Wyoming’s economy continued to be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in first quarter 2021. From first quarter 2020 to first quarter 2021, Wyoming lost 13,889 jobs (-5.2%) and total payroll fell by $192.6 million (-5.7%). The largest job losses occurred in mining (including oil & gas; -5,484 jobs), leisure & hospitality (-2,686 jobs), construction (-2,372 jobs), local government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; -1,291 jobs), and wholesale trade (-998 jobs). Employment rose in retail trade (613 jobs) and professional & business services (360 jobs). Job losses were seen in 18 of Wyoming’s 23 counties.
Natrona County lost 3,095 jobs (-8.0%) and its total payroll fell by $62.0 million (-12.8%). Mining (including oil & gas) lost approximately 1,200 jobs and smaller job losses were seen in wholesale trade, accommodation & food services, construction, manufacturing, other services, and real estate & rental & leasing. Those job losses were partially offset by gains in retail trade and administrative & waste services.
Campbell County’s employment fell by 2,533 jobs (-10.2%) and its total payroll decreased by $54.8 million (-14.9%). The largest job losses occurred in the mining sector (including oil & gas) where employment fell by approximately 1,400 jobs. Employment also fell in wholesale trade, construction, local government, accommodation & food services, and manufacturing.
Sweetwater County lost 1,684 jobs (-8.0%) and its total payroll fell by $47.8 million (-15.0%). Large job losses were seen in mining (including oil & gas), local government, accommodation & food services, construction, transportation & warehousing, and wholesale trade. Employment grew in retail trade.
Converse County’s employment decreased by 1,659 jobs (-22.9%) and its total payroll fell by $34.3 million (-32.5%). Employment fell in construction, mining (including oil & gas), administrative & waste services, professional & technical services, and transportation & warehousing.
In Laramie County, employment fell by 1,630 jobs (-3.5%) and total payroll decreased by $22.6 million (-4.0%). The largest job losses occurred in accommodation & food services (approximately 450 jobs). Employment also fell in construction, mining (including oil & gas), local government, manufacturing, other services, and information. Sizeable job gains were seen in professional & business services and transportation & warehousing.
Lincoln County added 163 jobs (2.5%) and its total payroll increased by $4.0 million (5.0%). Job gains were seen in construction, retail trade, and manufacturing.
Visit our website for detailed tables for each county.
Preview – Second Quarter (April through June) 2021 Local Jobs and Payroll
Preliminary data show that from second quarter 2020 to second quarter 2021, employment grew by approximately 14,150 jobs (5.6%) and total payroll rose by $254.8 million (8.1%). Second quarter 2020 employment and wages were unusually low because of the pandemic, and job growth in 2021 reflects a return to more normal employment levels. Large job gains were seen in leisure & hospitality (approximately 9,000 jobs), local government (including public schools, colleges, & hospitals; more than 2,000 jobs), retail trade (approximately 1,900 jobs), and professional & business services (nearly 1,400 jobs). Job losses continued in mining (including oil & gas; approximately -1,950 jobs).
Industry employment data for second quarter 2021 are available.
County level employment and wages data for second quarter 2021 are scheduled to be released on February 4, 2022.