© Copyright 2007 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning

WYOMING LABOR FORCE TRENDS

Vol. 44 No. 12

Wyoming’s Construction Sector Adds 2,800 Jobs

by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

When compared to October 2006, Wyoming’s construction sector added 2,800 jobs (11.1%). Despite the recent slowdown in the natural resources & mining sector, overall job growth has continued at a healthy pace (up 9,500 jobs or 3.4% from a year earlier) partly because of continued job gains in construction. It is possible that warmer than average weather in October contributed to job gains in construction. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.1% in September to 2.9% in October. It remained below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.7% and its October 2006 level of 3.6%.

From September to October employment fell by 3,000 jobs (1.0%). This level of decrease is consistent with normal seasonal patterns for the state. Seasonal job losses in retail trade (-600 jobs or -1.9%) and leisure & hospitality (-3,900 jobs or -10.8%) were partially offset by job gains in manufacturing (200 jobs or 2.0%) and government (including public schools, colleges, and hospitals; 1,000 jobs or 1.5%).

Over the year Wyoming added 9,500 jobs (3.4%). Construction was the fastest growing sector (11.1%) and added the most jobs (2,800). Strong growth was also seen in transportation & utilities (1,200 jobs or 8.8%), professional & business services (1,100 jobs or 6.2%), and wholesale trade (800 jobs or 9.6%). Employment was unchanged in the information sector and fell slightly in natural resources & mining (-200 jobs or -0.7%).

Across Wyoming’s 23 counties unemployment rates remained quite low. Unemployment was below 2.0% in five counties (Sublette, 1.0%; Campbell, 1.6%; and Albany, Teton, and Sweetwater, 1.8%). The highest unemployment rate was found in Niobrara County (3.7%), followed by Platte and Big Horn counties (both 3.3%). Unemployment fell in every county when compared to October 2006.


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