Aggregate jobs and payroll grew faster than the five-year average while some declines in employment among subsectors were suggestive of the intensity of intersectoral competition for labor. From first quarter 2006 to first quarter 2007, total Unemployment Insurance (UI) covered payroll grew by $319.4 million or 14.5%, somewhat faster than its five-year average (9.2%). Mining (including oil & gas) was the largest single contributor to the increase in total payroll (accounting for $82.4 million, or over one-quarter of the total increase). UI covered payroll represents approximately 92% of all wage and salary disbursements and 45% of personal income in the state (U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, 2007). Average weekly wage rose by $62 or 9.3%, also faster than its five year average (6.0%). Employment increased by 12,074 jobs or 4.7%.

Employment and total payroll increased in almost all areas of the state. In fact, total payroll increased at double-digit rates in 17 of Wyoming’s 23 counties. As in previous quarters, much of the growth was related to Mining and Construction.

Campbell County’s total payroll increased by $50.1 million or 18.2%. Large job gains were seen in Construction, Retail Trade, Accommodation & Food Services, Transportation & Warehousing, Mining, and Wholesale Trade.

In Sweetwater County, the largest job gains were in Mining, Construction, Administrative & Waste Services, and Other Services. Total payroll grew by $37.2 million or 15.3%.

Natrona County added 1,243 jobs or 3.4% in first quarter. Its total payroll increased by $42.9 million or 12.8%. The largest gains in total payroll in Natrona County were found in Mining, Local Government (including public schools and colleges), Wholesale Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Construction. The job losses in Mining resulted from the reclassification of a large firm to the nonclassified region.

Sublette County’s total payroll rose by $23.3 million or 58.1% and employment grew by 1,032 jobs or 27.0% making it the fastest growing county in the state. Mining (including oil & gas) added over 650 jobs and notable job gains were also seen in Retail Trade, Transportation & Warehousing, and Accommodation & Food Services.

Total payroll in Laramie County increased by $28.1 million or 8.4% and the number of jobs increased by 883 or 2.2%. The largest gains in total payroll occurred in Local Government (including public schools, colleges & hospitals), State Government, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Transportation & Warehousing . Employment fell in a number of sectors, most notably Construction, Finance & Insurance, and Management of Companies & Enterprises. Some workers in these jobs may have relocated to, or begun commuting to work in other counties. Job losses in Construction may be related to the recent completion of construction projects or a slowdown in residential construction.

Carbon County’s total payroll increased by $12.7 million or 25.9% and employment increased by 690 jobs or 10.8%. Substantial job growth appeared in Construction, Local Government (including public schools, colleges & hospitals), Mining (including oil & gas), and Manufacturing.

Employment fell by 412 jobs or 9.4% in Big Horn County, but this was mostly the result of a noneconomic code change. A large firm was reclassified to Sublette County because a majority of its employees were working there. This change also negatively affected total payroll in Big Horn County.

The Wyoming Covered Employment and Wages news release with 2nd Quarter 2007 data is scheduled to be issued on February 8, 2008.