State of Montana Newsroom
Montana’s Financial and Professional Services Sector Sets Record, Driving Growth and Opportunity
HELENA, Mont. - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) released its latest High Demand Sector analysis as a part of the 406 JOBS initiative, highlighting the Financial & Professional Services sector. The report shows that the sector is now the leading driver of state economic production and a growing source of high-wage careers. About one-third of projected openings in financial and professional services will require a certification or college degree while the majority will rely on skills-based pathways and industry-recognized credentials aligned with employer demand.
“As entrepreneurship and innovation expands in Montana, the Financial and Professional Services sector is helping to create good-paying careers for Montanans in every corner of our state,” said Governor Greg Gianforte. “Through 406 JOBS, we are working to make sure more Montanans can access the skills, training and education they need to move into these high-wage jobs and support their families here at home.”
In 2024, more than 66,000 Montanans worked in financial and professional services – about 13 percent of all jobs statewide – with average annual wages of $73,610 compared with $60,037 across all industries. The sector includes jobs in insurance, real estate, law, accounting, engineering, marketing and administrative support, offering opportunities at a range of education and skill levels.
Employment in financial and professional services has grown faster than overall statewide employment for the past decade and is projected to continue growing. Over the next 10 years, DLI expects more than 6,700 job openings each year in this sector, driven largely by retirements and workers changing industries. About one-third of projected openings in professional services will require a certification or college degree, underscoring the need for education and training aligned with employer demand. The report details occupations with projected shortages over the coming years, including accounting clerks, paralegals, and architects.
“Financial and professional services are creating sustained demand for skilled workers across Montana,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “Many of these opportunities can be accessed through skills-based pathways and industry-recognized credentials, helping more Montanans prepare for high-wage, in-demand careers and meet projected workforce shortages.”
Increasing access to education and workforce training is a top priority for Gov. Gianforte. Last year, the Governor launched the 406 JOBS initiative with Executive Order 5-2025 to outline immediate actions to align government resources to support workers and employers. The plan identifies 12 priorities across the workforce system, including private and public sectors, to drive innovation, remove red tape, and foster collaboration between state agencies. Key initiatives focus on increasing Registered Apprenticeship Pathways, preparing the workforce for artificial intelligence and automation opportunities, and establishing local sector partnerships in high demand sectors.
The complete report can be accessed here: Financial and Professional Services - MT Sector Analysis.