{"schema_version": 1, "id": "cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09", "product": "Metro Job Market Pulse", "metro": {"geography_id": 184, "label": "Cheyenne, WY MSA", "slug": "cheyenne-wy-msa"}, "focus_area": {"key": "general_conditions", "slug": "metro-job-market", "label": "General Market Conditions"}, "period": "2026-09", "public_after": "2026-09-01", "frozen_at": "2026-10-09T13:38:25.577229+00:00", "headline": "Cheyenne's low jobless rate hides a shrinking payroll count.", "headline_summary": "Laramie County unemployment fell to 2.6% even as nonfarm payrolls dropped 300 jobs year-over-year in April, a split that suggests labor scarcity \u2014 not economic strength \u2014 is driving the headline number.", "key_indicators": [{"label": "Laramie County unemployment", "value": "2.6%", "context": "vs 3.0% WY, 4.1% US (July/Aug 2026)"}, {"label": "Laramie County payroll change", "value": "-300 jobs", "context": "First YoY nonfarm decline since Dec 2022"}, {"label": "National wage growth vs inflation", "value": "3.0% vs 3.4%", "context": "Weakest real-wage gap since May 2021"}, {"label": "Warehouse/Fulfillment advertised pay", "value": "$41,600", "context": "Up significantly vs $38,000 national median"}], "takeaways": [{"headline": "Low unemployment masks a shrinking job count.", "body": "Laramie County's 2.6% jobless rate looks strong, but nonfarm payrolls fell year-over-year in April 2026 for the first time since December 2022. Tight labor supply, not surging demand, appears to be driving the low rate \u2014 a distinction that matters for anyone assessing whether the local economy is actually expanding."}, {"headline": "Warehouse and logistics pay is the standout mover.", "body": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate advertised pay rose significantly to a $41,600 metro median, well above the $38,000 national figure, while Delivery Driver pay declined. The divergence within the same logistics chain suggests selective demand tied to specific operations rather than a sector-wide boom."}, {"headline": "Skilled trades pay is outrunning white-collar administrative pay.", "body": "Electrician ($81,120) and HVAC Technician ($69,523) postings both show significant upward movement locally, consistent with national construction-sector momentum, while Administrative Assistant pay fell. Commerce leaders weighing office versus trade-dependent investments are operating in two different wage environments."}, {"headline": "Wage-vs-inflation gap narrows the real purchasing power story locally.", "body": "National wage growth slowed to 3.0% annually against 3.4% inflation in September, the weakest real-wage reading since 2021, while Wyoming's 0.9% weekly wage growth through June lags that national pace further. Local consumer spending momentum may be softer than the low unemployment rate alone implies."}], "local_conditions": "Laramie County unemployment tightened to 2.6% in July 2026, well below both the state's 3.0% and national 4.2% rates, even as nonfarm payrolls slipped year-over-year following an April decline of 300 jobs to 49,100 \u2014 a signal that labor supply, not demand, is the binding constraint on local economic activity. Wage pressure is concentrated and uneven: Software Engineer and Financial Analyst postings show significant local gains while Manufacturing Production Worker and Administrative Assistant pay moved down, pointing to a metro economy splitting along skill lines rather than broadly accelerating.", "implications": "Sub-3% unemployment alongside falling payroll counts suggests Cheyenne's labor market is supply-constrained rather than demand-weak \u2014 a dynamic that favors steady expansion plans over aggressive growth bets, since available workers, not available jobs, are the scarcer resource. For commerce leaders evaluating local investment timing, the combination of tight labor supply and mixed sector pay signals (skilled trades and professional roles rising, warehouse/logistics rising sharply, retail and admin roles flat-to-down) suggests the business case for expansion varies sharply by sector rather than following a single metro-wide trend. Current conditions suggest monitoring sector-specific postings data before drawing broad conclusions about Cheyenne's overall business climate.", "looking_ahead": [{"category": "Early indicator", "body": "Watch whether Laramie County's next payroll count confirms the April decline as a trend or a one-month anomaly. A second consecutive year-over-year drop would mark a meaningful shift from the 14-quarter growth streak that defined 2022-2024."}, {"category": "Worth watching", "body": "Mining and resource-extraction softness statewide (Wyoming mining down 3.8% in Q1 2026) has limited direct exposure in Cheyenne but matters for state revenue projections that fund local public-sector payrolls. Track state budget signals tied to severance tax receipts."}, {"category": "Potential inflection point", "body": "National WARN filings remain elevated (over 313,000 workers affected as of late September) though Wyoming does not publish state-level WARN data, limiting local visibility. Any announced reduction from a major Cheyenne employer would be the first real local test of this national trend."}, {"category": "Emerging pressure point", "body": "Labor force contraction across Wyoming (down 3,000-plus since 2024) combined with an aging population raises questions about whether Cheyenne's business base can staff planned expansions regardless of posted pay levels. This is a labor-supply question, not a wage-competitiveness one."}], "roles": [{"role": "Retail Sales Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 27481.25, "metro_p50": 34522.2, "metro_p75": 46800.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 33325.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Retail Cashier", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 28080.0, "metro_p50": 31200.0, "metro_p75": 33280.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 31200.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Warehouse/Fulfillment Associate", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 35802.5, "metro_p50": 41600.0, "metro_p75": 41600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 38000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "CDL Truck Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 60660.5, "metro_p50": 81882.8, "metro_p75": 93600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 78000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Delivery Driver", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 32144.0, "metro_p50": 34320.0, "metro_p75": 39520.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 34344.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Construction Laborer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 36820.5, "metro_p50": 43680.0, "metro_p75": 45240.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 40560.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Electrician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 67102.0, "metro_p50": 81120.0, "metro_p75": 86642.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 71404.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Manufacturing Production Worker/Assembler", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33190.5, "metro_p50": 35360.0, "metro_p75": 35360.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Customer Service Representative", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 33800.0, "metro_p50": 39126.0, "metro_p75": 41033.0, "metro_trend_direction": "stable", "metro_trend_magnitude": "stable", "national_p50": 39520.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Food Service Worker", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 37887.25, "metro_p50": 38979.0, "metro_p75": 38979.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 33756.2, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Certified Nursing Assistant / Home Health Aide", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 36803.0, "metro_p50": 39337.0, "metro_p75": 41600.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 41106.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Administrative Assistant/Office Clerk", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 36335.0, "metro_p50": 42075.0, "metro_p75": 44867.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 43680.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "HVAC Technician", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 60320.0, "metro_p50": 69523.0, "metro_p75": 69523.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 70720.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Registered Nurse", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 79966.0, "metro_p50": 97935.4, "metro_p75": 104817.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 102581.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Software Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 131347.5, "metro_p50": 166191.2, "metro_p75": 180325.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 153652.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Data Engineer", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 104009.75, "metro_p50": 130104.6, "metro_p75": 144231.0, "metro_trend_direction": "down", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 139500.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Accountant", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 57784.0, "metro_p50": 71695.0, "metro_p75": 75000.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 72182.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Financial Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 87750.0, "metro_p50": 106205.6, "metro_p75": 113496.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 94782.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "HR Generalist/Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 63532.5, "metro_p50": 70000.0, "metro_p75": 71098.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Marketing Specialist", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 50841.75, "metro_p50": 73258.0, "metro_p75": 79563.75, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 62354.4, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}, {"role": "Operations Manager", "data_scope": "state_rollup", "metro_p25": 66959.25, "metro_p50": 67211.6, "metro_p75": 67319.75, "metro_trend_direction": null, "metro_trend_magnitude": null, "national_p50": 85216.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Elementary/Secondary School Teacher", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 30940.0, "metro_p50": 56968.0, "metro_p75": 69504.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 56731.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Account Manager", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 82079.0, "metro_p50": 118000.0, "metro_p75": 138167.0, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 92749.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"role": "Warehouse Manager", "data_scope": null, "metro_p25": null, "metro_p50": null, "metro_p75": null, "metro_trend_direction": null, "metro_trend_magnitude": null, "national_p50": 75000.0, "national_trend_direction": "stable", "national_trend_magnitude": "stable"}, {"role": "Business Analyst", "data_scope": "metro", "metro_p25": 84613.5, "metro_p50": 99826.0, "metro_p75": 107175.5, "metro_trend_direction": "up", "metro_trend_magnitude": "significant", "national_p50": 98279.0, "national_trend_direction": "up", "national_trend_magnitude": "moderate"}], "industry_snapshot": [{"sector": "Construction", "median_pay": 78000.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Manufacturing", "median_pay": 124927.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Retail Trade", "median_pay": 56160.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Transportation, Warehousing & Utilities", "median_pay": 73900.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Information", "median_pay": 142503.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Financial Activities", "median_pay": 86354.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Professional & Business Services", "median_pay": 92467.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Education & Health Services", "median_pay": 72500.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Leisure & Hospitality", "median_pay": 33800.0, "pay_trend_direction": "down", "pay_trend_magnitude": "moderate", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}, {"sector": "Government", "median_pay": 69354.0, "pay_trend_direction": "up", "pay_trend_magnitude": "significant", "postings_trend_direction": "up", "postings_trend_magnitude": "significant"}], "citations": [], "methodology": "Advertised pay from active employer job postings, not survey data. WageScape's median is calibrated to correct for spurious low-value postings: distribution analysis shows roughly the lowest 10% of raw values are erroneous entries, so the reported median is the 60th percentile of raw advertised pay.", "edition_label": "October 2026", "files": {"html": "cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.html", "pdf": "cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.pdf", "sources_html": "cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.sources.html"}, "published_at": "2026-10-09T13:49:23.017811+00:00", "report_html_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.html", "report_pdf_url": "https://reports.wagescape.com/archive/v1/editions/cheyenne-wy-msa/metro-job-market/2026-09.pdf"}