Find a Job You Really Want In
When we think of Montana, images of stunning hikes, breathtaking trails, and delicious home-cooked meals often come to mind. However, it’s also a state with a robust economy and a thriving job market that continues to evolve.
At Zippia, we delve deeply into local economies to highlight which jobs and industries are flourishing. This insight is invaluable for job seekers and those considering relocating to Montana for work.
We set out to identify the most promising industries in Montana for 2026.
After analyzing the latest data, we present the top five industries for job opportunities in Montana:
Continue reading to discover how we determined which industries stand out in Montana’s competitive job landscape.
If you’re interested, explore more about the Montana job market:
How We Identified the Best Industries for Jobs in the Treasure State
We trust in data-driven insights over subjective opinions. Therefore, we embarked on a mission to gather comprehensive information about the Montana job market.
Our analysis focused on the following relevant criteria to determine the best industries:
- Average Salary
- Job Availability
- Average Stress Levels in the Industry
We sourced our data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Department of Labor.
Stress levels were assessed using an index derived from self-reported data from individuals within the industry. Each industry was ranked from 1 to 22, with 1 being the most favorable.
We then averaged these rankings to create a ‘Best Industry’ index, and the industry with the lowest score, Healthcare Practitioners and Technical, emerged as the top industry in Montana.
For a detailed table of the data, please refer to the end of this post. Now, let’s explore why these industries are exceptional for job seekers.
Detailed List of the Best Industries in Montana
| Rank | Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Healthcare Practitioners And Technical | $74,680 |
| 2 | Life, Physical, And Social Science | $55,170 |
| 3 | Legal | $66,630 |
| 4 | Architecture And Engineering | $68,550 |
| 5 | Education, Training, And Library | $42,210 |
| 6 | Community And Social Service | $38,650 |
| 7 | Management | $87,000 |
| 8 | Construction And Extraction | $47,190 |
| 9 | Office And Administrative Support | $33,330 |
| 10 | Business And Financial Operations | $61,150 |
| 11 | Computer And Mathematical | $63,650 |
| 12 | Installation, Maintenance, And Repair | $44,180 |
| 13 | Farming, Fishing, And Forestry | $31,920 |
| 14 | Production And Manufacturing | $38,330 |
| 15 | Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, And Media | $36,100 |
| 16 | Sales | $34,430 |
| 17 | Personal Care And Service | $24,880 |
| 18 | Transportation | $37,490 |
| 19 | Food Preparation And Serving Related | $22,420 |
| 20 | Building And Grounds Cleaning And Maintenance | $27,010 |
| 21 | Protective Service | $43,120 |
| 22 | Healthcare Support | $28,560 |
Summarizing the Best Industries in Montana
In summary, the Healthcare Practitioners and Technical industry represents the top career path for those residing in Montana.
Conversely, the Healthcare Support industry ranks as the least favorable, primarily due to lower wages and limited job opportunities.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
