WYOMING LABOR FORCE TRENDS

Vol. 43 No. 12

Wyoming Job Growth Continues in October 2006

by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

Wyoming job growth continued at a rapid pace in October 2006 (up 4.7% from October 2005). As in previous months, Natural Resources, Mining, and Construction dominated the job gains. Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell slightly from 3.6% in September to 3.3% in October, and remained well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.4%. U.S. job growth was much slower than Wyoming (1.4%).

From September to October, employment fell by 2,800 jobs or 1.0%. This level of decrease is consistent with seasonal patterns for October. Seasonal job losses in Construction (-600 jobs or -2.4%), Retail Trade (-500 jobs or -1.6%), Professional & Business Services (-300 jobs or -1.8%), and Leisure & Hospitality (-3,400 jobs or -9.7%) were partially offset by gains in Natural Resources & Mining (400 jobs or 1.5%) and Government (1,600 jobs or 2.5%).

From October 2005 to October 2006 Wyoming gained 12,500 jobs (4.7%). Employment in Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) increased by 4,100 jobs or 17.4% and Construction employment rose rapidly, gaining 2,200 jobs or 10.0%. Strong job growth also occurred in Manufacturing (600 jobs or 6.1%), Wholesale Trade (500 jobs or 6.3%), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (900 jobs or 7.1%), Professional & Business Services (700 jobs or 4.4%), and Other Services (1,100 jobs or 11.3%). Employment in the Information sector fell slightly (-100 jobs or -2.3%).

Unemployment fell from October 2005 to October 2006 in all but one county (Big Horn County’s unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5%). From September to October, unemployment increased slightly in two counties (Teton & Niobrara), and decreased or remained stable in the other 21 counties. Sublette County had the lowest unemployment rate in October (1.5%) followed by Campbell County (1.9%) and Albany and Sweetwater counties (both 2.2%).

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