Wyoming’s business leaders have sounded the alarm on a deepening economic challenge that threatens the state’s future prosperity. An unprecedented exodus of working-age residents is creating labor shortages across multiple sectors, potentially undermining Wyoming’s ability to compete in a rapidly evolving national economy.
The Wyoming Business Council recently presented troubling workforce data to state legislators, highlighting the acceleration of a demographic trend that began well before the pandemic. According to their analysis, Wyoming has experienced a net loss of approximately 1,600 workers annually since 2015, with that number spiking dramatically during the COVID-19 crisis.
“We’re seeing a perfect storm of demographic challenges,” explains Josh Dorrell, CEO of the Wyoming Business Council. “Our working-age population is shrinking while neighboring states are experiencing growth. This isn’t just about today’s job openings – it’s about Wyoming’s economic viability for the next generation.”
The data reveals a particularly concerning trend: young professionals and skilled workers are increasingly choosing to build their careers elsewhere. A Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City analysis of regional labor markets shows Wyoming lagging behind all surrounding states in workforce retention and growth.
This exodus creates immediate operational headaches for businesses but points to deeper structural issues in Wyoming’s economy. The state’s traditional economic pillars – mineral extraction, agriculture, and tourism – no longer generate the job growth or wage competitiveness needed to retain talent in a mobile workforce environment.
Sarah Fitz-Gerald, an economist at the University of Wyoming, frames the challenge bluntly: “Wyoming faces a fundamental economic development question. Without addressing workforce availability, any diversification efforts will struggle to gain traction.” Her research suggests the state needs to create approximately 25,000 new jobs within the next decade simply to maintain its current economic output.
The workforce shortage manifests differently across Wyoming’s diverse regions. Urban centers like Cheyenne and Casper compete with Colorado’s Front Range for professional talent, while rural communities struggle to maintain essential services like healthcare and education.
Industry-specific impacts vary significantly. Energy companies report difficulty finding qualified engineers and technicians despite offering competitive wages. Healthcare facilities face critical shortages of nurses and specialists. Even tourism-dependent businesses in destination communities like Jackson Hole struggle to secure seasonal workers amid prohibitive housing costs.
Housing affordability emerges as a consistent barrier to workforce retention across the state. A recent Wyoming Economic Analysis Division report shows housing costs rising at nearly twice the rate of wage growth in most Wyoming counties over the past five years.
“We’re caught in a challenging cycle,” notes Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce President Dale Steenbergen. “Businesses need workers to grow, but workers need affordable housing options that many communities simply can’t provide without additional development, which itself requires more workers.”
The Wyoming Legislature has responded with several workforce initiatives, including expanded apprenticeship programs and technical education investments. However, business leaders argue these efforts, while valuable, may be insufficient given the scale of the challenge.
State economists project that without substantial intervention, Wyoming’s workforce could contract by an additional 12,000 to 15,000 workers by 2030 – a devastating prospect for a state with fewer than 300,000 total jobs currently.
Some business leaders see opportunity amid the challenge. Casper-based entrepreneur Jill Morrison believes Wyoming could position itself as an attractive destination for remote workers seeking lower costs and outdoor amenities. “The pandemic changed work patterns permanently,” Morrison observes. “Wyoming has natural advantages if we can address broadband connectivity and create more vibrant communities.”
The Wyoming Business Council has proposed a comprehensive strategy that includes targeted talent recruitment, housing development incentives, and business diversification support. Their approach emphasizes building on existing economic strengths while gradually expanding into complementary sectors that offer higher wages and growth potential.
“This isn’t just about jobs numbers,” emphasizes Dorrell. “It’s about creating the conditions where Wyoming’s next generation can build fulfilling careers here rather than feeling forced to leave.”
As Wyoming navigates this workforce challenge, the stakes extend beyond economic metrics to the very character of communities across the state. The solutions will require collaboration between government, business, and educational institutions – and perhaps most importantly, a willingness to embrace new economic models while preserving Wyoming’s distinctive identity.
For a state proud of its self-reliance and resourcefulness, the workforce crisis presents both an existential threat and an opportunity to reimagine what Wyoming’s economy might become in a rapidly changing world.
