Wyoming’s April Economic Snapshot: Job Growth Continues as Oil Prices Slide

The latest edition of Wyoming Insight, the state’s monthly energy and business indicators report, shows mixed economic signals for April 2025, with rising employment figures contrasted by declining energy prices and tax collections, Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports.

The report is available on the Wyoming Economic Analysis Division website at ai.wyo.gov/divisions/economic-analysis.

Total employment in Wyoming reached 296,500 jobs in March 2025, an increase of 3,100 jobs—or 1.1%—compared to March 2024. The construction sector led the way in job growth, adding 1,400 positions, followed by state and local government, which added 1,200 jobs.

“Total employment continues to grow, but at a moderating rate,” noted Dylan Bainer, principal economist with the Economic Analysis Division.

Oil prices fell to their lowest levels since 2021. The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) monthly average price for crude oil dropped to $63.54 per barrel in April, marking a 6.9% decrease from the previous month and a 25.6% decline from April 2024. The state reported an average of 12 active oil rigs and three gas rigs in April, slightly up from a year ago when there were 11 oil rigs and one gas rig.

Natural gas prices also saw downward movement. The Henry Hub monthly average price dropped to $3.41 per million British thermal units (MMBtu), down $0.72 from March but still $1.82 higher than April 2024. At the Opal Hub, the average price was $1.98/MMBtu, a monthly decrease of $0.76 but a year-over-year increase of $0.67.

Total sales and use tax collections in April were $75.9 million, down $3 million (or 3.8%) from April 2024. This marks the sixth time in the past seven months that year-over-year collections have declined.

The mining sector continues to show weakness, with tax revenues falling $900,000, or 9.4%, compared to April last year—its 12th consecutive month of decline. The financial activities sector, which includes automotive, machinery, and equipment rentals and leases, saw the largest percentage decrease at 22.7%.

As Wyoming’s economy adapts to shifting trends in energy markets and employment, officials continue to monitor key indicators to inform future policy decisions.