Financial Analyst in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

If you're a financial analyst looking at Jackson, you're probably wondering if the paychecks can keep up with the mountain views. Let's cut to the chase with the numbers. The median salary for a financial analyst in Jackson is $98,118 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $47.17 per hour. This is slightly below the national average of $99,010 per year, but that gap is more than closed by the region's unique economic dynamics.

Jackson's job market is tight. There are only 21 financial analyst jobs in the metro area at any given time, but the 10-year job growth is a robust 9%. This isn't a sprawling corporate center; it's a specialized market where your skills are in demand.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level in Jackson. This is based on local market data and adjusted for the specific industries operating here.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$72,000 - $85,000	Often starts in banking or with small local firms. High cost of living can be a shock.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$90,000 - $110,000	The sweet spot. You’re in the median range. Specialization in real estate or investment analysis is a plus.
Senior (8-15 years)	$115,000 - $135,000	Typically involves team lead or manager roles. Often at larger regional banks or healthcare systems.
Expert (15+ years)	$138,000+	Usually a Director of Finance, CFO for a mid-sized organization, or a partner in a specialized firm.

Jackson vs. Other Wyoming Cities

Wyoming is a state of economic pockets. Jackson is a high-cost, high-opportunity outlier compared to the rest of the state, largely due to its tourism-driven economy and proximity to major Western markets.

Cost of Living Index: Jackson vs. Other WY Cities

City	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Median Housing Cost	Key Economic Driver
Jackson	97.0	$921/month (1BR)	Tourism, Outdoor Recreation, Wealthy Clientele
Cheyenne	95.5	$950/month	State Government, Energy
Casper	93.2	$875/month	Energy (Oil & Gas)
Laramie	94.8	$850/month	Education (University of WY)

While Jackson's index is 97.0, don't be fooled. This number is heavily influenced by lower costs for utilities and healthcare. The $921/month average 1BR rent is a statewide figure; in Jackson's core, you'll pay significantly more (see "Best Neighborhoods" section). The real financial pressure comes from housing and discretionary spending in a town where a meal for two can easily top $100.

Insider Tip: The national salary average of $99,010 is a useful benchmark, but your purchasing power in Jackson is different. A financial analyst in Jackson has more specialized earning potential due to the concentration of wealth management and real estate investment firms. You're not just analyzing a company; you're often analyzing assets for clients who own multi-million dollar properties.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's build a realistic monthly budget for a financial analyst earning the median salary of $98,118. This assumes you're a single filer with no dependents, using standard deductions. Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a major advantage.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Pre-Tax Income: $8,176)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Pay	$8,176
Federal Tax (Assumed 22% Bracket)	$1,300	Varies based on deductions, 401k, etc.
FICA (7.65%)	$625
Net Take-Home Pay	$~6,250
Rent (Average 1BR)	$921	See below for neighborhood specifics
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	Higher in winter for heating.
Groceries	$450	Prices are ~15% above national avg.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Crucial: Public transit is limited. A car is non-negotiable.
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-sponsored is standard.
Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment)	$800	Jackson's social life is expensive.
Savings/Investments	$1,500	Aim for 15-20% of net pay.
Total Expenses	$4,771
Remaining Buffer	$1,479

Can they afford to buy a home?

This is the biggest financial hurdle in Jackson. With a net take-home of ~$6,250 and average expenses of $4,771, you have a buffer of $1,479. However, the median home price in Jackson is approximately $1.2 million. A 20% down payment is $240,000. A mortgage on a $1M home, even at a low interest rate, would be over $5,000/month.

Verdict: On a single $98,118 salary, buying a home in Jackson is nearly impossible without significant outside wealth or a dual-income household. Renting is the standard for most professionals under age 45. The path to ownership often involves years of saving, investing in the stock market, or moving to a more affordable suburb like Driggs, Idaho (a 45-minute commute) and commuting.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

Jackson's financial analyst jobs aren't at Fortune 500 headquarters. They're with institutions that serve the needs of a wealthy, transient population and a booming local economy. Here are the key players:

1. First Interstate Bank: A major regional bank with a strong presence in Jackson. They have a dedicated commercial lending and wealth management division. They hire analysts for credit analysis, portfolio management, and commercial loan underwriting. Hiring is steady but competitive; they value local knowledge.

2. St. John's Health (Hospital): As the primary healthcare provider in the region, their finance department is a significant employer. Analysts here focus on budgeting, forecasting, and reimbursement analysis. The healthcare sector is recession-resistant. Insider Tip: Understanding the complexities of Medicare/Medicaid reimbursement is highly valued here.

3. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (Vail Resorts): A massive seasonal employer with a year-round corporate office. Analysts work on revenue management, capital expenditure planning for ski lift upgrades, and real estate development analysis. Hiring tends to be cyclical, with more openings in the fall for the winter season.

4. Teton County Government: Local government is a stable employer. Analysts work on budgeting, grant management, and economic impact studies related to tourism and conservation. Positions are publicly listed on the county website. The pace is slower but the benefits are strong.

5. Bridger Teton National Forest (USFS): Federal agency with a regional office. While not a traditional "finance" role, analysts work on budgeting, grants, and economic analysis for forest management projects. Federal jobs offer excellent benefits and job security but require navigating the USAJOBS application process.

6. Wealth Management & Family Offices: There are numerous boutique firms and single-family offices catering to ultra-high-net-worth individuals. These are often the highest-paying roles but are the hardest to break into without a personal network. They focus on investment analysis, tax strategy, and estate planning.

Hiring Trends: The 9% growth rate is driven by two main factors: the expansion of the healthcare system and the increasing complexity of the real estate market. There is a growing need for analysts who can model the financial impact of short-term rental regulations and tourism taxes. Digital skills (Excel modeling, SQL, Tableau) are now as important as traditional finance skills.

Getting Licensed in WY

For most financial analyst roles, you don't need a state-specific license. However, certain paths require national certifications.

• Series Licenses (For Investment Roles): If you're working in wealth management or as an investment adviser, you'll need to pass the FINRA Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law) exams. Your employer will typically sponsor you and provide study materials. Cost: Exam fees are ~$80 per attempt, but study materials can cost $1,000-$2,000. Timeline: 3-6 months of study.

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Useful for financial analysts who move into corporate accounting or controller roles. Wyoming does not have a state-specific CPA exam; it uses the Uniform CPA Exam. You need 150 credit hours of education, including 24 in accounting. Cost: Application ($150), Exam ($1,000-$1,500), Ethics ($150). Timeline: 18-24 months to complete all parts.

• Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA): Not a license, but the gold standard for investment analysis. Highly respected in portfolio management and research. It's a self-study program with three levels of exams. Cost: ~$3,000 for all three levels. Timeline: 2-4 years to complete all levels.

Wyoming State Licensing Board: The Wyoming Board of Accountancy (for CPAs) is the primary regulator. For securities, it's the Wyoming Division of Banking. You can find detailed requirements on their websites. Insider Tip: Wyoming is a relatively easy state for licensure reciprocity for CPAs and CFPs, which is helpful if you're moving from another state.

Best Neighborhoods for Financial Analysts

Your neighborhood choice will directly impact your commute, social life, and budget.

1. Town of Jackson (The "Hole")

   • Vibe: The epicenter. Walkable to restaurants, shops, and the town square. High energy, high cost.
   • Commute: Walk or bike for most in-town jobs. A 5-10 minute drive for jobs at the hospital or Mountain Resort office.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $2,000+
   • Best For: Young professionals who want to be in the action and can share housing.

2. East Jackson

   • Vibe: More residential, with a mix of older homes and newer developments. Quieter than downtown.
   • Commute: 10-15 minute drive to Town Square. Easy access to Highway 22/89.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,500
   • Best For: Those wanting a bit more space and a residential feel without a long commute.

3. Rendezvous Mountain / Teton Village

   • Vibe: Luxury, resort-focused. Where you'd live if you work at the Mountain Resort or are in wealth management. Very expensive.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to Town Square. Can be congested during peak season.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $3,000+ (often seasonal leases)
   • Best For: High-income professionals working in the resort or luxury real estate sectors.

4. West Jackson (Aspen Springs, etc.)

   • Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented. Larger lots, more modern homes. Known for good school districts.
   • Commute: 15-20 minute drive to Town Square. Traffic can be heavy on the main arteries.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300 (more likely to find 2BR for similar price)
   • Best For: Those planning to start a family or who need more space. A car is absolutely essential.

Commuter Reality: In Jackson, a 20-minute drive is considered a short commute. The lack of a true interstate and the seasonal influx of tourists (especially in summer) can make drives unpredictable.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career path for a financial analyst in Jackson is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about developing a niche.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Real Estate Finance: Understanding development financing, commercial lease analysis, and the unique tax implications of owning property in a resort county. Premium: 10-15% over generalist roles.
  • Non-Profit/Government Finance: Expertise in grant accounting, impact investing, and public sector budgeting. Premium: Steady, but with excellent work-life balance.
  • Wealth Management / Family Office: Analyzing complex investment portfolios, estate planning strategies, and tax-efficient giving. Premium: Highest earning potential, often with bonuses tied to asset performance.

• Advancement Paths:

  • Corporate Path: Senior Analyst -> Manager of Finance -> Director of Finance -> CFO. This is most common in hospitality, healthcare, and banking.
  • Specialist Path: Financial Analyst -> Senior Analyst (Specialty) -> Portfolio Manager or Investment Advisor. This is common in wealth management and real estate investment.
  • Consulting Path: Build expertise, then launch a micro-consulting firm serving local businesses and non-profits. High risk, high reward.

• 10-Year Outlook:
  The 9% job growth is solid, but it's not explosive. The big opportunities will be in sustainable finance (analyzing the ROI of green initiatives for the resort and county) and data analytics (using data to optimize tourism marketing and resource allocation). The growth of remote work is a double-edged sword: it brings in high-earning residents who need financial planning, but it also means local firms compete for talent with employers in Denver, Salt Lake City, and beyond.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unique, high-value client base. Your work isn't just numbers; it's tied to tangible, world-class assets.	Extremely high cost of living. The $98,118 median salary provides a comfortable but not luxurious lifestyle.
Access to unparalleled outdoor recreation. Your backyard is a national park.	Limited job market. Only 21 jobs means less choice and potentially longer searches.
No state income tax. Your paycheck goes further than in many other states.	Seasonal economy. Tourism peaks can mean traffic, crowded amenities, and seasonal job fluctuations in some sectors.
High quality of life. Small-town community with a global mindset.	Housing crisis. Buying a home is a major financial hurdle for most.
Networking is personal. The community is small; you build deep connections.	Isolation. You're far from major airports (nearest commercial is in Idaho Falls, 1.5 hrs away).

Final Recommendation:

Jackson is an excellent choice for a financial analyst who:

• Has a specialized interest in real estate, wealth management, or hospitality.
• Is outdoor-oriented and values lifestyle over a dense urban environment.
• Is financially prepared for high rent and the long-term goal of homeownership (likely through dual income or significant prior savings).
• Thrives in a small, interconnected community rather than a anonymous corporate environment.

For a generalist analyst looking for the highest national salary, Jackson may not be the first choice. But for those seeking a unique blend of professional challenge and an unbeatable quality of life, the numbers and the lifestyle can align, provided you do your homework and budget realistically.

FAQs

Q: Is the median salary of $98,118 enough for a comfortable life in Jackson?
A: It's enough for a comfortable renting lifestyle if you budget carefully. You can afford a nice 1BR apartment, a reliable car, and an active social life. However, saving for a down payment on a home will require disciplined budgeting and likely a second income.

Q: How does the cost of living index of 97.0 affect my budget?
A: The index is misleadingly low. It's skewed by low costs for utilities and healthcare. Your biggest expenses—housing and food—are significantly above national averages. Act as if the index is closer to 105-110 when planning your budget.

Q: Do I need a car in Jackson?
A: Yes. Public transit (START bus) is limited and doesn't cover all residential areas or employer locations. A car is an absolute necessity for commuting, grocery shopping, and accessing recreation. Factor in $500/month for a car payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance.

Q: Are there opportunities for remote work with Jackson-based firms?
A: It's growing, but still limited. Some boutique wealth management firms and consulting practices are open to hybrid models. However, most local employers (bank, hospital, county) require in-office presence due to the collaborative nature of the work and client interactions.

Q: What's the best way to find a job in Jackson's small market?
A: Tap into the network. Connect with professionals on LinkedIn who work at the major employers. Attend local business chamber events. Many positions are filled through referrals before they