Carpenter in Cheyenne, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Cheyenne’s carpentry market is defined by its role as the state capital and a regional hub for the military and energy sectors. The salary data tells a specific story: while below the national average, the cost of living makes it a viable place to build a career. The median salary for a Carpenter in Cheyenne is $55,366/year or an hourly rate of $26.62/hour. For context, the national average for this role is $56,920/year, a difference of about $1,554 annually. With 130 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth of 5%, the demand is steady, not exploding, which reflects the stable, government-anchored economy.

To break it down by experience, here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Title	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Apprentice, Helper	$40,000 - $49,000	$19.23 - $23.55
Mid-Level (2-7 yrs)	Journeyman Carpenter	$50,000 - $65,000	$24.04 - $31.25
Senior (7-15 yrs)	Lead Carpenter, Foreman	$60,000 - $78,000	$28.85 - $37.50
Expert (15+ yrs)	Superintendent, Owner/Operator	$75,000 - $95,000+	$36.06 - $45.67+

How does this stack up against other Wyoming cities? Cheyenne comfortably sits in the middle. Laramie, with its university-driven construction, might see slightly higher wages for specialized finish work, but the cost of living is also higher. Casper, the state's energy epicenter, can have higher peak earnings during boom cycles in oil/gas construction, but it's more volatile. Gillette's market is heavily tied to coal and mining, with fewer residential opportunities. The key advantage in Cheyenne is stability. The consistent presence of state government, F.E. Warren Air Force Base, and a broad residential and commercial base provides a less roller-coaster employment picture than the resource-dependent towns.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. The $55,366 figure is heavily influenced by the large number of state and federal jobs, which offer excellent benefits (often a 40%+ effective raise over base salary) but may cap your hourly rate. Private residential contractors and commercial industrial firms often pay higher hourly rates but with less job security. Know which trade-off you're willing to make.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your budget. Using the median salary of $55,366/year, here’s a typical monthly take-home for a single filer in Wyoming (no state income tax, federal taxes only). This is an estimate, but it’s grounded in current tax brackets.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Carpenter Earning $55,366/Year:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,614
• Estimated Federal Taxes & FICA (15-20%): ~$785
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~$3,829

Now, against the local cost of living:

• Average 1BR Rent: $917/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): ~$200/month
• Groceries: ~$350/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Cheyenne): ~$500/month
• Health Insurance (if not covered): ~$300/month
• Miscellaneous/Discretionary: ~$400/month

Total Estimated Monthly Expenses: ~$2,667

This leaves a surplus of ~$1,162. This is a manageable financial cushion in Cheyenne, allowing for savings, debt repayment, or discretionary spending. The cost of living index of 90.9 (US avg=100) is your biggest ally here. Your dollar stretches further than in Denver or Salt Lake City.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a surplus of over $1,000/month, you can comfortably save for a down payment. The median home price in Cheyenne hovers around $315,000. A 5% down payment is $15,750, and on a $55,366 salary, a mortgage of $300,000 is within reach with a good credit score. This is a significant advantage over more expensive mountain towns where homeownership is a distant dream for many tradespeople.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

Cheyenne's job market is a blend of public sector stability and private sector opportunity. Here are the key players you need to know:

1. State of Wyoming & City of Cheyenne: The largest employer. They hire carpenters for facilities maintenance, renovations at the State Capitol complex, and public school projects. Jobs are posted on the state's WYO*Works website. Pay is solid, benefits are top-tier (state pension), and the work is predictable. Hiring is often through formal bidding on state contracts.
2. F.E. Warren Air Force Base (USAF): A massive, steady source of work for qualified contractors (often through firms like Hensel Phelps or Mortenson). They need carpentry for barracks renovations, facility upgrades, and specialized military construction. A security clearance can be a major plus here, leading to long-term, lucrative projects.
3. Peak Industrial, Inc.: A major regional electrical and mechanical contractor based in Cheyenne with a significant carpentry division for industrial and commercial projects. They work on data centers, manufacturing facilities, and energy projects. This is the place for someone wanting to get into large-scale, industrial carpentry.
4. Hensel Phelps: While a national firm, their Cheyenne office is a key local player, especially for federal and commercial projects (like the recent hospital expansions). They offer journeyman-level carpenter roles with excellent training and pathways to project management.
5. Modern Woodmen of America: This fraternal benefit society isn't a construction firm, but their national headquarters in downtown Cheyenne is a constant source of interior renovation and tenant improvement work for local contractors. It's a great source for high-end finish carpentry opportunities.
6. Local Residential & Custom Home Builders: Firms like Schaffner Building Company and Custom Built Homes drive the residential market. They are always looking for skilled finish carpenters. This is where you'll find more project-based work with seasonal fluctuations but higher creative payoff.
7. Laramie County School District 1: A steady public employer for maintenance and new school construction projects. The district's bond issues create cycles of hiring for renovation and addition work.

Hiring Trends: The market is tight for certified journeyman and CDL operators (for trucking materials). There's a noticeable skills gap for advanced framing techniques and green building materials. Most hiring happens through word-of-mouth and trade unions (see below). Check the Wyoming Building & Construction Trades Council for union apprenticeship openings, which are a direct pipeline to these major employers.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-level journeyman Carpenter license. This is a common misconception. However, you do need to navigate a few key steps to work legally and professionally.

• Local Permits: While the state doesn't license carpenters, the City of Cheyenne Building Department and Laramie County require permits for most structural and electrical (if you're doing your own) work. You'll need to pull permits for projects, which requires a licensed general contractor. As a carpenter, you typically work under a GC's license and insurance.
• Apprenticeship & Certification: The primary path is through an apprenticeship. The Wyoming Apprenticeship Program (managed by the WY Dept of Workforce Services) sets the standards. The most recognized credential is a Completion Certificate from an approved apprenticeship, which is equivalent to journeyman status.
• Costs & Timeline: Apprenticeship programs (like those through the Central Wyoming College in Riverton, often used by Cheyenne residents) are typically 4 years and involve ~600 hours of classroom instruction and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training. Tuition is often covered by the employer or union. You'll pay for tools (a $1,500 - $3,000 initial investment) and some fees. Getting a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is a huge advantage and costs ~$150 for the test.
• Specialty Licenses: If you want to work independently, you'll need a General Contractor's License from the Wyoming Contractors Association. This requires a bond, insurance, and passing an exam. The exam fee is $100 and the bond is $5,000 - $25,000 depending on the project size.

Insider Tip: Your first call should be to the Wyoming Building & Construction Trades Council. They can connect you with union apprenticeship programs (like the Northwest Carpenters Institute for our region) which offer structured training, higher pay scales, and better benefits than most non-union shops.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Living where you work matters, especially with Cheyenne's wind and spread-out layout. Here’s a breakdown by lifestyle and commute:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For...
Downtown/Capitol	Walkable, historic, near state jobs. Easy commute to most in-town sites.	$950 - $1,200	Those who work downtown, enjoy nightlife, and don't mind older buildings.
South Cheyenne	Family-oriented, newer subdivisions, near I-25. Commute to suburban commercial zones is 10-15 mins.	$850 - $1,100	Carpenters with families, those working on new residential builds in the suburbs.
Eastside	Affordable, mix of older and new homes, close to F.E. Warren AFB. Commute is easy via Carey Ave.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious individuals, those targeting base-related construction jobs.
West Cheyenne	Rural, larger lots, lower density. Commute to downtown can be 20+ mins.	$700 - $900	Those who want space, a workshop, and don't mind driving. Popular with self-employed carpenters.
Fox Farm	Mid-town commercial/residential mix, very central. Good access to both downtown and the airport.	$800 - $1,050	A great all-around choice for someone working for a GC with projects all over town.

Commute Reality: Cheyenne is small. A 20-minute drive from the farthest suburb to downtown is the norm. The biggest factor is winter weather, which can double commute times. Living near a main artery like I-25, Lincolnway, or Central Ave is a practical advantage.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 5% 10-year job growth is modest but indicates stability. To earn more than the median, you need to specialize or move into management.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Finish Carpentry & Cabinetmaking: Can command a 10-15% premium over general framing. This work is often found in custom home builds and commercial tenant improvements in downtown.
  • Industrial & Commercial Carpentry: Working on power plants (like the nearby Naughton Plant or Jim Bridger Plant), data centers, or mining facilities often pays $32-$38+/hour due to the specialized skills and safety requirements.
  • Green Building & Energy Efficiency: With federal incentives and state-level interest, expertise in energy retrofits, high-performance framing, and sustainable materials is a growing niche.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Apprentice -> Journeyman -> Foreman -> Superintendent -> Project Manager. To get into management, you'll need to learn scheduling, budgeting, and client relations. Consider courses from the University of Wyoming Outreach School or the Associated General Contractors of Wyoming.
• 10-Year Outlook: The base of government, military, and residential construction will remain. The wild card is the energy sector. If coal sees a rebound or wind/solar projects accelerate, demand for skilled commercial/industrial carpenters will spike. Your long-term security is in diversifying your skill set—being able to frame a house one week and install industrial flooring the next.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary of $55,366 feels like $65,000+ in many other states.	Harsh Winters: The wind and cold can shut down jobsites for days, impacting earnings.
Stable Job Market: Less boom/bust than energy towns, thanks to government anchors.	Limited High-End Work: Fewer ultra-luxury custom homes compared to Aspen or Jackson.
Home Ownership is Achievable: A realistic goal on a carpenter's salary.	Isolated Location: 2+ hours to a major airport (Denver), 5+ hours to a major city.
Good for Families: Safe, with solid schools and community feel.	Smaller Network: Fewer specialty contractors and harder to find niche subcontractors.
Union Presence: Strong union apprenticeship programs provide a clear career ladder.	Competitive for Journeyman: The market for fully certified journeymen is competitive, so you need to be good.

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent choice for a carpenter who values stability, affordability, and lifestyle over chasing the absolute highest wages. It's ideal for those looking to start a family, buy a home, and build a reliable career without the extreme volatility of boomtowns. If you're a highly specialized artisan seeking a constant stream of multi-million dollar custom builds, you may find the market limiting. But for a solid, rewarding career where your paycheck goes far, Cheyenne is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Do I need to join a union to work as a carpenter in Cheyenne?
No, you are not required to join a union. However, the Wyoming Building & Construction Trades Council offers strong apprenticeship programs with excellent benefits and structured pay increases. Many of the major employers (like Hensel Phelps and state projects) are union shops. It's a highly recommended path for beginners.

2. What's the biggest challenge for carpenters new to Cheyenne?
The wind. It's not just a nuisance; it affects material handling, safety, and job scheduling, especially from October to April. Also, networking is critical in this smaller market. You need to get to know the local GCs and subcontractors.

3. Is a commercial driver's license (CDL) worth getting?
Absolutely. In a city where you often have to drive to job sites or pick up materials, a CDL (especially with a "T" endorsement for trailers) makes you dramatically more valuable. Many employers will pay for your training.

4. How do I find an apprenticeship in Cheyenne?
Start with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services website and contact the Wyoming Building & Construction Trades Council. They maintain a list of active union and non-union apprenticeship programs. Also, call local contractors directly and ask if they sponsor apprentices.

5. Can I work for myself as a licensed carpenter in Wyoming?
Yes, but you need a General Contractor's license from the state for most projects over a certain value. You'll need to secure a bond, carry substantial insurance, and pass an exam. Many carpenters start as subcontractors under a GC's license before making the leap to full independence.