MISSOULA, Mont. — NBC Montana caught up with University of Montana director of business and economic research Jeff Michael to get the latest job market numbers. Michael says the data shows Montana is a top 10 state for employment growth, even though population growth is decreasing.
He says we’re seeing growth in technical services, construction, hospitality and retail industries.
“Unemployment in Montana remains below 3% , well below the national average. So it continues to be a tight job market and a positive job market. There are signs that it’s becoming a little bit looser. I’ve heard some employers tell me that they’re having a little bit easier time finding staff than they did a year of two ago,” Michael said.
But he says it’s not all good news.
Michael cited federal worker job cuts and layoffs in the wood product and mining industries last year, which he says are still impacting the labor market.
“So it’s not a 100% positive story, but overall, job markets continues to be positive,” Michael said.
