Montana Hourly Wages Rose To $29.27, Second Fastest Growth In The Country

Montana had the second-highest growth in average hourly wages in the nation from 2024 to 2025, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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The state’s average hourly wage increased 4.7%, rising from $27.96 in 2024 to $29.27 in 2025, according to the agency’s Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.

“With affordability top of mind for all Americans, Montana is proud to report our job creators are keeping pace with our growing economy to ensure workers are paid a fair wage,” Gov. Greg Gianforte said. “With the second highest hourly wage growth in the nation and our continued work to further reduce the burden taxes, Montanans will be better equipped to achieve the American dream.”

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The wage gains come as Montana continues to see economic growth. The state ranked fifth nationally for economic growth from 2021 to 2025, behind Texas, New Mexico, Florida and South Carolina.

Montana’s real gross domestic product increased 16.1% during that period, compared with 10.8% nationally. The report attributed the growth in part to business investment, population growth and energy production.

The governor’s office also highlighted growth in Montana’s high-tech industry. Recent data showed the industry grew twice as quickly as the overall state economy between 2014 and 2024.

Gianforte’s office also pointed to changes to the state tax code, property tax relief and the payoff of Montana’s general obligation debt as efforts intended to support economic growth. Montana became debt-free in 2023, which the governor’s office said saved the state $40 million over two years.

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The state’s 406 JOBS initiative, administered through the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, is also intended to help workers access jobs in high-demand fields.