The Electrician's Guide to Sheridan, Wyoming

If you're an electrician considering a move to Sheridan, you're looking at a town that's small but steady, with a cost of living that stretches your paycheck further than in most places. I've spent enough time in Sheridan to know its rhythms—the morning traffic on I-90, which employers are actually hiring, and where you can find a decent apartment without breaking the bank. Let's break down what your life as an electrician here really looks like, from the paycheck to the commute.

The Salary Picture: Where Sheridan Stands

Sheridan's electrical trade doesn't command the highest wages in the state, but when you factor in the low cost of living, the purchasing power is solid. The median salary for an electrician here is $59,851/year, or about $28.77/hour. This sits just below the national average of $61,550/year, a common pattern for rural Wyoming markets where the job count is lower but competition isn't fierce.

The metro area has a limited but stable job market for electricians, with 57 positions typically listed at any given time. More importantly, the 10-year job growth is projected at 11%, which is healthy for a region of this size. This growth is tied to residential development, aging infrastructure, and the steady industrial needs of the energy and agricultural sectors.

Here’s how pay typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Typical Hourly Range
Entry-Level	$42,000 - $50,000	$20 - $24
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$55,000 - $65,000	$26.50 - $31.25
Senior (Master Electrician)	$68,000 - $80,000+	$32.70 - $38.46+
Expert/Specialist	$75,000 - $90,000+	$36 - $43+

When you compare Sheridan to other Wyoming cities, the pattern is clear. Cheyenne and Gillette, with their larger populations and more industrial bases, often edge out Sheridan on raw salary. Casper is closer. But Sheridan’s secret weapon is the cost of living—what you make here goes much further.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	1BR Avg Rent
Sheridan	$59,851	90.8	$876
Cheyenne	$62,500	94.1	$1,050
Gillette	$64,000	96.2	$1,150
Casper	$61,200	95.5	$1,020
USA	$61,550	100	$1,500+

Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), local rental market analysis, Cost of Living Index from BestPlaces.net.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A median salary of $59,851 isn’t just a gross figure; it’s about how much you can actually live on. In Wyoming, there’s no state income tax, which is a significant advantage. Your biggest expenses will be federal taxes, FICA, and rent.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home for $59,851 Salary:

• Gross Monthly: $4,987
• Estimated Deductions (Federal Tax, FICA, Insurance): ~$1,100
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$3,887

Now, let's build a realistic monthly budget for a single electrician in Sheridan, using the median rent of $876 for a 1BR apartment.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$876	Utilities often extra ($100-$150)
Groceries	$350
Transportation (Gas/Insurance)	$250	Assume a 15-20 mile daily commute
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180
Health Insurance (Employer/Market)	$300	Can vary widely
Retirement Savings (401k/IRA)	$300	5% of gross
Discretionary/Entertainment	$400	Eating out, hobbies, etc.
Miscellaneous (Car Repair, Clothing)	$200
TOTAL	$2,856
Monthly Surplus	~$1,031

Can an electrician earning the median salary afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With a monthly surplus of over $1,000, you have a strong foundation for a mortgage. The median home price in Sheridan is around $260,000. With a 20% down payment ($52,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,200-$1,400. This is within reach for a mid-career electrician, especially if two people are working. The catch is the down payment. It may take 3-5 years of disciplined saving, but it's a realistic goal in this market. Insider Tip: Look into the Wyoming Housing Authority’s first-time homebuyer programs. They often have down payment assistance for skilled tradespeople.

Where the Jobs Are: Sheridan's Major Employers

Sheridan’s job market for electricians is niche. You won’t find the sheer volume of openings like in a big city, but the employers that are here are often stable, long-term, and community-focused. Here are the key players:

1. Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp): The utility is the largest and most consistent employer for line workers and meter technicians. They serve all of north-central Wyoming. Hiring is competitive, and they often require specific utility certifications. This is a path to excellent benefits and a pension.
2. Bighorn Mountain Electrical Cooperative (BMEC): Based in Sheridan, this cooperative provides power to rural areas around the county. They hire apprentices, journeyman linemen, and service electricians. Hiring Trend: They’re actively expanding their fiber optic network, which is creating a new niche for data and fiber technicians.
3. Sheridan County School District #2: The school district employs maintenance electricians to keep its six schools and facilities running. It’s a steady, union-protected job with great hours, summers off, and a pension. They typically post openings on the district website.
4. Local Industrial & Agricultural Fabrication Shops: Companies like Simmons Equipment (manufacturing) and various local welding and machine shops hire in-house electricians for equipment maintenance and control work. These are often "hidden" jobs not posted on big boards—networking is key here.
5. General Contracting & Construction Firms: With residential and light commercial growth, firms like R&R Construction and Mountain View Custom Builders hire electricians for new builds and remodels. This work is project-based but offers high earning potential for those who can work efficiently.
6. Hospitals & Healthcare: Sheridan Memorial Hospital is a major employer. Their facilities team needs licensed electricians for medical equipment, backup generators, and building systems. It’s a specialized, stable environment.
7. Self-Employment & Small Shops: The path for many master electricians in Sheridan is to open their own shop. The market isn’t saturated, and there’s demand for residential service calls, especially from the older housing stock in the historic districts. Insider Tip: A huge portion of the work here is word-of-mouth. Join the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce and the Wyoming Electrical Contractors Association. Your first three clients will come from a handshake, not a job board.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming's licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES) oversees the state's electrician licensing program.

Key Requirements:

• Apprentice Electrician: You must register with the state. No formal license needed, but you must work under a licensed electrician.
• Journeyman Electrician: Requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training (typically 4 years) and passing the Wyoming State Electrical Exam (based on the 2020 NEC). You must also have a high school diploma or GED.
• Master Electrician: Requires 12,000 hours of experience (as a journeyman) and passing a more advanced exam. You also need to demonstrate business knowledge if you plan to pull permits for your own work.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$150-$200 per attempt.
• Licensing Fee: ~$125 annually for journeyman/master.
• Apprenticeship School: If you go through a formal IBEW/NECA program (like the JATC), tuition is often covered by the union, but you pay for books. Non-union apprenticeship programs may have costs.
• Timeline: From apprentice to journeyman is a standard 4-year path. The exam is offered year-round at testing centers in Cheyenne or Casper. Insider Tip: Study the 2020 NEC codebook thoroughly. The state exam is known for being heavy on calculations (conduit fill, load calcs) and code references. The Sheridan Public Library has a fantastic technical section if you need access to codebooks.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Sheridan impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The town is compact, so commutes are rarely a problem, but each area has its own character.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Historic Downtown	Walkable, older homes (lots of repair/upgrade work), close to shops and restaurants. Commute to most jobs is <10 mins.	$900 - $1,100	Younger electricians who want nightlife and history.
South Sheridan	Newer subdivisions, more single-family homes. Higher rental demand for families. Commute to industrial south side is quick.	$850 - $1,000	Those looking for a community feel, easy access to schools.
The Heights / North Main	Mix of older and new homes, some apartments. Closer to the hospital and schools. A bit quieter.	$800 - $950	A balanced choice, good for all ages.
Country Roads (East Sheridan)	Rural, acreage, older farmhouses. Long drives but quiet.	$700 - $900 (for a trailer/older home)	Electricians who want space, privacy, and don't mind driving.
Near Sheridan College	Student housing areas, older rentals. Very walkable to campus and downtown.	$700 - $850	Apprentices or younger journeymen on a tight budget.

Insider Tip: For a more accurate picture, check the Sheridan County MLS for rentals. Avoid the "apartment complex" route if you can; the best deals are on private rentals listed on Facebook Marketplace or local bulletin boards.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sheridan is not a place for high-flying corporate ladders, but it is an excellent place to build a respected, well-paid trade career with a strong work-life balance.

• Specialty Premiums: The most lucrative path is into industrial controls or fiber optic installation. The co-op and utility work here increasingly involves SCADA systems and fiber networks. A journeyman with these skills can command $5-10/hour above the standard rate. Renewable energy (solar/wind) is growing, but slowly; it’s a niche to watch.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Utility Lineman: High pay (often $70k+), excellent benefits, but involves travel and storm duty.
  2. Master Electrician & Contractor: The ultimate goal. After a few years as a journeyman, you can study for your master’s license, start a business, and hire others. The ceiling here is $90k+, but you take on business risk.
  3. Facilities Manager: At the hospital, school district, or a large industrial plant. This is a salaried, 9-to-5 role with management duties.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 11% job growth is promising. It will be driven by:
  • Aging Workforce: Many current electricians are nearing retirement.
  • Infrastructure Upgrades: BMEC's fiber rollout and grid modernization.
  • Residential Remodels: Sheridan’s historic home stock always needs electrical updates to meet modern codes.
  • Cautious Note: Growth is steady, not explosive. Don't expect a boomtown rush. The market will remain stable and predictable.

The Verdict: Is Sheridan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living – Your paycheck goes far.	Limited job variety – You’re mostly tied to local industries.
Stable job market – Steady demand, less volatility.	Isolation – 2+ hours to a major airport (Billings or Denver).
Great work-life balance – Short commutes, clean air, outdoor access.	Harsh winters – Snow and cold can disrupt work for days.
Strong community – Easy to network and build a reputation.	Lower ceiling – Salaries top out sooner than in big metros.
No state income tax – A significant financial advantage.	Limited entertainment – Fine for outdoor lovers, less so for city life.

Final Recommendation:
Sheridan is an outstanding choice for a journeyman electrician looking for stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. It’s ideal if you value a short commute, love the outdoors (hunting, fishing, hiking), and want to be part of a tight-knit community. It’s not the place if your primary goal is to maximize salary at all costs or if you thrive on the energy and variety of a large metropolitan area. For the right person, it’s a place to build a career and a life.

FAQs

Q: I'm a licensed journeyman from another state. Can I work in Wyoming right away?
A: Possibly. Wyoming has reciprocity agreements with some states (like Montana, Nebraska, and North Dakota). You'll need to contact the Wyoming DFPES to verify your credentials and may need to take the state law and rules exam. If no reciprocity, you may need to document your hours and take the full exam.

Q: What's the weather really like for a field electrician?
A: You'll work in all seasons. Summers are dry and warm (80s-90s°F). Winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures often below freezing and significant snowfall. You'll need a reliable 4WD vehicle. The upside: very few rain days, so outdoor work isn't frequently delayed.

Q: Are unions strong in Sheridan?
A: The IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) has a local presence, but it’s not as dominant as in some states. Many electricians are non-union, working for small contracting firms or as independents. The utility (Rocky Mountain Power) and some larger contractors are unionized. Weigh the benefits against the membership costs for your situation.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship?
A: Contact the Wyoming Electrical Contractors Association (WECA). They have a list of member contractors who sponsor apprentices. Also, check with Bighorn Mountain Electrical Cooperative and Rocky Mountain Power for their apprenticeship programs. Insider Tip: Go directly to the shops. Walk in with your resume and ask to speak to the foreman. A face-to-face introduction is more effective than an online application.

Q: Is the job market competitive?
A: It’s not flooded with applicants, but it’s also not desperate for workers. The key is having your Wyoming license or being in the process of getting it. Employers are more likely to hire someone already licensed or clearly on the path. The 57 jobs on the market at any time will go to the most qualified locals or those who have made a clear effort to relocate.