Financial Analyst in Cheyenne, WY

As a local career analyst who’s watched Cheyenne’s job market evolve from a railroad hub to a diversified state capital, I can tell you this isn’t just another dot on the map. For Financial Analysts, Cheyenne offers a unique blend of government stability, growing financial services, and a cost of living that’s roughly 10% below the national average. If you’re tired of grinding in a high-cost coastal city and want your salary to stretch, this guide is for you.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

The median salary for a Financial Analyst in Cheyenne is $96,307 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.30. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010, but the context is everything. With only 130 jobs in the metro area and a 10-year job growth projection of 9%, the market is small but stable. This isn’t a place for rapid job-hopping; it’s for building a long-term career with predictable advancement.

Here’s how that breaks down by experience level, based on local hiring data and cost-of-living adjustments:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Cheyenne)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $82,000	Data entry, basic modeling, supporting senior analysts, reporting.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $108,000	Independent modeling, budgeting, forecasting, presenting to management.
Senior (8-12 yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000	Leading projects, mentoring, complex financial planning, stakeholder interface.
Expert/Manager (12+ yrs)	$135,000+	Department head, strategic planning, corporate finance, mergers & acquisitions.

How does Cheyenne compare to other Wyoming cities?

• Jackson: Higher salaries (often $100k+ for mid-level) but an astronomical cost of living, driven by tourism and real estate. Rent for a 1BR can easily exceed $2,000.
• Casper: Similar salary range ($94k-$98k median), but with a more oil-and-gas influenced economy, leading to more volatility.
• Laramie: Home to the University of Wyoming, so more entry-level and research-focused roles, with salaries typically 5-8% lower than Cheyenne.

Cheyenne hits a sweet spot: the highest salaries in the state outside of Jackson, paired with a manageable cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $96,307, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax (Wyoming has no state income tax) will be approximately $5,800 - $6,100 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,950	After all taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	Cheyenne's average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Winters are cold; heating bills matter.
Groceries	$350	Competitive with national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in a car-dependent city.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer; often subsidized.
Retirement (401k, 10%)	$800	Highly recommended; many employers match.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,803	Movies, dining out, hobbies, travel.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $325,000. With a $96,307 salary and a $917 rent, you can comfortably save for a down payment. Using a standard 28/36 rule, your maximum monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be around $2,247. A 30-year mortgage on a $325k home (with 20% down) would be roughly $1,300/month, well within your budget. This is a stark contrast to markets like Denver or Salt Lake City, where a similar salary would stretch you thin.

Insider Tip: Look for homes in the South Cheyenne or East Cheyenne areas. They offer newer construction, good school districts (if that's a factor), and easier commutes to downtown offices. Avoid the immediate downtown historic district if you want a modern condo; inventory is low and prices are high.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. With a median salary of $96,307, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and state income tax (Wyoming has no state income tax) will be approximately $5,800 - $6,100 per month, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, No Dependents):

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,950	After all taxes.
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	Cheyenne's average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Winters are cold; heating bills matter.
Groceries	$350	Competitive with national averages.
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in a car-dependent city.
Health Insurance	$250	Varies by employer; often subsidized.
Retirement (401k, 10%)	$800	Highly recommended; many employers match.
Discretionary/Entertainment	$1,803	Movies, dining out, hobbies, travel.

Can you afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $325,000. With a $96,307 salary and a $917 rent, you can comfortably save for a down payment. Using a standard 28/36 rule, your maximum monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) could be around $2,247. A 30-year mortgage on a $325k home (with 20% down) would be roughly $1,300/month, well within your budget. This is a stark contrast to markets like Denver or Salt Lake City, where a similar salary would stretch you thin.

Insider Tip: Look for homes in the South Cheyenne or East Cheyenne areas. They offer newer construction, good school districts (if that's a factor), and easier commutes to downtown offices. Avoid the immediate downtown historic district if you want a modern condo; inventory is low and prices are high.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

Cheyenne isn't a Wall Street satellite. Its financial sector is tied to insurance, government, and regional banking. Here are the key players:

1. State of Wyoming: The largest employer. The Department of Administration & Information and the Department of Finance are constantly hiring financial analysts for budgeting, forecasting, and managing state funds. Salaries for state roles are public; a mid-level analyst starts around $75,000, but benefits are exceptional (pension, 457 plan, excellent health insurance).
2. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center: As the largest hospital in the region, it has a robust finance department for budgeting, revenue cycle analysis, and grant management. With healthcare finance being a stable specialty, this is a great landing spot.
3. U.S. Federal Government (F.E. Warren AFB): This is a major economic driver. While civilian analyst jobs are posted on USAJobs.gov, the base's presence supports a network of defense contractors like Leidos and Northrop Grumman that hire analysts for government contract financial management.
4. First Interstate Bank & Bank of the West: These regional banks have significant corporate offices in Cheyenne. They hire analysts for commercial lending support, credit analysis, and internal finance. This is where you get pure banking experience.
5. Liberty Mutual Insurance: Liberty Mutual has a large claims and operations campus here. They employ analysts for actuarial support, claims forecasting, and financial planning for their western division.
6. Local Government & Municipalities: The City of Cheyenne and Laramie County also employ analysts for public finance, capital project budgeting, and utility accounting.

Hiring Trends: There’s a steady demand for analysts who understand government accounting (GASB) and non-profit/healthcare finance. Private sector roles are more niche. A lot of hiring happens through networking and internal referrals, so attending local events like the Wyoming Society of CPAs meetings is crucial.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-specific license for financial analysts in the traditional sense (like a CPA for public accounting). However, certifications are critical for advancement.

• Certifications: The CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) is the gold standard for investment analysis. The FMVA (Financial Modeling & Valuation Analyst) from CFI is increasingly valued for hands-on modeling roles. For corporate finance, the CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is excellent.
• State Licensing: If you move into selling securities (e.g., becoming a financial advisor), you must register with the Wyoming Division of Banking and pass the Series 7 and 66 exams. For pure analysis, this isn't required.
• Costs & Timeline:
  • CFA Level I: Exam fee ~$1,200; study materials ~$500. Timeline: 6-12 months of study.
  • FMVA: Online course/certification ~$500. Timeline: 3-6 months.
  • Wyoming Insurance License: For selling insurance products (e.g., in a bank setting), you’ll need a license via the Wyoming Department of Insurance. Fee: ~$150. Timeline: 2-4 weeks of study.

Insider Tip: Many employers in Cheyenne, especially the state and larger corporations, offer professional development stipends. Always ask about this during interviews. The state government, for example, is known to cover exam fees for relevant certifications.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Commuting in Cheyenne is a breeze—most drives are under 20 minutes. Your choice depends on lifestyle, not traffic.

1. Downtown/Capitol Hill (Central):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, close to the state capitol building and major banks. Mix of apartments and older homes.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to most offices. Walkable for downtown workers.
   • Rent Estimate: A 1BR apartment: $1,000 - $1,300/month. A 2BR: $1,400+.

2. South Cheyenne (The "South Side"):

   • Vibe: Family-friendly, quiet, with newer subdivisions (1990s-present). Great schools (East High School district).
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown. Easy access to I-25.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR apartments are less common; focus on 2BRs: $1,200 - $1,500/month.

3. East Cheyenne (The "East Side"):

   • Vibe: Similar to South Cheyenne but more established, with mid-century homes and mature trees. Close to the Cheyenne Country Club.
   • Commute: 10-12 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: Comparable to South Cheyenne: $1,200 - $1,500/month for a 2BR.

4. West Cheyenne (Near the Airport/FE Warren):

   • Vibe: Mix of older military housing from the base and new developments. More affordable, but can feel less "central."
   • Commute: 15 minutes to downtown, but immediate access to the base and airport.
   • Rent Estimate: One of the most affordable areas: 1BR for $800 - $1,000/month.

Recommendation: For a single professional, Downtown offers the best social life and shortest commute. For those wanting to buy a home and start a family, South Cheyenne is the top choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 9% is modest, but it's not about quantity—it's about quality and specialization.

• Specialty Premiums: In Cheyenne, analysts with expertise in public finance (municipal bonds), healthcare reimbursement, or federal government contracting (FAR/DFARS regulations) command a premium. These skills are in high demand locally and are transferable nationally.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Analyst -> Senior Analyst -> Finance Manager -> Director of Finance. In Cheyenne, you can reach a senior/manager level within 7-10 years. The ceiling is lower than in NYC or Chicago, but the floor is much higher due to the low cost of living. A Director of Finance at a major local employer or the state can earn $140,000 - $160,000, which is a top-tier income in Cheyenne.
• 10-Year Outlook: The financial sector in Cheyenne is stable, anchored by government and insurance. Growth will come from the expansion of these existing employers, not new startups. The key is to build a deep, specialized skill set within these industries. Remote work is becoming more acceptable, opening up opportunities with larger firms based in Denver or Salt Lake while living in Cheyenne.

Insider Tip: Your most significant career growth will come from moving between employers every 3-5 years. The market is small, so lateral moves to gain diverse experience (e.g., from state government to a hospital) are more valuable than vertical climbs within a single organization.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High purchasing power. Your $96k salary goes much further here.	Limited job market. Only 130 jobs means less choice and slower exit opportunities.
No state income tax. Every dollar earned is more valuable.	Isolation. The nearest major city (Denver) is a 2-hour drive. Cultural options are local.
Stable, recession-resistant employers (government, hospitals, banks).	Small professional network. You must be proactive to build connections.
Easy commute and minimal traffic.	Weather. Winters are long, cold, and windy. Summers are dry and hot.
Outdoor access is unparalleled (hiking, skiing, fishing within minutes).	Less dynamism. The pace is slower; changes happen gradually.

Final Recommendation:
Cheyenne is an excellent choice for Financial Analysts who:

• Prioritize financial stability and quality of life over rapid career velocity.
• Want to buy a home and build equity early in their career.
• Thrive in a smaller, close-knit professional community.
• Value government or healthcare finance and are willing to specialize.

It is not the right fit if you:

• Are seeking a high-flying, fast-paced career in investment banking or venture capital.
• Require a bustling, diverse nightlife and a large metropolitan culture.
• Are unwilling to adapt to a car-dependent lifestyle and cold winters.

For the right person, Cheyenne offers a rare combination: a respectable salary, a low cost of living, and a stable, meaningful career path.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a job as a Financial Analyst in Cheyenne?
Yes, if you're looking to apply and hear back in a week. The market is small and competitive. Most jobs are filled through networking and internal postings. Your best strategy is to connect with local professionals on LinkedIn, attend Wyoming Society of CPAs events, and be patient. The 130 jobs in the metro means you must be strategic.

2. What’s the winter like? Can I handle it?
From November to March, expect temperatures between 20°F and 40°F, with frequent snow and high winds. Cheyenne is one of the windiest cities in the US. If you have a reliable AWD/4WD vehicle and don’t mind being indoors for several months, it’s manageable. The dry air makes the cold feel less bitter than in humid climates.

3. Are there opportunities for remote work?
Yes, and they’re growing. Many local employers (like Liberty Mutual and the State of Wyoming) are now open to hybrid models. Additionally, you can live in Cheyenne and work remotely for a larger firm in Denver or Salt Lake City. This gives you the best of both worlds: a big-city salary with Cheyenne’s cost of living.

4. How important is a CPA or CFA in Cheyenne?
For pure financial analysis roles