Wyoming Job Growth Rises to 3.3% in September
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

Wyoming’s over-the-year job growth rate increased from 2.8% in August to 3.3% in September, its fastest pace in five years. Job gains were strongest in Natural Resources & Mining and Construction, but healthy growth was seen in almost every major industry sector. Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate changed slightly from 4.0% in August to 4.1% in September and remained below the U.S. unemployment rate of 5.1%. 

From August to September, employment fell by 1,000 jobs or 0.4%. This seasonal decline was slightly smaller than expected. Seasonal job losses occurred in Construction (-600 jobs or -2.7%), Retail Trade (-600 jobs or -1.9%), Professional & Business Services (-800 jobs or -4.8%), and Leisure & Hospitality (-3,100 jobs or -8.2%). Government employment rose (3,900 jobs or 6.4%) as public schools and colleges began a new school year. 

From September 2004, Wyoming added 8,700 jobs or 3.3%. Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) grew by 2,100 jobs or 10.0%, and Construction grew by 1,700 jobs or 8.4%. Other notable increases were seen in Manufacturing (500 jobs or 5.3%), Retail Trade (700 jobs or 2.3%), Financial Activities (500 jobs or 4.8%), Educational & Health Services (700 jobs or 3.2%), and Government (1,000 jobs or 1.6%). Employment fell slightly in Information (-100 jobs or -2.3%) and was unchanged in Other Services. 

Most county unemployment rates changed slightly from August to September, but remained at very low levels. Platte County posted the highest unemployment rate (4.7%) and it was followed by Goshen County (4.4%) and Fremont County (4.3%). Sublette County had the lowest unemployment rate in September (1.8%) followed by Teton (2.4%) and Campbell (2.7%) counties. 

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