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© Copyright 1998 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning

Over the past year, Wyoming Labor Force Trends has presented in-depth examinations of Wyoming’s industries. Beginning with Construction (July 1997) and concluding with Finance and Insurance (August 1998), Research & Planning staff have analyzed all of the North American Industrial Classification System's (NAICS) industrial sectors that correspond to the major industries of the old Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) system. Also included were: Transportation and Information (August 1997), Public Education (October 1997), Agriculture (October 1997), Services (December 1997), Wholesale and Retail Trade (February 1998), Mining (April 1998), Retail Trade (May 1998), Manufacturing (May 1998), Health and Social Services (June 1998) and Electric, Gas, and Sanitary Services (July 1998).

These analyses were done to further an understanding of the various segments of Wyoming’s labor market. In particular, it is useful to examine industries (the types of activity in which businesses are engaged) because of the seasonal and production/service variations which are specific to these different types of activities. Analyzing the factors that influence industry employment also furthers an understanding of what affects worker demand in Wyoming’s labor market.

Many of the industries demonstrated distinct seasonal patterns of employment, including Construction, Agriculture, Services, Mining, Retail Trade and Electric, Gas, and Sanitary Services. Changes in Wyoming’s population played at least some role in employment levels of most of the industries as well, keeping growth at low levels. Virtually all of the industries are projected to continue with their established patterns of slight to moderate growth and seasonal fluctuations in those industries where they typically occur.

Factors such as new technology and wages were also determined to be significant to employment in some of the industries, such as Services. Technology generally plays a limiting role in employment, helping to make work more efficient and thereby lessening the need for higher numbers of employees. While low wages demonstrably affect employment, they do not tend to decrease the number of workers in an industry, but instead directly influence employee turnover.

Much has already been learned through these analyses. Most of Wyoming’s industries will continue to show low levels of growth, with a few showing moderate growth and many demonstrating seasonal fluctuations as well. If Wyoming’s population continues to show modest increases, the labor market should do the same.

Gayle C. Edlin is an Economist, specializing in Labor Market Information (LMI) with Research & Planning. She is also the Editor of Wyoming Labor Force Trends.

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