Construction Manager in Cheyenne, WY

As a career analyst who’s watched Cheyenne’s construction scene for over a decade, I can tell you this isn’t just another Rocky Mountain town. It’s a place where the wind blows year-round, where the state capitol’s gold dome gleams against a backdrop of sagebrush, and where a skilled Construction Manager can build a solid career without battling the chaos of a major metro. If you’re considering a move here, you’re likely weighing the quiet perks against the raw numbers. Let’s cut through the noise.

Cheyenne operates on a different rhythm. It’s the capital, a major rail hub, and a gateway to the energy sector, which creates a unique and steady demand for construction management—from government-funded infrastructure to commercial projects supporting the growing population. The cost of living is a significant draw, but the job market is tight and specialized. This guide is your blueprint for navigating it all, from your first paycheck to your long-term career trajectory.

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter most. Construction Managers in Cheyenne earn a median salary of $105,255 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $50.6/hour. It’s important to understand this is a median—it means roughly half of all Construction Managers here earn more, and half earn less. This figure sits slightly below the national average of $108,210/year, but the gap narrows significantly when you factor in Cheyenne’s cost of living, which is 9.1% below the U.S. average.

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

Experience Level	Typical Cheyenne Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $90,000	Assistant PM, field supervision, sub-contractor coordination, daily logs.
Mid-Level	$90,000 - $115,000	Full project management, budgeting, client communication, safety compliance.
Senior-Level	$115,000 - $140,000	Multi-project oversight, business development, complex contract negotiation.
Expert	$140,000+	Executive roles, specialized high-value projects (e.g., federal, energy).

When you compare Cheyenne to other Wyoming cities, the landscape is fairly uniform, but with subtle differences. Casper, as an oil and gas hub, often has slight premiums for managers with specialized energy experience. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, sees more cyclical work tied to academic and research construction. Gillette, driven by coal, sees demand shifts with global energy markets. Cheyenne, positioned as the state capital and a logistics center, offers more stability in government and commercial sectors, though the ceiling for salary can be lower than in Casper’s energy boom times. The 130 Construction Manager jobs in the metro area is a small number, reflecting a specialized market where reputation and relationships are everything.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $105,255 salary sounds substantial, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Cheyenne? Let’s break it down with some realistic assumptions.

First, taxes. For a single filer with no dependents (standard deduction), you’ll pay approximately:

• Federal Income Tax: ~$17,500
• Social Security & Medicare: ~$8,000
• Wyoming State Income Tax: $0 (There is no state income tax in Wyoming.)
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$79,755 (or about $6,646/month).

Now, factor in housing. The average 1BR rent is $917/month. Let’s assume a more comfortable 2BR apartment for a professional, which might run $1,100 - $1,300/month in a decent area.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Cheyenne Construction Manager Earning $105,255:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,646	After federal taxes, SSI/Medicare.
Rent (2BR)	$1,200	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$300	Can be higher in winter due to heating.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential for Cheyenne; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Household	$600	Comparable to national averages.
Health Insurance (Employer Plan)	$300	Varies by employer.
401(k) / Savings (10%)	$875	Highly recommended.
Discretionary / Other	$2,871	This is your "real" disposable income.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $315,000 (as of late 2023/early 2024). With a $105,255 salary, a 20% down payment ($63,000) is a stretch but achievable with savings. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $252,000 loan at ~6.5% would be roughly $1,600 - $1,700/month. This is higher than rent but manageable within your budget, especially if you have a dual-income household. Homeownership is a realistic and often smart long-term goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

Cheyenne’s job market for Construction Managers is concentrated in a few key sectors. You won’t find endless postings on national job boards; most hiring happens through word-of-mouth, local networking, and direct outreach. Here are the primary players:

1. State of Wyoming: As the capital, the state government is a perennial employer. The Department of Administration & Information and the Department of Transportation (WYDOT) manage a constant stream of projects, from capitol building renovations to highway infrastructure. Hiring is stable but can be slow due to civil service processes.
2. Federal Government: F.E. Warren Air Force Base is a major economic driver. Construction projects on base (housing, facilities, security) are managed by the Air Force Civil Engineer Center or contracted out. This work often requires security clearances.
3. Private Commercial & Industrial: Companies like Hensel Phelps (a national firm with a strong regional presence) and McGraw-Hill Construction (though they may list projects, not direct jobs) are key. The Cheyenne Industrial Park is a hive of activity, and manufacturers and logistics companies (e.g., those tied to the rail and trucking industries) often need on-site facilities managers.
4. Healthcare: Cheyenne’s hospitals are in a perpetual state of expansion and renovation. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC) and Banner Health (Cheyenne) are the two main systems. They require managers for facility expansions, medical office builds, and medical equipment installation projects.
5. Education: Laramie County School District #1 and Laramie County Community College frequently have bond-funded projects for new schools, renovations, and campus improvements.
6. Residential Developers: While the market is smaller than in Colorado, developers like Reynolds Homes and local builders manage subdivisions and custom homes. This is a more cyclical sector, tied to interest rates and population growth.

Hiring Trend Insight: The focus is increasingly on "design-build" and public-private partnerships (P3s). Managers with experience in these delivery methods, especially on federal or state-funded projects, are in high demand. Knowledge of LEED or sustainable building practices is a growing plus.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has straightforward licensing requirements, managed by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention & Electrical Safety (DFPES) - Contractors Board. It’s important to note that while the state licenses general contractors, a "Construction Manager" is often a professional role that may not require a specific state license, but you will almost certainly need a Contractor’s License if you’re overseeing projects directly or acting as a prime contractor.

Key Requirements:

1. Bond & Insurance: You must secure a surety bond (minimum $10,000 for a general contractor) and carry general liability insurance (minimum $250,000/$500,000).
2. Financial Statement: You’ll need to provide a financial statement proving your business’s stability.
3. Exam: You must pass the state contractors exam, which covers business, law, and trade knowledge.
4. Experience: You need to document at least 4 years of journeyman-level or supervisory experience in the construction industry.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$100
• License Application Fee: ~$200
• Bond & Insurance Costs: Varies widely based on credit and business size, but budget at least $1,500 - $3,000 for the first year.
• Total Startup Cost: ~$2,000 - $4,000.
• Timeline: From application to license in hand, expect 6-8 weeks if all paperwork is in order. The exam can be scheduled relatively quickly.

Insider Tip: If you’re hired directly by a company (e.g., the state or a private firm), they will typically hold the primary license. Your personal license is most critical if you plan to start your own firm or do freelance CM work. Always verify the specific license requirements for your intended role.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Choosing where to live in Cheyenne impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. As someone who’s driven these streets in all seasons, here are the top picks:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	2BR Rent Estimate	Best For
East Side (Near the Capitol)	Historic charm, walkable to downtown, easy access to state government offices. A 5-10 minute commute to most downtown jobs.	$1,100 - $1,400	Professionals who work for the state or downtown firms and value walkability.
South Cheyenne (Near Cheyenne Regional Medical Center)	Quiet, established residential area close to the hospital and I-25. Easy north-south access. 10-15 minute commute to most jobs.	$1,000 - $1,250	Those working in healthcare or who want a quiet, family-friendly area with good access to amenities.
North Cheyenne (Near the Airport & I-80)	Newer developments, more modern homes, and close to the logistics/industrial park. Commutes are easy via the interstate. 10-20 minutes to downtown.	$950 - $1,200	Managers working in logistics, aviation, or commercial construction in the industrial parks.
West Cheyenne (Near F.E. Warren AFB)	Growing area with new subdivisions. Commutes to downtown and the base are straightforward. 10-15 minutes.	$900 - $1,150	Families and those seeking newer housing stock and easy access to the base (if working there).
Historic District (Downtown)	Vibrant, with restaurants and cafes. Parking can be a challenge, but you can walk to everything. A 5-minute commute for any downtown job.	$1,200 - $1,600+	Young professionals who want an urban feel and don't mind higher rent for location.

Insider Tip: Traffic is not a major issue in Cheyenne. The biggest "commute" factor is weather. Living in an area where you can access I-25 or I-80 quickly without navigating multiple city streets during a blizzard is a huge advantage. The East Side and South areas offer the best balance of accessibility and neighborhood feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Cheyenne, career advancement is less about jumping to a bigger company and more about gaining expertise and reputation. The 10-year outlook for the metro area shows a 10-Year Job Growth of 8%. This is modest, indicating steady but not explosive growth. It means you’ll need to be strategic.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest salaries go to managers with a federal security clearance (for work on F.E. Warren) or deep energy sector experience (for projects in the Powder River Basin or adjacent to the state). Public works experience is another premium path.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Engineer to Assistant PM, to PM, to Senior PM or Project Executive. In Cheyenne, the next step is often either going independent (starting your own firm, which is a major step requiring a full contractor’s license) or moving into a leadership role within a larger regional firm.
• Networking is Non-Negotiable: Join the Wyoming Contractors Association and attend Chamber of Commerce events. The construction community here is small; your reputation is your currency. Most high-level jobs are never advertised.
• 10-Year Outlook: The growth will be driven by sustained state investment, the potential for F.E. Warren expansion, and continued (if slow) population growth. Electrification of the rail and energy sectors could also create new construction projects. The key for you will be diversifying your portfolio—being able to move between public, private, and federal work will make you indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

This isn’t a city for everyone. It’s a place of stark trade-offs: incredible affordability and a manageable pace versus a limited social scene and a small, insular job market. Here’s the final table to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in Denver or Salt Lake City.	Small, Tight-Knit Job Market: Only ~130 jobs. Breaking in requires local connections.
No State Income Tax: A direct boost to your take-home pay.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, and windy winters can be challenging.
Low Traffic & Easy Commutes: Quality of life is high for those who value time.	Limited Amenities: Fewer cultural, dining, and entertainment options than a major city.
Stable Government & Federal Employment: Provides consistent project pipelines.	Growth Ceiling: Job growth is steady (8%) but not booming.
Gateway to the Outdoors: World-class hunting, fishing, and hiking are minutes away.	Reliance on a Single Industry: The economy is tied to government, agriculture, and energy.

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent choice for a mid-to-senior level Construction Manager with 5-10+ years of experience who prioritizes financial stability, homeownership, and a quieter lifestyle over relentless career climbing. It’s ideal for someone with a family, or for a professional who wants to build a deep reputation in a specific niche (like federal construction or public works) and enjoys the outdoors. It’s a tougher sell for a young, single professional seeking a vibrant nightlife or a fast-paced, networking-driven career. If you value breathing room, both financially and spatially, and have the right experience to tap into its specialized market, Cheyenne can be a profoundly rewarding and stable place to build your career.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for Construction Managers in Cheyenne?
A: It’s competitive but in a different way. With only 130 jobs, openings don’t appear daily. The competition is often for roles that aren’t publicly posted. Your best bet is to connect with local firms directly, network with the Wyoming Contractors Association, and consider temporary contract work to get your foot in the door.

Q: Do I need to know someone to get hired?
A: In practice, yes. Cheyenne’s construction community is small. While formal applications are used, most hiring managers rely on referrals and known quantities. Attending local industry events is crucial. A strong, locally-vetted reference from a current employee is more valuable than a cold application.

Q: Is the salary of $105,255 enough to live comfortably as a single person?
A: Yes, comfortably. With a take-home pay of around $6,646/month and an average 1BR rent of $917, you have significant disposable income for savings, vacations, and hobbies. It’s one of the most financially manageable salaries for a management role in the country when you factor in Cheyenne’s low cost of living.

Q: What is the biggest challenge for a new Construction Manager moving to Cheyenne?
A: The social and professional adjustment. The pace of life is slower, and the professional network is tight-knit. It can take time to break in. Patience and proactive networking are key. Also, be prepared for the wind and cold—it’s a real factor that affects daily life and construction schedules.

Q: Where can I find listings for construction jobs in Cheyenne?
A: Start with the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services website. Check the career pages of the major employers listed above (State of Wyoming, F.E. Warren, hospitals, school districts). Also, the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming Contractors Association often have job boards or can point you to local firms hiring. National sites like Indeed will have some listings, but don’t rely on them exclusively.