Growth the answer to Bozeman’s low wages, consultant says – It’s all about very focused industry clusters

"That’s why wages are low," she said. "You don’t have a lot of competition right now."

"We are after all in competition with San Francisco and Seattle," said Commissioner Chris Mehl. "Frankly, I think, more than Butte or Billings."

If Bozeman wants to boost wages for its workforce, its best hope is encouraging economic growth so local industries have to compete for skilled employees, an economic development consultant told city commissioners this week.

At Bozeman’s current size, skilled workers tend to not have many employment options at different companies within their industry — meaning they’re in a poor position to negotiate for raises, said Alisa Pyszka of Portland, Oregon-based Leland Consulting Group.

By Eric Dietrich Chronicle Staff Writer

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