Here is a comprehensive career guide for Carpenters considering a move to Evanston, Wyoming.

---

Career Guide for Carpenters in Evanston, WY

Evanston is a unique place. It’s not the booming metropolis of Cheyenne or the booming outdoor hub of Jackson. It’s a historic railroad town tucked into the northeast corner of the state, right on the Utah border. As someone who’s spent a lot of time up here, I can tell you it’s a place of hard work, rugged beauty, and a tight-knit community. The economy is driven by the energy industry, transportation, and a steady trickle of tourism from nearby Utah and the nearby Mirror Lake Scenic Byway.

For a carpenter, this means a specific kind of opportunity: one focused on industrial maintenance, residential repair, and custom work for a community that values craftsmanship. The cost of living is friendly, but the job market is small and competitive. This guide breaks down the reality of building a career with a hammer in Evanston.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. Carpenters in Evanston earn a median salary of $56,407/year, which breaks down to $27.12/hour. This is slightly below the national average for carpenters, which sits at $56,920/year. However, the national average is heavily skewed by high-cost coastal cities. When you factor in Evanston’s low cost of living, this wage goes much further.

The job market here is niche. There are only about 23 carpenter jobs in the metro area at any given time. This isn’t a place with a constant churn of new construction; it’s a market built on maintenance, renovation, and specialized industrial work. The 10-year job growth is projected at 5%, which is modest but stable. It suggests slow, steady demand rather than a boom-and-bust cycle.

Here’s how earnings typically break down by experience level in this market:

Experience Level	Estimated Hourly Rate	Estimated Annual Salary	Typical Work in Evanston
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$19 - $22/hr	$39,520 - $45,760	Basic framing, laborer support, material handling.
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$24 - $29/hr	$49,920 - $60,320	Lead carpenter on remodels, custom cabinetry, formwork.
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$30 - $35/hr	$62,400 - $72,800	Project foreman, complex structural repairs, specialty finishes.
Expert (15+ yrs)	$36+/hr	$74,880+	Business owner, master craftsman, industrial maintenance lead.

Insider Tip: The jump from mid-career to senior is where you see the biggest pay increase here. Senior carpenters who can manage a small crew or handle complex industrial repairs (like maintaining structures at the local refineries or rail yards) command the highest rates.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities:

• Jackson: Significantly higher wages (often $30-$40+/hr), but the cost of living is astronomical (rents can be 2-3x Evanston's). It's a seasonal, tourism-driven market.
• Cheyenne/Laramie: More diverse economy with larger construction firms. Wages are comparable to Evanston, but there are more jobs and slightly higher competition.
• Casper: Similar industrial market to Evanston, with comparable wages and a larger population base.

Evanston offers a middle ground: a stable wage without the extreme costs of a resort town or the intense competition of a larger city.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $56,407 salary sounds different in Evanston than it does in Denver or Seattle. Let’s calculate a realistic monthly budget for a single carpenter.

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $56,407 / 12 = $4,700.58
• Taxes (Est. 22% Fed + 4.4% State + FICA): ~ $1,343/month (This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~ $3,357/month
• Average 1BR Rent: $921/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent (1BR): $921
• Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet): $250
• Groceries: $350
• Vehicle (Payment, Insurance, Gas): $450 (You need a reliable truck/van for work.)
• Health Insurance (if not through employer): $300
• Tools & Maintenance: $150
• Savings/Retirement (10%): $470
• Discretionary/Food Out: $466
• Total: $3,357

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. The median home price in Evanston hovers around $250,000 - $280,000. With a take-home of over $3,300/month and a rent-equivalent of $921, a carpenter has significant room to save for a down payment. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $260,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $1,500-$1,600/month. This is well within the 28-30% of gross income guideline for a single person earning $56,407/year. Homeownership is a realistic and common goal for skilled tradespeople in Evanston.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

The job market for carpenters in Evanston is not dominated by large national construction firms. It’s a mix of industrial, municipal, and small-business opportunities. Here are the key players:

1. Pacific Power & Rocky Mountain Power: The massive, iconic coal-fired power plant north of town (the Jim Bridger Plant) is a major employer. They have a large, in-house maintenance crew that includes industrial carpenters for structural repairs, formwork for concrete, and building maintenance. These jobs are stable, come with excellent benefits, and are highly competitive.
2. The Union Pacific Railroad: Evanston is a major rail hub. The UP maintains a large yard and facilities here. Carpenters are needed for maintaining and repairing wooden trestles, station buildings, and various structures along the line.
3. Uinta County School District #1: The school district is a consistent source of work, both for in-house maintenance staff and for contracted remodels and new builds. Projects range from fixing gymnasium floors to building new classroom additions.
4. Uinta County & City of Evanston: Municipal governments employ carpenters for public works projects—maintaining parks, community centers, and other city-owned buildings. These are often union positions with pensions.
5. Local Construction & Remodeling Firms: Companies like Custom Builders of Evanston and High Country Construction handle residential and light commercial work. They are the primary source for remodel and custom home projects. Work is seasonal, peaking in the spring and summer.
6. The Energy Sector (Oil & Gas Support): While the big rigs are further south, Evanston supports the industry with service companies that need carpenters for building and maintaining temporary housing, office trailers, and storage facilities.
7. Mirror Lake Scenic Byway & Tourism: The summer tourism season drives demand for cabin repairs, deck builds, and maintenance for rental properties in nearby areas like the Bear River and Smith's Fork areas.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is slow and deliberate. Most jobs are filled through word-of-mouth and local reputation. The industrial jobs (Power Plant, Railroad) post openings on their corporate sites but often hire internally or through union halls. The residential side is almost entirely referral-based.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-level journeyman carpenter license. This is a common relief for carpenters moving from states with strict licensing. However, you are not completely without requirements.

1. Contractor Licensing: If you plan to start your own business and pull permits for projects over $2,500, you must obtain a Wyoming Contractor License. This is administered by the Wyoming Attorney General's Office.

   • Requirements: You must pass a business and law exam and provide proof of financial responsibility (bonding).
   • Cost: Exam fees are around $150, and the bond can cost $500-$1,000 annually, depending on your credit.
   • Timeline: You can study for and schedule the exam within a few weeks. The entire process, from start to fully licensed, typically takes 1-2 months.

2. Specialty Licenses: For work like electrical or plumbing, you need separate, specific licenses. Carpenters doing incidental electrical work (like installing a ceiling fan) should subcontract it to avoid liability.

3. OSHA & Certifications: While not state-mandated, having OSHA 10 or 30-hour certifications is a huge advantage, especially for industrial jobs at the power plant or railroad. These courses cost $50-$180 and can be completed online in a few days.

Insider Tip: The single most important credential in Evanston isn't a state license—it's your reputation. Join the local Carpenters Union Local 1476 if you want industrial work. For residential, the best "license" is a portfolio of finished projects and good references from local realtors and homeowners.

Best Neighborhoods for Carpenters

Evanston is small enough that commute times are rarely an issue. The choice of neighborhood is more about lifestyle and housing type.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Typical 1BR Rent	Best For
Downtown Historic District	Walkable, historic charm. Commute to anywhere in town is <5 mins. Older buildings, some with character and quirks.	$800 - $1,100	Carpenters who appreciate history and want to be near cafes and shops.
North Evanston	Residential, family-oriented. Closer to the Power Plant and Railroad jobs (5-10 min drive). More modern homes, good value.	$850 - $1,000	Commuters to industrial jobs, families looking for quiet streets.
South Evanston	Quieter, more rural feel. Closer to the interstate and truck stops. Larger lots, some older farmhouses needing work.	$750 - $950	Someone wanting space, a workshop, or who doesn't mind a 10-15 min drive to downtown.
Bear River Drive Area	A mix of older homes and new developments. Good access to schools and the hospital. Very central.	$900 - $1,050	A balanced choice for proximity to everything.
Outlying Uinta County	Unincorporated areas, like near Robertson or the Utah border. Much lower rent, but you need a reliable vehicle and may have longer drives.	$600 - $800	Maximizing take-home pay, privacy, and a workshop space.

Insider Tip: If you're looking for rental properties, check the local Evanston Housing Authority and Facebook Marketplace. Many small landlords in North and South Evanston rent out basements or small houses. They often prefer a skilled tradesperson as a tenant, knowing you can handle minor repairs.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Evanston, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder. It's about specializing and building your own business.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial Maintenance: This is the highest-paying sector. Carpenters who understand concrete forms, steel framing, and safety protocols for plants/railroads can earn $35-$40+/hour.
  • Finish Carpentry & Cabinetry: Custom work is in demand for the few high-end homes being built. Skilled finish carpenters can charge $40-$50+/hour on a contract basis.
  • Historic Restoration: With Evanston's historic downtown, there's a niche for carpenters skilled in period-appropriate repairs. This is a small but lucrative market.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Employee to Foreman: Work for a local firm or the union, prove your reliability, and move into a crew leadership role.
  2. Employee to Business Owner: This is the most common path. Start with small side jobs, build a client list, and eventually go full-time with your own LLC. The low overhead in Evanston makes this feasible.
  3. Niche Specialist: Focus on one thing—decks, historic windows, timber framing—and become the go-to person in the region.

• 10-Year Outlook (5% Growth): The growth will come from two areas: replacement of aging infrastructure (power plant, rail, and residential stock) and a slow but steady population increase. The key will be adapting to new materials and building codes. Carpenters who stay current with energy-efficient building techniques will have an edge.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Evanston is a fantastic choice for a specific type of carpenter: one who values stability, a low cost of living, and a tight-knit community over the excitement and high wages of a major city or resort town.

Pros	Cons
Excellent affordability: $56,407 goes very far here.	Limited job openings: Only ~23 jobs in the metro area.
Realistic homeownership: Median home prices are within reach.	Isolation: 90 minutes to Salt Lake City for major amenities.
Stable, specialized employers: Power, rail, and municipal jobs.	Weather: Harsh winters with heavy snow.
Outdoor access: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking.	Small social scene: Limited nightlife and cultural events.
Low competition: Your reputation matters more than a long resume.	Economy tied to energy: Vulnerable to industry downturns.

Final Recommendation:
Yes, Evanston is right for you if: You are a mid-career carpenter (or a motivated entry-level) looking for a place to put down roots, buy a home, and build a local business or a stable career with benefits. You don't mind cold winters and are self-motivated.

No, Evanston is not right for you if: You are a new apprentice needing a wide variety of training opportunities, you crave a bustling social scene, or you are looking to maximize your hourly wage above all else (Jackson or Denver would be better).

For the right person, Evanston offers a rare combination of a living wage, a manageable cost of living, and a high quality of life built on outdoor recreation and community.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own tools to get a job in Evanston?
A: Yes, absolutely. For residential work, you are expected to have a full set of quality hand and power tools. For industrial jobs, the company may provide larger, specialized tools, but you should still have your basic kit. A reliable truck or van is non-negotiable.

Q: How do I find work as a new arrival?
A: The first step is to register with the local union (Carpenters Local 1476). For non-union work, stop by the offices of local builders and remodeling companies with a resume and portfolio. Introduce yourself at the Building Supply store (like Murdoch's or the local lumber yard). Networking is everything here.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Residential work can be slow in the deep winter months (Dec-Feb). However, industrial maintenance jobs at the power plant and railroad are year-round. Many residential carpenters use the winter for interior projects, finishing work, or taking time off.

Q: What's the biggest challenge for carpenters moving to Evanston?
A: Building a client base or getting your foot in the door with a stable employer. It takes time. Be prepared to take smaller jobs at first to establish your reputation. Patience and quality work are your best marketing tools.

Q: Are there unions here?
A: Yes. Carpenters Local 1476 covers the northeast Wyoming area, including Evanston. They handle many of the industrial and large commercial projects. Membership provides access to better wages, benefits, and training. Contact them directly for information on joining.

Sources:

• Salary & Jobs Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), O*NET OnLine.
• Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), BestPlaces.net.
• Licensing: Wyoming Attorney General's Office - Consumer Protection Unit.
• Local Employer & Neighborhood Data: Uinta County Economic Development Commission, Evanston City Planning, and local real estate market analysis.