Wyoming’s labor market showed signs of growth at the end of 2024, although mining, the state’s key industry, continued to face a decline in jobs compared to pre-pandemic levels, County 17 reports.
According to the latest economic summary from the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division (EAD), mining employment was still down by 19.6%, or approximately 3,900 jobs, from 2019 levels at the close of 2024. Between the fourth quarters of 2023 and 2024, the state saw a decrease of about 500 mining jobs, marking a 2.8% decline.
While mining experienced job losses, many other sectors in Wyoming’s economy saw growth, and the state’s unemployment rate remained relatively low, though it did rise slightly to 3.5%, still significantly lower than the national rate.
The construction sector led job growth, increasing by 4.9%, or about 1,100 jobs, followed by the government sector, which includes positions in education and local hospitals, with a 2.4% increase, translating to roughly 1,700 new jobs.
In addition to these sectors, retail trade, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality also saw job increases, while information, financial activities, and other services reported declines.
There was little to no change in manufacturing, wholesale trade, transportation and utilities, and private education and health services, according to the report.
