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 here.

County level employment and wages data for second quarter 2021 are scheduled to be released on February 4, 2022.