New Construction Sector Analysis Highlights Record Growth and High-Wage Careers in Montana
- — January 23 2026
HELENA, Mont. - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) today released its latest 406 JOBS High Demand Sector Analysis for Construction Trades, documenting rapid growth, strong wages, and sustained demand for skilled workers across the state.
“The Construction Trades sector has truly emerged as a leading engine of Montana’s continued economic expansion,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor & Industry. “Today’s analysis underscores the urgency of continued investment to grow and upskill our labor force to meet employers’ needs across the state. Construction Trades are good-paying, family-sustaining jobs and we are undersupplying the demand in every region of Montana. This report is a call to action to elevate the role of skilled trades and expand access to training programs for all Montanans.”
In 2024, construction supported over 39,000 jobs statewide, making it the 5th largest employing industry and accounting for about 8% of all Montana employment. Montana’s construction output has grown by 3.7% per year since 2019, the 4th fastest rate among all states. In 2024, construction was the leading contributor to Montana’s economic growth, with inflation-adjusted production increasing 7% over the year.
The sector has also driven job creation, adding more than 7,000 jobs since 2019 – the most of any industry in Montana over that period. Construction jobs pay well above the statewide average, with average annual wages of $71,250 in 2024 compared to $60,037 across all industries. Heavy and civil engineering contractors report the highest average wages in the industry at about $87,020, while all major construction subsectors still exceed the statewide average.
Montana’s construction industry is projected to have more than 3,700 annual job openings in construction over the next decade, driven primarily by retirements, turnover, and replacement needs. More than 60% of projected openings will occur in just ten occupations, including construction laborers, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, HVAC mechanics, equipment operators, and key support roles such as office and bookkeeping clerks.
“Most of these chronic labor shortages are in occupations that do not require a college degree. As a part of the 406 JOBS initiative, Montana is committed to growing direct-to-career pathways such as Registered Apprenticeships, industry-recognized credentials, and structured, employer-led training initiatives,” said Swanson. “As we expand the opportunities for all Montanans, we also create career pathways that allow people to upskill and embrace new opportunities, including degree-based programs, over the course of their lives.”
Earlier this week, MT DLI certified Build Montana – an innovative industry partnership between the Montana Contractors Association, Montana Equipment Dealers Association, individual employers, and public high schools – as a pre-apprenticeship program, giving employers heighten confidence in the construction skills acquired through the industry-led training program while also streamlining pathways into formal Registered Apprenticeship in trades programs upon graduation. Under 406 JOBS, direct employer engagement in designing education and training opportunities for Montana’s students is among the identified priorities.
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: Construction Trades Sector Analysis.
Contact
Jennifer Owen: Director, State Workforce Innovation Board