Six
High-Demand
Sectors

Montana's construction industry, which facilitates the building of infrastructure and residential and commercial structures, has experienced rapid growth, driven by increases in the state's population and economy. To meet construction demand, good jobs that pay above the statewide average annual wage are being added every year — 7,000 since 2019 — and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry estimates 3,700 annual construction job openings over the next 10 years. Workforce training and efforts to recruit, train, upskill and retain construction workers will be critical to ensure the industry continues to meet Montana's housing, building, energy, and transportation needs.

Montana healthcare workers provide vital care to Montanans, and as the state's population increases and ages, their work is more in demand than ever. More than 8,500 annual job openings are expected in this sector over the next 10 years, including 980 new jobs per year — the most of any industry. Approximately half of these roles will require a certification or college degree, underscoring the importance of making sure Montana has the education and training programs in place to ensure a qualified workforce.

Montana's tourism, hospitality and recreation economy is one of the largest sources of jobs in the state, supporting communities in every region. Sustained visitation and a thriving outdoor recreation industry require a steady pipeline of skilled workers across lodging, food service, guiding and recreation businesses.

Sector Analysis coming soon.

This sector is the leading contributor to economic production in Montana and is becoming a larger component of the state's labor market, with many high-wage jobs generated over the last five years. Employment settings in this sector include banks, investment firms, insurance companies, real estate agencies, law firms, and engineering and architectural firms as well as companies providing marketing, IT, payroll, and other business support services, and administrative support roles represent a third of the sector's jobs. Continued growth in this sector will depend on the availability of a right-skilled workforce to fill the estimated 6,700 annual job openings expected over the next 10 years. Prioritizing investment in postsecondary education, training, and reskilling, particularly as artificial intelligence reshapes job tasks, will ensure Montana's workforce is prepared.

From precision manufacturing to photonics and software, Montana's advanced manufacturing and computing employers are creating high-wage, technology-driven careers. Continued growth depends on a workforce skilled in modern production, automation and computing.

Sector Analysis coming soon.

Educators and childcare providers form the backbone that allows every other sector to work. Expanding Montana's education and childcare workforce is essential to reducing the state's most-cited barrier to employment and to preparing the next generation of Montana's workers.

Sector Analysis coming soon.