CHEYENNE (WNE) — Evaluating the latest workforce indicators data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Wyoming workers ages 65 and older grew from 6,599 to 20,147, or 205.4% between 2002 and 2022, while the state’s total wage and salary employment increased 13.5% during the 20-year span.

The dramatic increase in older workers is greatly driven by the growth of the 55 and older population. All of the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) have reached the threshold.

However, the substantial growth in the older workforce is driven by more than population numbers. The share of older adults working nowadays is much greater than 20 years ago. Just over one in five Wyomingites 65 and older (21.0%, with 24.7% for male and 17.4% for female) were in the labor force (employed or looking for work). In 2000, only 15.3% of older adults participated in the labor force.

For more information, visit ai.wyo.gov/ divisions/economic-analysis.