How to Get a Crane Operator License in Montana
Montana requires a crane operator license to offer professional services. State fees are $100, which is well below the $259 national average.
Last verified: 2022-03-01 · Source: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3
Quick Facts
- License Required
- Yes
- Licensing Fees
- $100(well below the $259 national average)
- Exams Required
- 1
- Minimum Age
- 18 years old
What This Means for Your Home Crane Operator Business
Montana makes it possible to run a home crane operator business, but there's a licensing path to follow first. Montana is one of 16 states that require licensing.
The good news: Montana's $100 fee is below the $259 national average. The real investment is time, not money.
Once licensed, Montana offers advantages: no sales tax on services, reducing complexity. Plus, LLC formation is just $35. Your total non-training startup can be under $1,000.
Important detail: Even though you're working from home, you'll still need a shop license from the Montana licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation and safety standards. This is separate from your personal crane operator license and is something many first-time home-based crane operators overlook.
How to Start Your Home Crane Operator Business
Follow these steps to legally launch your business in Montana. Most people complete this within 2-4 weeks.
Complete Crane Operator Training
Enroll in a Montana-approved crane operator school.
Tip: You must apply for your exams within a set timeframe after completing your education — don't wait.
Pass the Required Exam ($100)
Once you've finished training, register for the required exam through the Montana licensing board.
Form Your Montana LLC ($35 state fee)
Register your business with the Montana Secretary of State. An LLC protects your personal assets if something goes wrong — a client injury, a lawsuit, or unpaid bills. It also makes you look more professional to clients and helps with taxes.
Fast track: Services like ZenBusiness can form your Montana LLC online for $0 + the $35 state filing fee. They handle the paperwork and registered agent service.
Get a Home Occupation Permit & Shop License
You need two things to legally operate from home:
- Home occupation permit — from your county clerk or zoning office. This confirms your neighborhood allows a business from your home. Fees vary by county ($25-$100 typically).
- Shop license — from the Montana licensing board. Your home workspace must meet their sanitation standards, including proper ventilation, sanitary station setup, and waste disposal.
Get Business Insurance
General liability insurance protects you if a client has an allergic reaction, slips in your home, or claims damage. Most policies for home-based crane operators cost $15-$40/month. It's not legally required in Montana, but going without it is a real risk when you're working with clients in your home.
Register for State & Federal Taxes
Montana does not charge sales tax on personal services. So you won't need to collect sales tax from clients. However, you still need to:
- Get an EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS — free, takes 5 minutes online
- Register with the Montana Department of Revenue for state income tax 0
Book Your First Clients
You're legal and ready. Start building your client base:
- Set up an online booking system (Square Appointments, Booksy, or Vagaro are popular with home-based crane operators)
- Create a Google Business Profile so local clients can find you
- Post your work on Instagram — before-and-afters are the #1 way home crane operators attract clients
- Ask early clients for Google reviews — reviews are critical for home-based businesses without storefront visibility
Total Estimated Startup Costs
| Exam fees + license | $100 |
| Montana LLC formation | $35 |
| Home occupation permit | $25 - $100 |
| Business insurance (first year) | $180 - $480 |
| Total (excluding training/school) | $340 - $715 |
* School tuition varies widely. Some community colleges offer programs under $5,000. The apprenticeship path avoids tuition entirely.
Crane Operator Earning Potential in Montana
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2024), here's what crane and tower operators earn in Montana. There are approximately 90 employed in the state.
Median Hourly
$44.00
Median Annual
$91,520
Entry Level
$21.53/hr
Top Earners
$50.73/hr
| Percentile | Hourly | Annual (est.) |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $21.53 | $44,782 |
| 25th | $28.02 | $58,282 |
| 50th (median) | $44.00 | $91,520 |
| 75th | $50.73 | $105,518 |
| 90th (top earners) | $50.73 | $105,518 |
Note for home-based operators: BLS wage data reflects employed (W-2) workers. Self-employed crane operators working from home often charge 20-40% more since they set their own rates and don't pay salon/shop rent. At the median rate, working 30 hours/week would gross roughly $89,232/year as an independent operator.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
Montana Business Setup Costs & Details
Here's what you need to know about setting up any home business in Montana — beyond the crane operator license itself.
Compare Crane Operator Requirements in Nearby States
See how Montana's requirements compare to neighboring states.
| State | License? | Fees | Training |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montana(you) | Yes | $100 | 233 days |
| Idaho | No | — | — |
| North Dakota | No | — | — |
| South Dakota | No | — | — |
| Wyoming | No | — | — |
Key takeaway: Requirements vary significantly across the region. Compare fees, training hours, and licensing status to find the best fit for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to get a crane operator license in Montana?
What exams do I need to pass for a Montana crane operator license?
Can I run a crane operator business from my home in Montana?
Do I need to collect sales tax as a crane operator in Montana?
How much does an LLC cost in Montana?
More Crane Operator Resources for Montana
Crane Operator Salary in Montana
BLS wage data, percentiles, and state rankings
License Cost Breakdown
Complete cost analysis: fees, training, exams, LLC
Best States for Crane Operators
All 50 states ranked by wages, fees, and costs
No-License Jobs in Montana
Occupations you can start without a license
Pricing Calculator
Figure out how much to charge clients
Startup Cost Calculator
Personalized budget for your home business
Sources & Disclaimer
Data Sources
- License data: Institute for Justice, License to Work 3 (2022). Independently verified dataset covering licensing requirements across all 50 states + DC.
- LLC and tax data: Montana Secretary of State and Montana Department of Revenue.
Disclaimer: This guide was last verified 2022-03-01. Licensing laws and fees change — always confirm current requirements directly with the Montana licensing board before making business decisions. This site provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice.