Non-Residents Taking Significant Number of New Jobs

Cheyenne, WY – It appears that out-of-state residents are working many of the jobs created in Wyoming during the recent energy boom. In the past year, state figures show a total of nearly 7,000 new jobs. Yet, Wyoming's jobless rate is the same as it was a year ago. The discrepancy is there because the unemployment rate is a measure of Wyoming households, while job creation figures don't take residency into account. State Economist David Bullard doesn't have specific numbers, but says a significant number of jobs are filled by those who don't call Wyoming home. Even though many jobs are taken by non-residents, Bullard says the current level of job creation speaks volumes about the strength of Wyoming's economy. As for whether the trend will continue, Bullard says it will if energy prices remain high.