Beat the Workforce Shortage: Actionable Tips to Fill Roles and Stay Competitive in Montana

Montana’s economy is booming, but the workforce can’t keep up, especially in manufacturing, where competition for top talent is fierce. If you’re not acting fast, you’re losing out. We’ve broken down the latest Montana job market trends into clear, actionable strategies to help you hire quicker, offer competitive salaries, and win the battle for skilled workers. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead and attract the best talent.

Trend #1: Montana’s Workforce Isn’t Growing Fast Enough

Montana’s economy is booming, but the workforce isn’t keeping up. The state’s job market is growing faster than its labor force, which means more job openings than people to fill them. This imbalance makes it tougher to find skilled workers, especially in high-demand industries like manufacturing and technology.

What this means for you: You’re up against fierce competition for top talent. If you don’t move fast, someone else will hire the candidates you need.

How you can use this to your advantage: Speed matters. The average time to fill a position in Montana is 34 days, but LC Staffing’s local expertise cuts that down to just 14 days. Partnering with a local staffing agency can help you get top talent on board before your competitors do.

“Montana’s economy is growing faster than its workforce, leading to a significant labor shortage”

Trend #2: Unfilled Roles Are Costing You

The longer a role stays vacant, the more it’s costing you. Every unfilled position means lost productivity, and overworked employees might burn out or even leave. In industries like manufacturing, where timing is crucial, unfilled roles can slow down production lines and hurt your bottom line.

What this means for you: Time is money. Vacancies don’t just delay projects—they can also affect team morale and lead to higher turnover.

How you can use this to your advantage: Prioritize filling those positions. Working with a staffing agency that specializes in your industry can drastically shorten the time it takes to hire, helping you maintain productivity and retain your workforce.

“The average time to fill a position in Montana is 34 days, but LC Staffing’s average time-to-fill is just 12 days”.

Trend #3: Wages Are Climbing

Over the last three years, wages in Montana’s manufacturing sector have increased by 44%. Rising wages are a sign of how competitive the job market has become. Candidates know their worth and are expecting higher salaries, so if you’re not offering competitive compensation, they’ll look elsewhere.

What this means for you: You need to offer competitive pay. If your salary offers aren’t keeping up with the market, top candidates will go elsewhere.

How you can use this to your advantage: Stay ahead of the curve by offering competitive salaries based on accurate, local salary data. Use this information to ensure your offers stand out. Working with a staffing partner that knows the Montana market can help you get this data and make informed salary decisions.

“Manufacturing advertised wages in Montana increased 44% in three years”

Trend #4: Direct-to-Consumer is Changing Hiring

More manufacturers in Montana are shifting to direct-to-consumer (D2C) models. This shift is transforming their hiring needs, requiring not only blue-collar workers but also more salespeople, retail managers, and software engineers to manage customer relationships and e-commerce platforms.

What this means for you: You need to broaden your search beyond traditional roles. Hiring isn’t just about filling production jobs anymore—companies need customer-facing employees and tech talent.

How you can use this to your advantage: Diversify your hiring approach. Don’t just focus on operational roles—start hiring for skills in sales, marketing, and technology to keep up with this shift. By expanding your focus, you can prepare your company for future growth and stay competitive.

“Direct-to-consumer marketing is leading manufacturers to hire more salespeople, software engineers, and retail managers, expanding beyond traditional blue-collar roles”

Trend #5: Technology Is Driving Hiring Changes

With companies investing in new machinery and technology, there’s a growing demand for engineers—especially in fields like civil and mechanical engineering. While new technology is making manufacturing more efficient, it’s also increasing the need for highly skilled workers who can manage and maintain these systems.

What this means for you: Engineers are in demand, and finding the right ones can give your business an edge. If you’re not focusing on tech and engineering roles, you’re missing out on growth opportunities.

How you can use this to your advantage: Focus on recruiting engineers and tech-savvy candidates who can manage your new systems. By hiring for these skills, you’ll improve efficiency and reduce errors in your operations. Partnering with a staffing agency that specializes in these fields can help you find top talent quickly.

“Engineers, like civil, mechanical, are highly in demand in the manufacturing sector”

Trend #6: Hiring in Certain Regions Is Tougher

In regions like Billings and Missoula, filling manufacturing roles takes longer because of local labor shortages. These areas are facing the same workforce issues as the rest of the state, but the challenges are more pronounced, making it even harder to find the right talent.

What this means for you: If you’re hiring in these regions, expect delays. It’s going to take longer to fill roles, so you need to be proactive in your recruitment strategy.

How you can use this to your advantage: Start early. Expand your search beyond the immediate region and consider offering relocation packages or flexible work options to attract candidates from outside the area. A local staffing agency can help you tap into talent pools you might not have access to otherwise.

“It’s still taking longer to hire manufacturing roles in Montana compared to the average job”

Key Takeaways:

• Act fast: Local staffing expertise can cut your time-to-fill from 34 days to 14 days.
• Offer competitive pay: Use local salary data to offer wages that reflect the 44% increase in Montana manufacturing.
• Diversify roles: Direct-to-consumer sales mean more hiring across sales, marketing, and tech.
• Focus on engineers: Engineers and tech experts are key to managing new machinery and systems.
• Think regionally: If hiring is tough in Billings and Missoula, consider casting a wider net.

Use these insights to boost your recruitment efforts and fill your critical roles faster. Montana’s job market may be competitive, but with the right strategy, you’ll come out on top.