Montana Job Market: Top Industries, Salaries & Employers (2026)
Guide to the Montana job market in 2026. Agriculture, tourism, healthcare, and tech across Bozeman, Billings, and Missoula.
Montana's "Big Sky Country" reputation and outdoor lifestyle have attracted a surge of remote workers and tech companies, particularly to Bozeman. The state's population grew 10%+ since 2020, making it one of the fastest-growing states. Traditional industries like ranching, mining, and timber remain important alongside emerging tech and clean energy sectors.
Top Industries
- Agriculture & Ranching: Montana is #3 in wheat, #2 in lentils, and has 2.4 million cattle. Agriculture contributes $5B+ annually. 50,000+ ag workers.
- Tourism: Glacier National Park, Yellowstone, skiing (Big Sky, Whitefish). $7B+ tourism industry supporting 55,000+ jobs. Yellowstone TV show boosted tourism 25%.
- Healthcare: Billings Clinic, SCL Health Montana, Providence St. Patrick. 65,000+ healthcare workers. Rural healthcare access is a major challenge and opportunity.
- Technology: Bozeman's tech scene includes Oracle (Bozeman office), Workiva, and Onx Maps. "Silicon Prairie" is growing. Average tech salary: $85,000.
- Energy: Coal (Colstrip), wind, and hydropower. Montana is transitioning from coal to renewables. Wind energy growing 20% annually.
Major Employers
| Employer | Industry | Approx. MT Employees |
|---|---|---|
| State of Montana | Government | 12,000+ |
| Billings Clinic | Healthcare | 5,000+ |
| Montana State University | Education | 4,500+ |
| Providence St. Patrick | Healthcare | 3,500+ |
| Malmstrom AFB | Military | 3,500+ |
| Walmart | Retail | 5,000+ |
| University of Montana | Education | 3,000+ |
Average Salary by Metro Area
| Metro Area | Avg Salary | Cost of Living Index |
|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $54,870 | 125 (rising fast) |
| Billings | $52,340 | 95 |
| Missoula | $48,640 | 110 |
| Great Falls | $45,280 | 88 |
| Helena | $49,730 | 95 |
Growing Sectors
- Outdoor Tech: Bozeman's combination of tech talent and outdoor culture creates a niche for outdoor/recreation technology companies.
- Renewable Energy: Wind farms in central Montana and solar projects growing. Clean energy jobs increasing 15% annually.
- Craft Beer & Spirits: Montana has the most breweries per capita in the nation. Growing economic impact of $600M+ annually.
Remote Work Availability
Montana is a top remote work destination. Bozeman and Missoula attract remote tech workers from Seattle, San Francisco, and Denver. Housing costs have surged (Bozeman median home $650,000), but Billings, Great Falls, and Helena remain affordable. No sales tax is an additional benefit.
FAQ
What is the minimum wage in Montana?
$10.30/hour with annual CPI adjustments. Bozeman market rates are typically $15-18+ entry level due to high demand and housing costs.