Construction Manager in Evanston, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

As a local who’s watched Evanston’s construction scene evolve from a sleepy railroad town to a regional hub, I can tell you the numbers tell a compelling story. For Construction Managers in our corner of Wyoming, the earning potential is solid, especially when you factor in the state’s no-income-tax status.

The median salary for a Construction Manager in Evanston is $107,236/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $51.56/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this isn't a top-tier national salary, but it’s a powerful figure here. Our cost of living index sits at 97.0 (US average = 100), meaning your paycheck stretches further than in Denver, Salt Lake City, or Cheyenne. The national average salary for the role is $108,210/year, so Evanston is virtually neck-and-neck nationally, yet our housing and daily expenses are notably lower.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level, framed by the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Field	Estimated Salary Range (Evanston)	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level	0-3	$75,000 - $90,000	Often starting as an Assistant PM or Field Engineer. You'll be learning local codes (especially snow load requirements) and managing subcontractors on smaller projects.
Mid-Career	4-9	$95,000 - $125,000	Managing full project cycles, from bid to closeout. You'll handle budgets over $2M and navigate Wyoming's permitting processes, which can be unique to the county.
Senior	10-15	$120,000 - $150,000	Overseeing multiple projects, mentoring junior staff, and directly interfacing with major clients like the school district or energy companies. This is where you see the $107,236 median solidifying.
Expert/Specialist	15+	$150,000 - $185,000+	Regional directors, specialized in sectors like industrial, healthcare, or multi-family. These roles are less common but exist with firms servicing the broader region and southern Wyoming.

Local Insight: The $107,236 median is a realistic anchor. I’ve seen mid-level managers with solid experience hit that number, especially those who bring skills in sustainable building or have a strong subcontractor network. The key is that there are only 23 jobs in the metro area (according to BLS data), so competition for the best roles is real, but so is the value of a seasoned professional.

Comparing to other Wyoming cities, Evanston holds its own. It’s more affordable than Jackson (where salaries are higher but cost of living is astronomical) and Cheyenne (more government jobs, slightly higher competition). Casper’s market is larger but more cyclical with the energy sector. For a balanced lifestyle and solid pay, Evanston is a strong contender.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $107,236 salary sounds great, but what’s the monthly reality? With Wyoming’s 0% state income tax, you keep more of your gross pay. After federal taxes (estimated at ~22% for this bracket, including FICA), your take-home pay is roughly $6,800/month. Now, let’s layer in the average 1BR rent of $921/month.

Sample Monthly Budget for a Single Construction Manager:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,936
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA): ~$2,136
• Net Monthly Income: $6,800
• Housing (1BR Rent): $921
• Utilities (Evanston Avg): $150
• Groceries & Essentials: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Public transit is limited; a reliable vehicle is a must)
• Health Insurance (Employer-Sponsored): $250
• Retirement (10% of Gross): $894
• Discretionary/Leisure: $3,585

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Evanston hovers around $300,000. With your take-home pay and disciplined savings from that healthy discretionary budget, a 20% down payment ($60,000) is achievable in 2-3 years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $300,000 home is roughly $1,800, which is well within your budget. This is a major advantage over markets like Denver or Boise, where similar salaries but higher rents make homeownership a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

The job market is small (23 openings at any given time), but the employers are stable and deeply rooted in the community. You’re not looking for Fortune 500 HQs, but for firms that keep the town running.

1. Uinta County School District #6: The largest public employer. They manage a constant pipeline of projects—new schools, renovations, athletic facilities. Jobs here are competitive and offer great benefits. Hiring is steady, often tied to bond measures.
2. Evanston Regional Hospital (LifePoint Health): A major driver of commercial construction. They frequently expand clinics, remodel facilities, and manage maintenance projects. Their contractors are often local firms that need experienced PMs.
3. Local General Contractors (e.g., K & K Construction, local branches of larger regional firms): These are the backbone. They build everything from the new assisted living facility off I-80 to commercial strip malls and custom homes. Insider Tip: The best way in is often through networking at the Uinta County Builders Association meetings.
4. City of Evanston Public Works: They handle municipal projects—water lines, road improvements, park expansions. These are union-backed, pension-secure jobs that come up infrequently but are highly sought after.
5. Energy Sector Contractors: While not directly employed by the energy giants, local contractors service projects for Chevron and others in the nearby fields. This work is cyclical but pays a premium during boom times.
6. Real Estate Development Firms: With the new housing developments on the west side (near the new high school), firms like those behind the "Bear River" subdivision are actively hiring PMs to oversee spec homes and lots.
7. Montana-Dakota Utilities Co.: As the natural gas provider, they manage infrastructure projects, including new line installations and meter replacements, which require project management.

Hiring Trends: The 8% 10-year job growth is modest but positive, driven by population growth and aging infrastructure. The most consistent openings are in the public sector (schools, city) and healthcare. Commercial and residential have seen a recent uptick due to migration from Utah and Colorado.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a specific state license for Construction Managers. However, the landscape is defined by certifications and contractor licensing.

• Contractor Licensing: If you plan to run your own firm or sign contracts, you’ll need a Wyoming Contractor’s License through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). There are multiple classifications (e.g., General Building, Electrical, Plumbing). The process involves an exam, proof of experience, and a surety bond. Cost is roughly $300 for the license plus exam fees.
• Key Certifications (Worth the Investment):
  • OSHA 30-Hour: Non-negotiable for any site manager.
  • LEED Green Associate: As sustainable building grows in WY, this is a differentiator.
  • PMP (Project Management Professional): Highly respected, especially for corporate or public projects.
• Timeline: You can start working without a state-specific license. If you pursue a contractor’s license, allow 3-6 months for study, application, and processing. The exam is based on the International Building Code (IBC) with Wyoming amendments—focus on snow load and seismic considerations.

Best Neighborhoods for Construction Managers

Driving distance and lifestyle are key. Evanston is small, but neighborhoods have distinct feels.

1. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable, close to restaurants and the historic railroad depot. Ideal if you work for the city or a downtown firm. Commute to most job sites is under 10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100. Insider Tip: Older buildings here have character but check for heating efficiency.
2. West Side (Near the new High School): The fastest-growing area. Modern homes, newer infrastructure, and great for families. Commute to the hospital or new subdivisions is 5-10 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200. This is where the action is for residential construction.
3. Bear River Area: More affordable, with a mix of older and newer homes. Popular with younger professionals. A 15-minute commute to most places. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $900. A great place to save money as you build your career.
4. North Evanston (Near I-80): Convenient for travel, with easy access to Salt Lake City (1.5 hrs) for weekend trips. More commercial, less residential. Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,000. Ideal if you work for a contractor that services the interstate corridor.
5. South Evanston (Towards Kemmerer): Quieter, more rural feel. Longer commute to town center but lower rents. Rent for a 1BR: $700 - $850. Best for those who prioritize space and don't mind the drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Evanston isn’t a mega-metro, but your career can grow in meaningful, specialized ways.

• Specialty Premiums: Project managers with niche skills earn more.
  • Healthcare Construction: +10-15% premium (e.g., $118,000 - $123,000 base).
  • Industrial/Process Piping: +15-20% (e.g., $123,000 - $128,000), often tied to regional energy projects.
  • Sustainable Building (LEED): +5-10%, a growing demand as the state looks to diversify.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Field Engineer → Assistant PM (1-2 years): Learn the ropes.
  2. Assistant PM → Construction Manager (3-5 years): Take the $107,236 median and run.
  3. Construction Manager → Senior/Regional PM (5-10 years): Manage larger projects or a portfolio. Salary can push $150,000+.
  4. Path to Ownership: After 10+ years, many leverage their local network to start their own firm, a common and successful trajectory in a small market like Evanston.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 8% job growth is tied to steady population influx and infrastructure renewal. The biggest opportunities will be in managing the multi-family and commercial developments needed to support a growing community. Remote work for larger firms based in SLC or Denver is a new, emerging path for experienced locals.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary ($107,236) goes much further than in most cities. Homeownership is realistic.	Limited Job Market: Only 23 jobs in the metro. You can’t job-hop easily; you must be strategic.
Zero State Income Tax: Directly boosts your take-home pay.	Isolation: 1.5 hours to Salt Lake City, 4+ hours to Denver. Travel can be draining.
Stable, Diverse Employers: Schools, hospital, city, and local contractors provide a resilient job base.	Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and cold are realities that impact construction schedules and daily life.
Outdoor Recreation: World-class hunting, fishing, and skiing (at nearby resorts) are your backyard.	Limited Cultural/Dining Scene: It’s a small town. You trade variety for community.
Close-Knit Professional Network: It’s easy to build a reputation and strong relationships.	Slower Pace: If you crave constant change and high-energy projects, it might feel slow.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an ideal fit for a Construction Manager who values financial stability, work-life balance, and the outdoors over constant urban buzz. It’s perfect for someone in the mid-career stage looking to buy a home, build equity, and lead meaningful projects without the stress of a cutthroat market. It’s less ideal for someone early in their career seeking rapid resume growth or for those who require a vast array of cultural amenities.

FAQs

1. Do I need to know someone to get a job in Evanston?
It helps immensely. The market is small, and hiring is often through referrals. Attend Uinta County Builders Association meetings, connect with local engineers, and be active on LinkedIn with Evanston-based firms. Your first job here will likely come from a personal recommendation.

2. How bad are the winters really for construction?
They are significant. The construction season typically runs from May to October. You’ll need to master winter planning—scheduling interior work, managing material deliveries around storms, and dealing with frozen ground. It’s a skill set that separates experienced local managers from outsiders.

3. What’s the commute like to the major job sites?
Excellent. The entire metro area is within a 15-minute drive. Traffic is virtually non-existent. Most project managers live centrally and can reach any site, from the hospital to new subdivisions to the downtown core, quickly.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Evanston while living there?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many experienced PMs in Evanston consult for or are employed by firms in Salt Lake City, Denver, or even California, managing projects remotely. This allows you to enjoy Evanston’s low cost of living while accessing higher salaries.

5. What’s the biggest challenge for a new Construction Manager moving here?
Adapting to the local pace and building a network. Projects move slower than in big cities, and relationships are currency. Be prepared to invest time in community events and local business groups. Your technical skills will get you in the door, but your local connections will define your success.