Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.9 percent in August to 3.3 percent in September. It remained slightly higher than its September 2007 level of 2.9 percent, according to the state Department of Employment, Research & Planning.
The U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged from August at 6.1 percent. Wyoming job growth continued at a healthy pace (up 8,700 jobs or 2.9 percent from a year earlier), partly because of job gains in natural resources & mining. U.S. employment remained below its year-ago level (-0.4 percent).
From August to September Wyoming gained 300 jobs (0.1 percent). This level of increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns, DERP said. Seasonal job losses in construction (-1,100 jobs, or -3.7 percent), retail trade (-800 jobs, or -2.4 percent), professional & business services (-800 jobs, or -3.9 percent), and leisure & hospitality (-2,800 jobs, or -7.1 percent) were more than offset by seasonal job gains in government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; 5,800 jobs, or 9.1 percent).
Over the year employment increased by 8,700 jobs, or 2.9 percent. Natural resources & mining, including oil and gas, added 2,100 jobs, or 7.6 percent. Other notable job gains were seen in construction (800 jobs, or 2.8 percent), retail trade (500 jobs, or 1.5 percent), educational and health services (900 jobs, or 3.9 percent), leisure & hospitality (900 jobs, or 2.5 percent), other services (500 jobs, or 4.3 percent), and government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; 2,000 jobs, or 2.9 percent). Employment fell slightly in manufacturing (-100 jobs, or -1 percent) and held steady in the information sector.
Almost all county unemployment rates fell from August to September, but, like the statewide average, remained higher than year-ago levels. The lowest unemployment rates were found in Sublette (1.4 percent), Campbell (1.7 percent), Teton (2 percent), and Albany (2 percent) counties. Platte, Weston, and Laramie counties posted the highest unemployment rate in September (all 3.6 percent).
The Wyoming employment news release with October data is scheduled to be issued on Nov. 25, 2008.
Source: WDERP
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