Low unemployment and increasing urbanization and economic diversification make the long-term Montana jobs outlook a bright one. While land-based industries such as agriculture, logging and mining remain critical to the creation of jobs in Montana, the emerging healthcare and service sectors have also become important economic drivers. Tourism is another major contributor to the state’s economy, not only because of natural attractions such as Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park, but also because population centers such as Billings attract shoppers from surrounding states.

Healthcare has been particularly important for the creation of Billings, Montana jobs. Many people who travel to Billings from Wyoming, North and South Dakota and elsewhere do so for medical reasons. St. Vincent Hospital and the Deaconess Billings Clinic are two of the city’s largest employers. The University of Montana is a major source of Missoula jobs; the Missoula metro area is the second largest in MT. Inevitably, the growing number of people who see Big Sky Country as “the last best place” should increase the appeal of Montana careers in real estate.