State of Montana Newsroom
State Sets New Records for Employment, Labor Force in November
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte and Sarah Swanson, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), today announced the state’s total employment and labor force grew in the month of November, setting new state records for both, according to data compiled by DLI and the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Montana’s total employment reached a new all-time high in November, growing by nearly 580 jobs and with more than 563,000 Montanans working. Since Gov. Gianforte took office in January 2021, more than 41,000 jobs have been created in Montana.
“More Montanans are working now than ever before, and the size of our labor force continues to set new records. These positive trends continue for hardworking Montanans and employers alike,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I firmly believe better is always possible, and we’ll continue delivering on our pro-family, pro-jobs agenda to help more Montanans thrive and achieve the American dream.”
“As Montana’s labor force continues to grow, there are encouraging signs our worker shortage continues to abate,” said Commissioner Swanson. “Steady growth in both employment and our labor force show Montana’s job market is healthy and robust as we prepare to enter 2024.”
Montana’s labor force also grew by more than 1,400 workers in November, adding more than 11,000 workers since the start of the year.
Labor force growth slightly outpaced growth in total employment in November, leading to a slight increase in the state’s unemployment rate to 3.0%. November marks the first month in two years that Montana’s unemployment rate reached 3.0%. The state’s unemployment rate remained below 3.0% for the 24 months between November 2021 and October 2023. Prior to Governor Gianforte taking office, the state’s unemployment rate fell below 3.0% in just three months in the last 50 years – January, February, and March of 2007.
The national unemployment rate in November was 3.7%, according to BLS.