Jobs & Economy in Choteau, Montana

Choteau is the Teton County seat, a ranching and gateway community of 1,721 people at 3,816 feet elevation along the Rocky Mountain Front, 60 miles northwest of Great Falls. For generations, cattle ranching, wheat farming, and hay production defined the local economy. Today Choteau has added tourism, healthcare, and education to that agricultural base — a diversification driven by world-class paleontology sites, Freezout Lake's birding spectacle, and the Bob Marshall Wilderness just to the west. With a 1% unemployment rate and a job score of 9.8/10 — near the highest of any hub in the state — Choteau's micro-economy is remarkably tight. This guide covers industry composition, employment statistics, and what job seekers should know about working in a small but resilient Rocky Mountain Front community. For the full town profile, see our Choteau guide.

Employment at a Glance

Industry Breakdown

Choteau's employment spans 3 major sectors. Education & Healthcare leads at 24.8%, anchored by Benefis Teton Medical Center and Choteau Public Schools — the two largest employers in a county seat of under 2,000 people. Tourism & Hospitality follows at 15.5%, a rapidly growing sector fueled by the Egg Mountain dinosaur site, Old Trail Museum, Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area, and guided trips into the Bob Marshall Wilderness. Construction ranks third at 10.7%, driven by residential building, ranch infrastructure, and maintenance across the sprawling Teton County landscape.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-Year Estimates (2019–2023).

Agriculture: The Economic Backbone

Agriculture & Mining accounts for 9% of Choteau's employment, but its true influence extends far beyond that number. Teton County is cattle country — ranching operations surround the town in every direction, and wheat farming and hay production fill the benchlands east of the Rocky Mountain Front. Agricultural supply, equipment repair, veterinary services, and seasonal labor ripple through the local economy. The annual Teton County Fair and community rodeos reflect a culture where agriculture remains the identity even as other sectors grow.

Tourism and the Rocky Mountain Front

Tourism & Hospitality accounts for 15.5% of Choteau's employment and is the fastest-growing sector. The Rocky Mountain Front — the dramatic transition from Great Plains to the Continental Divide — draws hikers, hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers. The Bob Marshall Wilderness, accessible from trailheads west of Choteau, is one of the largest wilderness areas in the Lower 48. Egg Mountain, where paleontologist Jack Horner discovered the first dinosaur eggs in the Western Hemisphere, and the Old Trail Museum in Choteau attract science-minded visitors. Freezout Lake, 10 miles south, hosts up to 300,000 snow geese and thousands of tundra swans during spring migration, drawing birders from across the continent.

The Stage Stop Inn, local outfitters, hunting guides, and guest ranches provide tourism employment. The Montana Dinosaur Center in Bynum (13 miles away) adds to the regional draw. Seasonal tourism brings a summer employment surge, but winter quiets significantly — though Teton Pass Ski Area (16 miles west) provides some winter recreation traffic.

Healthcare and Government

Benefis Teton Medical Center anchors Choteau's healthcare sector, providing critical access services for a county where the nearest full-service hospital is in Great Falls, 60 miles southeast. The medical center, along with associated clinics and home health services, is among the town's largest employers. As the Teton County seat, Choteau also hosts the county courthouse, sheriff's office, and various county services — government accounts for 7.9% of employment, providing stable, year-round positions.

Labor Force Dynamics

Choteau's 54.3% labor force participation rate is well below Montana's statewide average near 63%. This reflects the community's demographic profile: a significant share of the population is retired or semi-retired, drawn by affordable housing, clean air, and proximity to world-class outdoor recreation. With a labor force of only 730 and 723 employed, Choteau operates a micro-scale economy where virtually every available worker has a job — the 1% unemployment rate is essentially zero. Remote work has added a new dimension: the scenic Rocky Mountain Front setting and reliable internet have begun attracting telecommuters who bring outside income into the local economy.

Commuting to Great Falls

Choteau sits 60 miles — roughly 70 minutes — northwest of Great Falls via U.S. Highway 89. While this is a longer commute than most Montanans prefer daily, some Choteauresidents do make the drive for employment at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Benefis Health System's main campus, Great Falls College MSU, or the retail and service sectors in the Great Falls metro area. For others, the 60-mile distance makes Great Falls a practical destination for occasional work, shopping, and services rather than a daily commute.

Key Takeaways for Job Seekers

• Education & Healthcare is the largest sector at 24.8% — Benefis Teton Medical Center and Choteau Public Schools provide stable, year-round employment.
• Tourism & Hospitality at 15.5% is growing rapidly, driven by dinosaur paleontology sites, Freezout Lake birding, and Bob Marshall Wilderness access.
• Agriculture & Mining at 9% underpins the local culture — ranching, wheat, and hay operations provide seasonal and year-round work.
• The 1% unemployment rate and 9.8/10 job score mean Choteau has a remarkably tight labor market — employers need workers.
• The labor force is only 730 people — job openings are few but competition is minimal.
• Remote work is a growing option: Choteau's scenic setting and affordable housing attract telecommuters.
• Great Falls (60 mi) provides access to a larger job market for occasional commuters or hybrid workers.
• For state job openings, check the Montana state jobs portal. For federal positions, see USAJobs.gov.

For a detailed look at how wages align with expenses, see our Choteau cost of living guide.