State of Montana Newsroom
Gov. Gianforte Announces Montana’s Labor Force Reached Record High in 2025
Third consecutive year of second-fastest wage growth in the nation
Governor's Office
HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s labor force reached a record high of more than 577,800 people in 2025. According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry’s 2026 Labor Day Report, the statewide average annual wage reached a record $62,290 in 2025, growing at the second-fastest rate in the nation and marking the third consecutive year where wage growth exceeded inflation.
“The 2026 Labor Day Report reveals another strong year for Montana’s workforce and economy,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Wages are at record highs, our labor force is growing, and the unemployment rate is at near record lows while we remain committed to making it easier for Montanans to train, work, and build a meaningful career.”
Gov. Gianforte visiting with Montana Department of Transportation employees in Helena
The annual report reveals Montana added 46,650 jobs since 2020 and more than 558,600 Montanans were employed in 2025, near the highest level in state history.
In addition, the state unemployment rate averaged 3.3 percent in 2025, ranking ninth lowest among states.
Since 2022, Montana has ranked second nationally for fastest wage growth, with inflation-adjusted wages increasing an average of 1.6 percent annually. The state’s total economic output, as measured by real gross domestic product, grew by 2.2 percent in 2025 and Montana’s economy has grown by 3.5 percent per year since 2022, ranking 8th fastest among states.
While total employment edged down slightly in 2025, healthcare added over 1,200 jobs in 2025, the most of any industry and administrative services’ employment grew by 4.3 percent, the fastest of any industry.
“Montana’s future depends on whether we can connect people with the skills, supports, and job opportunities they need to succeed,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “That means working with employers, educators, and communities to reduce barriers to work and build a workforce that can meet the demands of a changing economy.”
Through the governor’s 406 JOBS initiative, Montana is advancing strategies to strengthen workforce participation, expand training opportunities, and help employers build the talent they need. The initiative focuses on connecting Montanans with career pathways through employment, college, military service, and entrepreneurship.
Work underway includes:
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Growing the number of Montanans participating in Registered Apprenticeships and the number of employers sponsoring pathways.
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Implementing the workforce provisions of the Rural Health Transformation Program to address shortages in health care occupations.
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Reducing barriers to work through responsible reforms to occupational licensing.
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Expanding work opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
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Connecting more SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid Expansion participants to employment, education, and training opportunities.
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Expanding work-based learning and Industry Recognized credential opportunities for high school students through the STARS Act.
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Developing the Montana Talent Marketplace to improve access to career exploration, education and training options, credentials, and job openings.
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