Wyoming Businesses Struggle with Labor Shortages Despite High Wages

Wyoming businesses face deep labor shortages despite competitive wages and benefits.

Entrepreneurs and executives across Wyoming report persistent hiring struggles that are reshaping local economies by limiting services, reducing hours, and causing revenue losses. These shortages stem from complex structural factors beyond pay, including housing scarcity, childcare gaps, and demographic shifts.

Owners like Troy Strand of Ranch Eats and Chrissy Matthews of 2nd Street Deli describe difficulty filling dozens of open shifts despite offering $18 to $40 per hour plus tips. Even Gottsche Rehabilitation clinics, offering $60,000 to $120,000 salaries, cannot fill needed medical positions. Rising living costs—groceries, gas, housing—have outpaced median income growth, while 70 percent of Wyoming natives leave by age 30. The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce notes the state has lost more jobs per capita than any other in five years. “We can’t afford to export any of our kids,” says CEO Dale Steenbergen.

A new hire at Gottsche clinics is expected July 1 amid ongoing efforts to address housing and childcare challenges that hinder workforce growth.

Similar rural and economic dynamics could mean that housing affordability and demographic outmigration might also pressure labor markets in Montanaa. Montana businesses may find Wyoming’s experience a cautionary tale for balancing wages with broader quality-of-life factors to retain workers.

From Cafés To Clinics, Wyoming’s Labor Crunch Is Holding The Economy Back
By @daily_cowboy, Cowboy State Daily