© Copyright 2006 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning

WYOMING LABOR FORCE TRENDS

Vol. 43 No. 8

Wyoming Total Payroll Increases by 15.0%

by: Phil Ellsworth, Information Specialist

Preliminary numbers from the Unemployment Insurance covered employment indicate a total payroll increase of 15.0% from first quarter 2005 to first quarter 2006. This is an over-the-year increase of more than $285.4 million. Industries contributing to the majority of total payroll increases included: Mining, which grew by an estimated $90.2 million or 27.8%; Construction, which was up by $43.2 million or 31.3%; Transportation & Warehousing, which increased $15.5 million or 25.3%; and Wholesale Trade, up $13.9 million or 18.2%.

The largest percentage increase of any industry was the estimated 36.5% rise in Arts, Entertainment, & Recreation. However, the industry’s increase of $3.1 million represents only 1.2% of the state’s total private-sector payroll increase.

Only one industry, Management of Companies & Enterprises, saw a decrease in payroll. That industry declined in total payroll $950,926 or 5.7%. It also represents a small share of the state’s employment and earnings, just 0.4% of total private-sector employment in first quarter 2006.

a3t1 (1265K)