Construction sector leads Wyoming job growth in third quarter 2023

CHEYENNE (WNE) — The Research and Planning Section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported Friday that from third quarter 2022 to third quarter 2023, total employment in the state rose by 6,212 jobs (2.2%), and total payroll increased by $186.4 million (4.7%).
 
In third quarter 2023, the largest job growth occurred in construction, which added 1,307 jobs (5.8%). Within construction, especially strong growth was observed in power and communication system construction (including the construction of wind farms).
 
Other sectors that exhibited solid growth included leisure and hospitality (1,225 jobs, or 2.9%), professional and business services (957 jobs, or 4.4%), local government (including public schools, colleges and hospitals; 648 jobs, or 1.5%), and mining (including oil and gas; 613 jobs, or 3.7%).
 
More modest growth occurred in federal government (337 jobs, or 4.2%), health care and social assistance (316 jobs, or 1.2%), and transportation and warehousing (274 jobs, or 2.7%). Employment fell in retail trade (-95 jobs, or –0.3%) and financial activities (-94 jobs, or –0.8%).
 
Laramie County’s employment increased by 1,024 jobs (2.2%), and its total payroll grew by $49.4 million (7.4%). 
 
Growth was seen in many sectors, including local government, mining (including oil and gas), construction, accommodation and food services, federal government, health care and social assistance, and other services. Employment fell in retail trade.
 
This story was published on February 3, 2024.