CHEYENNE (WNE) — The Research & Planning Section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported Friday that from fourth quarter 2022 to fourth quarter 2023, total employment in the state rose by 4,594 jobs (1.7%) and total payroll increased by $265.8 million (6.6%).

In fourth quarter 2023, the largest job growth occurred in construction, which added 1,548 jobs (7.2%). Total payroll within the construction sector rose by $59.9 million (16.1%). More than half of the job gains in construction (806 jobs) were in power and communication system construction, the industry which includes the construction of wind farms. Oil and gas pipeline construction also saw particularly strong growth (369 jobs, or 19.1%).



More modest job gains were reported in professional and business services (498 jobs, or 2.4%), local government (including public schools, colleges and hospitals; 468 jobs, or 1.0%), state government (465 jobs, or 3.9%), federal government (391 jobs, or 5.3%), health care and social assistance (299 jobs, or 1.2%), and mining (including oil and gas; 228 jobs, or 1.3%). Employment fell in financial activities (-122 jobs, or –1.1%) and manufacturing (-40 jobs, or –0.4%).

Employment rose in 16 counties and fell in seven counties.

Laramie County added 990 jobs (2.1%), and its total payroll grew by $58.5 million (8.7%). The largest job growth occurred in construction, local government, federal government and other services.

Employment and wages data for first quarter 2024 are scheduled to be published on Aug. 9.