The Data Analyst's Guide to Sheridan, Wyoming

If you're a data analyst thinking about a move to the Mountain West, Sheridan, WY offers a unique blend of career opportunity and quality of life. This isn't a booming tech hub like Denver or a sprawling metropolis like Chicago. It's a tight-knit community of 19,035 people where data analysts can make a tangible impact, own a home, and enjoy a mountain lifestyle without the crushing commute. As a local who's watched this market evolve, I'll give you the unvarnished truth—no fluff, just the data you need to decide if this is your next move.

Let's start with the numbers that matter most: your paycheck. In Sheridan, the median salary for a Data Analyst is $81,059/year, which breaks down to a solid $38.97/hour. To put that in perspective, it sits just below the national average of $83,360/year, but the cost of living here is anything but average. With only 38 data analyst jobs in the metro and a 10-year job growth of 36%, this isn't a market saturated with opportunities, but it's a growing one where skilled analysts are highly valued.

The real secret isn't just the salary—it's the value. The Cost of Living Index is 90.8 (where the US average is 100), and the average 1BR rent is just $876/month. That means your $81,059 salary stretches further here than in most places, potentially offering a lifestyle that's hard to find in larger cities.

This guide will walk you through every practical detail, from your take-home pay to the best places to live, the employers to target, and the long-term career outlook. Let's dive in.

The Salary Picture: Where Sheridan Stands

Understanding your earning potential is the first step. While the median salary of $81,059 is a strong baseline, your actual earnings will hinge on experience, specialty, and the specific industry you land in. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect at different career stages in the Sheridan market.

Experience Level	Sheridan Salary Range (Annual)	Sheridan Salary Range (Hourly)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$62,000 - $71,000	$29.81 - $34.13	Typically in junior roles at hospitals, school districts, or local government. Focus is on reporting and basic dashboarding.
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$75,000 - $88,000	$36.06 - $42.31	The sweet spot. Manages complex projects, works with stakeholders in healthcare, energy, or finance. The $81,059 median fits here.
Senior/Expert (7+ years)	$92,000 - $110,000+	$44.23 - $52.88+	Leads teams, drives strategy. Found in senior roles at major employers like Sheridan Memorial Hospital or key departments in local government.
Specialist/Lead	$95,000 - $120,000+	$45.67 - $57.69	Niche roles (e.g., GIS analysts for land management, healthcare data specialists) can command premiums.

How does Sheridan stack up against other Wyoming cities?

• Cheyenne (State Capital): Median salary is similar or slightly higher (~$83,000), but the cost of living and rent are also higher. More government jobs.
• Casper (Energy Hub): Salaries can be higher in the oil and gas sector ($85,000-$90,000 median), but the market is more volatile and rent is higher.
• Laramie (University Town): Lower median salary (~$76,000) due to university-driven pay scales, but it's a younger, more academic environment.
• Jackson Hole: This is an outlier. Salaries are higher (often over $90,000) but the cost of living, especially housing, is astronomically higher. It's a different world.

Sheridan hits a "Goldilocks" zone: solid pay, manageable costs, and a stable, growing job market.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to the monthly math. A $81,059 salary in Sheridan looks different than the same number in New York or California. Here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown for a single person, assuming a standard filing status and including state and federal taxes.

Monthly Expense	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$6,755	Based on $81,059 annual.
Taxes (Estimated)	~$1,350 - $1,500	Includes Federal, FICA (7.65%), and Wyoming state tax (0% - yes, Wyoming has NO state income tax!). This is a major advantage.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$5,255 - $5,405	After taxes. This is your usable income.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$876	Average for Sheridan. You can find nicer places for ~$1,000 or shared houses for less.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200 - $250	Winters are cold; heating costs are real.
Groceries	$300 - $400	Comparable to national averages.
Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance)	$400 - $600	A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable in Wyoming. Public transit is very limited.
Health Insurance (if not fully covered)	$200 - $400	Varies widely by employer.
Discretionary Spending (Entertainment, Dining, Gym)	$500 - $800	You'll have room here for hobbies, dining out, or saving.
Savings/Retirement Contribution	$500 - $1,000+	A realistic and healthy range for this salary.
Monthly Surplus	$0 - $1,000+	Highly dependent on your lifestyle choices and healthcare costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Sheridan County around $325,000 (as of late 2023), a 20% down payment is $65,000. At a 7% interest rate, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be around $1,700 - $1,800. This is roughly double your rent, but on a $5,200+ net monthly income, it's very manageable, especially if you have a partner or roommate. Building equity is a tangible, achievable goal here.

Where the Jobs Are: Sheridan's Major Employers

Sheridan's job market is anchored by healthcare, government, education, and the energy sector. Data analysts are critical in all of these, moving from descriptive reporting to predictive modeling and operational efficiency.

1. Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH): The largest employer in the county. They are aggressively expanding their data capabilities, from patient outcomes and operational efficiency to financial analytics. Their IT/BI team is small but growing. Hiring is steady, with a preference for analysts with healthcare experience (EHR data, HIPAA compliance).
2. Sheridan County School District #1 (SCSD1): A major employer with a constant need for data on student performance, budgeting, and resource allocation. While salaries may be at the lower end of the range, the benefits and pension are excellent. They often hire analysts who can work with state-level education databases.
3. City of Sheridan & Sheridan County Government: From public works (traffic flow, infrastructure) to finance and sheriff's office data, the local government is a stable source of jobs. They use data for grant applications, community planning, and operational budgeting. Look for postings on the official city and county websites.
4. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Forest Service (Bighorn National Forest): While the main offices are in the region, Sheridan is a hub for forestry and land management. This creates niche opportunities for GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Data Analysts. Knowledge of tools like ArcGIS and SQL is invaluable here.
5. Energy & Agriculture Businesses: Companies like Cenex (CHS), The Big Horn Co-op, and various local ranching operations increasingly rely on data for supply chain logistics, commodity pricing, and farm/ranch management efficiency. These are often "hidden" jobs not listed on major boards.
6. Sheridan College (Northern Wyoming Community College District): As the region's educational hub, the college employs analysts for institutional research, enrollment trends, and program effectiveness.
7. Local Banks & Financial Services (e.g., First Interstate Bank, Wells Fargo): Branches and regional offices need analysts for credit risk, customer segmentation, and branch performance metrics.

Insider Tip: Get your resume on the Wyoming Workforce Services website. Many local government and school district jobs are posted there first. Also, connect with the Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce—many small businesses don't post online but hire through word-of-mouth.

Getting Licensed in WY

The good news for data analysts: Wyoming has no state-specific licensing requirements for this profession. You don't need a state-issued license to call yourself a data analyst. However, professional development is key.

• Certifications: While not required, certifications can boost your credibility and salary. Popular ones include:
  • Google Data Analytics Professional Certificate (great for entry-level).
  • Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate (highly valued in corporate and government settings).
  • Tableau Desktop Specialist (useful in visual-driven roles).
  • Certified Analytics Professional (CAP) (for mid-to-senior levels).
• Cost: Exam fees range from $100 - $250 per certification. Study materials are often the biggest cost if you don't use free resources.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately with your experience and degree. If you're pursuing a certification, you can be job-ready within 3-6 months of dedicated study.

Key Resource: The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services is your go-to for career info, though not for licensing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides the national and local data we've referenced.

Best Neighborhoods for Data Analysts

Living in Sheridan is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR/2BR Rent	Ideal For
Downtown Historic District	Walkable, charming, close to restaurants, shops, and the WYO Theater. Commute to most employers is <5 mins.	$900 / $1,200	Young professionals, couples who love a vibrant, small-town feel. You can live without a car for daily errands.
East Highland	Quiet, residential, established homes with yards. Good schools. 5-10 minute drive to downtown or hospitals.	$850 / $1,100	Families or those seeking more space and quiet. Very desirable area.
Northridge / Southland	Newer developments, more modular and apartment living. Slightly further out, but modern amenities.	$800 / $1,000	Budget-conscious professionals, recent grads. Commute is still under 15 mins.
Weston / The Heights	Mix of older and newer homes, more rural feel on the edges of town. Closer to outdoor recreation.	$750 / $1,000	Outdoor enthusiasts, those wanting a larger property. Commute to downtown can be 10-15 mins.
Sheridan College Area	Student-centric, more rentals, and mixed housing. Very close to the college and some tech businesses.	$700 / $950	Analysts working at the college or who prefer a livelier, more academic atmosphere.

Insider Tip: The rental market is tight. Start your search 60-90 days before your move. Use local property management companies like Mighty One Properties or Sheridan Property Management first; they often have listings that never hit Zillow.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sheridan's 10-year job growth of 36% is exceptionally strong for a rural market, signaling that demand for data skills is accelerating. Here’s how to think about advancement.

• Specialty Premiums: You can command a salary 10-20% above the median by specializing:
  • Healthcare Data Analyst: At SMH or a regional clinic. Understanding FHIR, Epic/ Cerner data, and clinical metrics.
  • GIS Analyst: For the Forest Service, county planning, or environmental firms. Combines data analysis with spatial visualization.
  • Business Intelligence Developer: Moving from reporting to building data pipelines (ETL) and dashboards for critical business operations.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior Analyst -> Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Analytics Manager/Team Lead. In a small market like Sheridan, the ceiling for pure management might be lower, but the value of a senior individual contributor is high. You might also transition into related roles like Operations Manager or Grant Writer (using your data skills to win funding).
• 10-Year Outlook: With 38 jobs now, expect that to grow to 50+. Growth will be driven by healthcare expansion, continued digitization of agriculture/ranching, and public sector modernization. The key will be versatility—analysts who can handle data, visualization, and communicate insights to non-technical stakeholders will be indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Sheridan Right for You?

There's no one-size-fits-all answer. Sheridan offers a compelling package for the right person. Use this table to weigh the decision.

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Access to the Bighorn Mountains, clean air, low crime, and a genuine community feel.	Limited Job Market: Only 38 data analyst jobs. If you lose one, your options are few. Remote work is essential for backup.
Exceptional Affordability: A $81,059 salary and $876 rent mean you can save, travel, and buy a home.	Isolation: You're 4+ hours from a major airport (Denver) and 3+ from a larger city (Billings, MT). Can feel remote.
No State Income Tax: Wyoming's 0% income tax is a direct boost to your net pay.	Limited Diversity & Culture: The town is predominantly white and conservative. Cultural and dining options are limited.
Growing Demand (36% growth): Companies are actively investing in data, creating opportunities for growth.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold, snowy winters can be challenging. A reliable 4WD vehicle is almost mandatory.
Work-Life Balance: Short commutes, less hustle culture, and nature at your doorstep.	Tech Scene is Small: Few meetups, conferences, or networking events for data professionals. You'll need to build your network carefully.

Final Recommendation: Sheridan is an excellent choice for data analysts who prioritize lifestyle and affordability over a bustling tech scene. It's ideal for those who are self-motivated, enjoy the outdoors, and seek a stable, meaningful career in a supportive community. It's less suitable for those who thrive on constant networking, diverse urban amenities, or who are in highly specialized, niche data roles that require a larger industry cluster.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for data analysts in Sheridan?
A: With only 38 jobs and 36% growth, it's not flooded with candidates like Denver or Seattle. However, employers are picky about fit. They value analysts who understand local industries (healthcare, agriculture, government) and who can communicate clearly without a lot of oversight. Tailor your resume to these sectors.

Q: Can I work remotely for a company outside Wyoming?
A: Yes, and this is a smart strategy. Many data analysts in Sheridan work remotely for companies in Denver, Salt Lake City, or Seattle, earning a higher salary while enjoying Sheridan's low cost of living. This provides a crucial safety net and income boost. Ensure you have a reliable, high-speed internet connection (look into fiber options from local providers like Spectrum).

Q: What's the dating and social scene like for a single professional?
A: It's a small town, so social circles can feel tight. There are active groups for hiking, skiing, biking, and arts (like the WYO Theater or King's Saddlery events). You'll need to be proactive—join clubs, volunteer, and attend community events. It's not a place for endless new faces, but it is a place to build deep, lasting connections.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Absolutely, yes. Public transportation is minimal (Sheridan has a small bus system). Most people drive everywhere. A reliable, all-weather vehicle (preferably with 4WD/AWD) is essential, especially from October to April.

Q: How do I network as a data analyst in such a small town?
A: Your best bets are:

1. Connect with the IT/BI departments at major employers (SMH, School District, City/County) on LinkedIn.
2. Attend Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce events—even if you're not in business, it's where decision