Montana’s unemployment rate increased to 3.3 percent in November, continuing a streak of more than four consecutive years with unemployment at or below 3.4 percent, state officials announced.
The state’s jobless rate remained well below the national unemployment rate of 4.6 percent for November, leaving Montana about 1.3 percentage points lower than the U.S. average. Montana also continued to rank among the top 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates in the country.
“Through 406 JOBS, we’ve established a unifying framework to unlock the full potential of our workforce to ensure all Montanans have access to a plan and pathway to work,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said in a statement. “Whether in a career, college, or military, the state is equipped more than ever before to strengthen our workforce and prepare the next generation to meet the needs of our job creators.”
According to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, the state’s labor force grew by about 2,200 workers over the two months ending in November. Total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, increased by nearly 800 during the same period. The faster growth in the labor force compared with employment contributed to the slight uptick in the unemployment rate.
Payroll jobs increased over the two-month period, with gains in administrative services and transportation. Those gains were partially offset by declines in government and healthcare employment. October 2025 unemployment data were unavailable due to a lapse in federal appropriations earlier in the year.
Economic indicators released alongside the employment data showed moderate inflation. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.2 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis from September to November 2025. Over the past 12 months, overall inflation rose 2.7 percent before seasonal adjustment. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, increased 2.6 percent over the year. Energy prices rose 4.2 percent, while food prices increased 2.6 percent over the same period.
State officials pointed to continued workforce development efforts as key to Montana’s labor market performance. In December, Gianforte and the Department of Labor & Industry announced the 406 JOBS Year One Work Plan, a roadmap developed by the State Workforce Innovation Board to modernize the state’s workforce system.
Released 90 days after the governor launched the 406 JOBS initiative through Executive Order 5-2025, the plan outlines immediate steps to better align government resources with the needs of workers and employers. It identifies 12 priorities across both the public and private sectors aimed at driving innovation, reducing red tape, and improving collaboration among state agencies.