Wyoming employment growth nearly flat in first quarter of 2013
— November 8, 2013Despite the recent growth, overall employment remains approximately 5,700 jobs (2.1%) below its first quarter 2008 level. In short, the state has yet to make up all the job losses of 2009 and 2010.
Employment rose in 12 counties, fell in ten counties, and was unchanged in Lincoln County (see Table). Total payroll increased in 17 counties and decreased in six counties.
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Natrona County added 1,019 jobs (2.6%) and its total payroll increased by $12.7 million (2.7%). The largest job gains occurred in construction, accommodation & food services, health care & social assistance, and transportation & warehousing. Job losses were seen in administrative & waste services and manufacturing.
Laramie County’s employment rose by 636 jobs (1.5%) and its total payroll increased by $21.8 million (5.0%). Strong growth was seen in construction, accommodation & food services, retail trade, and local government. Employment fell in administrative & waste services and professional & technical services.
Teton County added 415 jobs (2.6%) and its total payroll rose by $21.2 million (13.5%). Large job gains were seen in accommodation & food services, educational services, construction, real estate & rental & leasing, administrative & waste services, and professional & technical services. It appears that the rapid growth in total payroll (13.5%) and average weekly wage (10.7%) was related to bonuses paid in management of companies & enterprises and wholesale trade.
Sublette County lost 1,011 jobs (-17.6%) and its total payroll fell by $17.1 million (-19.1%). Mining (including oil & gas) lost approximately 650 jobs and construction lost more than 150 jobs. More modest job losses occurred in accommodation & food services, retail trade, and professional & technical services.
Campbell County’s employment fell by 696 jobs (-2.5%) and its total payroll decreased by $16.2 million (-4.1%). Mining posted the largest job losses, falling by more than 450 jobs. Within mining, coal mining lost nearly 400 jobs, and oil & gas employment also decreased. Smaller job losses were seen in construction, other services, wholesale trade, and transportation & warehousing. Employment increased in local government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals).