The Research and Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services issued a report today detailing employment and payroll numbers for the 1st quarter of 2012 and preliminary data for the 2nd quarter. The report had very good news for the state of Wyoming.
Nineteen counties reported an increase in employment while only four recorded a decrease. According to the report, employment across the state rose by 6,470 jobs or a 2.5 percent increase compared to the first quarter of 2011. That means job growth in the first quarter was higher than its five year average. Total wages and average weekly wage also grew faster than their five year averages.
The report also indicated that Laramie county experienced growth in the first quarter of 2012.
Employment increased by 843 jobs (2.0%) and total payroll grew by $38.8 million (9.7%). Notable job gains occurred in numerous sectors, most notably in construction and transportation.
The report also discussed preliminary data for the 2nd quarter. Job growth slowed slightly but gains were still positive. Total payroll rose by $142.7 million and employment increased by 5,701 jobs. The most job gains occurred in construction, mining, accommodation and food services, local government and wholesale trade.
What does all this mean for Wyoming? while the job growth outlook is looking good, overall employment remains approximately 6,200 jobs below first quarter of 2008 level. Basically, the state has yet to make up for all the job losses of 2009 and 2010.
