Montana Keeps Unemployment Steady While Jobs Landscape Shifts

Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana’s unemployment rate held at 3.6 percent in January, remaining below the national rate of 4.3 percent and continuing a trend of relatively low unemployment across the state.

“In Montana, we remain focused on creating an environment where small businesses and manufacturers can thrive and create more good paying jobs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through 406 JOBS, we’re making sure every Montanan who is able to work has a clear pathway to those good-paying jobs and the opportunity to achieve the American dream.”

Montana’s labor force reached 579,400 in January, reflecting an increase of about 3,600 workers over the past 12 months. Total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, declined slightly over the month. Payroll job numbers were largely unchanged, as gains in construction and health care were offset by declines in professional and business services.

Inflation remained moderate in January. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis. Over the past year, the index rose 2.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 0.3 percent for the month.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics also released revised labor market estimates aimed at improving accuracy. Updated figures show Montana’s unemployment rate averaged 3.3 percent in 2025, while employment declined modestly by 0.3 percent, or about 1,430 jobs. The data also indicated the state’s labor force reached a high of 577,850 in 2025, marking a 0.1 percent increase over the year.

State officials continue to point to workforce participation as an area of focus. A report released last August by the Montana Department of Labor & Industry found that more than 100,000 working-age Montanans are not employed and not actively seeking work.

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Through the governor’s 406 JOBS initiative, the department is working to connect residents with employment opportunities, with targeted efforts in health care, construction, hospitality and recreation, advanced manufacturing and computing, education and child care, and financial and professional services.