Montana gained nearly 4,000 construction jobs during the pandemic period dating from February 2020 to January of 2022. This equates to an 11.4 percent increase in the number of construction workers in the state, leading the nation according to a press release this week from the Associated General Contractors of America.

While almost half of the country – 21 states and the District of Columbia – lost construction jobs during this same time period, Montana’s employment levels have remained strong. “I think the message is clear – construction is open for business and we’re hiring,” says David Smith, MCA Executive Director. “While most industries have struggled through these difficult times, construction continues to provide stable employment with wages that offer higher pay, great benefits, and the opportunity to grow your career.”

Construction has also been hit considerably hard with the nation-wide supply chain shortages. As supply chains began flowing again after Covid mandates started to ease across the country, many contractors were faced with not only materials shortages, but also steep increases in the costs of those materials. Despite all these challenges, construction in Montana picked up 3,500 jobs in the past two years. “Construction was deemed an essential industry, and Montana contractors worked hard keeping worksites open,” Smith said. “While many industries and businesses had to close their doors temporarily, construction in Montana was able to take advantage of the opportunity that allowed us to keep workers employed.”

The Montana Contractors Association, a chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), is a trade organization representing commercial, industrial and public works construction firms. Our Mission is simple: Working together, we advocate for quality contractors, people, and projects by providing value and opportunity for our members. Learn more at www.mtagc.org.