contractor license.
Continuing Education
While Montana plumbers and electricians must obtain continuing education hours before every renewal period, there are no continuing education requirements for the Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor licenses.
Does Montana Reciprocate Roofing Licenses?
Montana doesn’t offer reciprocity for the Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor licenses.
Does My Montana Roofing Contractor License Work in Any Other State?
Unfortunately, no other states recognize the Montana Construction Contractor or Independent Contractor licenses.
However, obtaining these licenses will help you feel prepared for any licensing requirements in the new state. Ultimately, you will have to check out that state’s requirements and follow its application process.
National Roofing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Roofing Contractors offers certification. It and other professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money. You can also learn more about certification and roofing in Montana through one of the industry associations in the state.
They include:
Other Requirements Unique to Montana
Asbestos was banned nationwide in 1989 because of the health hazard posed by the material. It is often found in old roofing materials like shingles, roofing felt and tar, and siding and panels.
The Montana Department of Environmental Quality Waste Management Bureau mandates strict protocols for working around or removing asbestos. According to the DEQ, “The Asbestos Control Program is responsible for issuing asbestos project permits and demolition acknowledgements for facility renovation and demolition activities while upholding the training and accreditation programs for all asbestos-related occupations in the state of Montana.”
Proper roofing is meant to ensure that buildings can withstand extreme weather conditions. Roofing contractors need to be constantly updating their knowledge of the roofing trade. They need to stay current on building codes, new roofing systems, and best practices to stay compliant and ensure excellence in their work.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all roofing industry news several ways:
Check top roofing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your roofing business.
Listen to top roofing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
