Wyoming job growth continued in August as 4,600 jobs (1.8%) were added on an over-the-year basis. As in previous months, job gains were dominated by Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas). U.S. over-the-year job growth (1.3%) was somewhat slower than Wyoming. Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly from 3.6 percent in July to 3.7 percent in August while U.S. unemployment fell slightly from 5.5 percent in July to 5.4 percent in August (neither change was statistically significant). 

Wyoming employment was seasonally steady in August, increasing by only 100 jobs. Gains in Natural Resources & Mining (400 jobs or 1.9%), Construction (100 jobs or 0.5%), Manufacturing (200 jobs or 2.1%), Retail Trade (200 jobs or 0.6%), and Financial Activities (100 jobs or 0.9%) were mostly offset by seasonal job losses in Leisure & Hospitality (-600 jobs or -1.6%) and Government (-300 jobs or -0.5%). 

From August 2003 to August 2004, Wyoming gained 4,600 jobs or 1.8 percent. The largest job gains were in Natural Resources & Mining (2,000 jobs or 10.4%), Education & Health Services (1,200 jobs or 5.8%), Government (900 jobs or 1.5%), and Leisure & Hospitality (600 jobs or 1.7%). More modest job gains were seen in Manufacturing (200 jobs or 2.1%), Wholesale Trade (300 jobs or 4.2%), Retail Trade (200 jobs or 0.6%), and Financial Activities (400 jobs or 3.8%). 

When compared to August 2003, employment fell by 700 jobs or 3.1 percent in Construction. There was an unusual amount of construction activity during the late summer of 2003, and this August’s estimate indicates a return to more normal levels. Slight job losses occurred in Information (-100 jobs or -2.4%), Professional & Business Services (-300 jobs or -1.8%), and Other Services (-200 jobs or -2.0%). 

County unemployment rates remained low in August. Fremont County posted the highest unemployment rate (4.5%), and Johnson County posted the lowest rate (1.0%). 

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