Prime Highlights-
- Montana’s technology industry generated $7.9 billion in revenue and contributed $4.4 billion to the state economy in 2024.
- The sector grew twice as fast as Montana’s overall economy between 2014 and 2024, strengthening its role in the state’s economic growth.
Key Facts-
- The technology industry’s share of Montana’s GDP increased from 3.6% to 5% over the past decade.
- Average annual wages in Montana’s tech sector reached $146,000 in 2025, compared with the statewide average wage of $60,037 in 2024.
Background-
Montana’s technology industry brought in $7.9 billion in 2024 and added $4.4 billion to the state economy, according to findings from the University of Montana and the Montana High Tech Business Alliance.
In a statement on the report, Gov. Greg Gianforte credited tech expansion for powering broader economic gains across the state. He said founders and specialized workers continue moving to Montana for business opportunities and quality of life.
The 2026 Montana High Tech Industries Report shows the sector grew twice as fast as the state’s total economy between 2014 and 2024. That decade-long run lifted the industry’s portion of Montana’s overall gross domestic product from 3.6 percent to 5 percent.
Pay within the sector has grown alongside output. Average wages for Montana tech workers reached $146,000 in 2025. By comparison, the overall state average wage across all industries was $60,037 in 2024.
Across all jobs, Montana holds the third-fastest wage growth rate in the United States. It is also one of two states where pay increases have outpaced inflation since 2020.
The tech report tracks with wider economic indicators for the state. Montana has stayed in the top five states for overall economic growth since 2021, and business rankings named it the best state for new startups in 2024.
Gianforte pointed to policy decisions for helping fuel the numbers, including state income tax cuts, property tax relief, and investments in local workforce housing.
