Unemployment Down, But So Is Payroll

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained between 3.7% and 4.2% in each of the past 18 months, but the state’s labor force has continued to decrease.
A report released this week by the Wyoming Department of Employment shows that from first quarter 2017 to first quarter 2018, employment statewide rose by 1,491 jobs, a percentage of .6, and total payroll increased by $132.6 million – that’s 4.4%.
In Big Horn County, employment rose by 1.7 percent, while Park County’s increase was consistent with the statewide average of point 6 percent. Payroll in Big Horn County, however, fell by .9 percent, while in Park County payroll increased by just .3 percent.
The largest job gains in the state occurred in mining, health care & social assistance , accommodation & food services, transportation & warehousing, manufacturing, and professional & technical services. Job losses were seen in local and state government, including public schools, colleges, & hospitals, retail trade, and construction.