Montana Sees Largest Monthly Gain in Labor Force Since 2015

According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Governor Steve Bullock  announced that Montana’s unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage points to 3.4% in October, driven by over 850 new workers entering the labor market.

The U.S. unemployment rate also moved up 0.1 percentage points, ending at 3.6%.

More workers are joining our labor force in response to strong wage growth and plentiful job opportunities, Governor Bullock said. We will continue our commitment to upskill our workforce and maximize each worker’s potential, helping businesses grow.

Total employment, which includes agricultural, payroll and self-employed workers, indicated a gain of 676 jobs. The labor force grew by 851, the largest monthly gain in the labor force since 2015. The number of unemployed people increased by 175 people. Payroll employment increased by 600 jobs over the month.

Gallatin County currently has an unemployment rate of 2.4%, a -0.3 change from last year.

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