Reconnecting Montanans to opportunity
As we celebrate Montana’s Workers this Labor Day, it’s fitting to mark a new chapter in our state’s journey. Gov. Greg Gianforte’s recent launch of the 406 JOBS Initiative is more than just policy — it’s a promise of a better future to Montanans and a renewed call to ignite our economy.
Montana’s labor climate is a story of contrasts. We enjoy historically low unemployment, a record-high workforce, and wage growth that outpaces inflation. In 2024, our labor force surpassed 578,000, with 4,700 workers joining the labor force. Wage growth ranks third in the nation since 2020, with average earnings reaching $60,037 in 2024. Personal income has grown by an average of 7.2% in Montana over the last four years. Yet, pockets of unfulfilled economic potential persist.
Presently, more than 100,000 Montanans between ages 16 and 54 are not working and not seeking work. That’s a significant portion of our population whose talents and ambitions remain untapped, even as labor shortages persist in high demand sectors. Montana now has approximately 1.8 job openings for every unemployed person in the state. We need to grow our labor force and provide Montanans with the opportunity to upskill and fill the jobs of the future, right here in our own beautiful backyard.
This is where the 406 JOBS Initiative comes in. Launched by Executive Order 5-2025, 406 JOBS directs the State Workforce Innovation Board to unify our workforce efforts under a clear, focused strategy. The Initiative is built on three pillars: 4 pathways to employment, 0 barriers to work, and 6 high-demand sectors.
Crucially, 406 JOBS seeks to remove the hurdles preventing Montanans from entering or re-entering the workforce — barriers like lack of childcare, illness or disability, criminal records, or behavioral health needs. It also aims to incorporate emerging industries, such as AI and advanced manufacturing, into education, training, and workforce development.
406 JOBS will elevate all the pathways to work, including direct-to-career opportunities such as apprenticeships, industry-recognized credentials, and robust career technical education programs in high school and middle school. Notably, 406 JOBS also honors those who serve, highlighting the valuable role of military service in career preparation and renewing our commitment to supporting servicemembers in their transition from military to civilian life.
We will continue to build on Montana’s strength in small business and entrepreneurship. Montana has long been fertile ground for innovators and small enterprises, from tradespeople to technology startups and hospitality ventures. The 406 JOBS Initiative’s recognition of entrepreneurship as an important career pathway is a mindset shift for the state workforce system that reflects the true spirit of Montana. By equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with resources, training and mentorship, and by helping existing small businesses adopt new tools like AI and automation, our state can energize both job creation and economic resilience.
Indeed, Montana’s culture of rugged independence and innovation is alive in our small towns and Main Streets. With 406 JOBS, those startups and small businesses are better positioned to attract skilled workers, train local talent, and thrive.
This Labor Day, on the eve of America’s 250th birthday, we commit to a bold economic vision, one where every Montanan has a pathway to a career and a plan to achieve it. The 406 JOBS Initiative offers a bridge back to opportunity for the 100,000 who have left the workforce, a pipeline for our youth into good jobs, and support for the small businesses and entrepreneurs who fuel Montana’s economy.
Let us honor our American workers today not just with words, but with vision, purpose, and action. Let’s roll up our sleeves and build a future that empowers all of Montana through work and opportunity.
Sarah Swanson is the commissioner of labor for the Montana. The 2025 Labor Day Report, issued by the Department of Labor & Industry, is available at lmi.mt.gov.