Montana’s workforce reached an all-time high in 2025, with nearly 577,800 people participating in the state’s labor force, according to data from the Montana Department of Labor and Industry cited by nbcmontana.com. The figures were released as part of the state’s 2026 Labor Day Report.
Key Numbers
More than 558,600 Montanans were employed last year, while the state’s average unemployment rate held at 3.3 percent — placing Montana ninth lowest in the nation. The average annual wage reached approximately $62,000.
Since 2022, Montana has ranked second in the country for wage growth, with inflation-adjusted wages rising an average of 1.6 percent per year. That marks three consecutive years in which wage growth outpaced inflation. The state’s real gross domestic product grew 2.2 percent in 2025, and the economy has expanded at a 3.5 percent annual rate since 2022, ranking eighth nationally for economic growth over that period.
Montana has added 46,650 jobs since 2020, though total employment edged down slightly in 2025. Healthcare led all industries with more than 1,200 jobs added during the year, while administrative services posted the fastest growth rate among sectors at 4.3 percent.
Gianforte Touts Results
Governor Greg Gianforte highlighted the findings in a statement accompanying the report. “The 2026 Labor Day Report reveals another strong year for Montana’s workforce and economy,” he told the NBC Montana. The governor also pointed to the state’s 406 JOBS initiative, which aims to connect Montanans with career pathways through employment, college, military service, and entrepreneurship.
Labor and Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson is overseeing several workforce efforts tied to the initiative. Those include expanding Registered Apprenticeships, implementing workforce provisions of the Rural Health Transformation Program, reducing barriers through occupational licensing reform, and broadening work opportunities for people with disabilities. The state is also working to link participants in SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid Expansion to employment and training programs, expand work-based learning for high school students through the STARS Act, and develop the Montana Talent Marketplace.
