Plumber in Cheyenne, WY

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Cheyenne, WY.

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The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

As a local who’s watched the plumbing trade evolve here for years, I can tell you that Cheyenne offers a stable, solid career path for plumbers, though it doesn’t quite hit the national pay peak. The local economy is heavily influenced by state government, military installations, and the energy sector, which creates consistent demand for skilled tradespeople. However, the cost of living is a significant factor that makes these wages go further than in many other parts of the country.

Let’s get straight to the numbers. According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median salary for a plumber in the Cheyenne metropolitan area is $61,620 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.62. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the local market is robust, with an estimated 130 jobs in the metro area and a projected 10-year job growth of 6%. This growth is driven by new construction, aging infrastructure, and the constant need for maintenance and repair work.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn in Cheyenne at different stages of your career. These figures are based on local job postings, industry reports, and conversations with shop owners.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities in Cheyenne
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$40,000 - $50,000	Assisting with installations, learning code, basic repairs. Often starts with drain cleaning.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$61,620 (Median)	Leading service calls, installing fixtures, working on new residential builds.
Senior-Level (Master/Journeyman+)	$70,000 - $85,000	Complex commercial projects, system design, mentoring apprentices, emergency response.
Expert/Specialist	$90,000+	Medical gas, industrial piping, backflow prevention, or starting your own outfit.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

Cheyenne isn't the highest-paying city in Wyoming for plumbers, but it offers a compelling balance of wage and opportunity.

| City | Median Salary | Notes |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Cheyenne | $61,620 | Strong mix of residential, commercial, and government work. |
| Casper | ~$63,100 | Higher wages, but more tied to energy sector volatility. |
| Laramie | ~$59,500 | University-driven market (UW) with a focus on residential. |
| Gillette | ~$64,800 | Mining boom can drive wages up, but market is less stable. |

Insider Tip: Don’t just chase the highest number on paper. A $3,000 difference in salary can be wiped out by a volatile local economy (like Gillette’s mining dependence) or a longer commute. Cheyenne’s stability, tied to state government and F.E. Warren AFB, is a major non-monetary benefit.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $61,620 salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your daily life? Cheyenne’s cost of living is a key advantage. The overall index is 90.9 (US avg = 100), meaning you get about 10% more purchasing power than the average American. Housing is the biggest savings.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a plumber earning the median salary. We’ll assume a single filer, using federal tax estimates for a gross annual income of $61,620.

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,135
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~$1,100
• Net Monthly Income: $4,035

Now, let’s allocate that net income. The average 1-bedroom rent in Cheyenne is $917/month.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	You can find decent apartments in the $850-$1,100 range.
Utilities (Heat, Elec, Water)	$200	Wyoming winters are harsh; heating costs are a real factor.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	A reliable truck is a job requirement. Insurance rates are moderate.
Groceries	$350
Health Insurance	$250	Varies widely if through an employer.
Savings & Retirement (15%)	$770	Crucial. This trade is hard on your body; save for the future.
Miscellaneous	$1,048	Gas, tools, entertainment, clothes. A very comfortable buffer.
TOTAL	$4,035

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $285,000. With the budget above, saving a 20% down payment ($57,000) is challenging but feasible with discipline over 3-5 years. Many local lenders offer programs for tradespeople. A more common path is a 5-10% down payment ($28,500 - $57,000), which would increase your monthly mortgage payment to roughly $1,600-$1,800 (including taxes/insurance). With your net income of $4,035, this is still very manageable, leaving you with over $2,200 for other expenses. Homeownership is a realistic goal for a mid-to-senior level plumber in Cheyenne.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Cheyenne is diverse, but it’s dominated by a few key players. Most journeymen and apprentices work for established local companies, with opportunities in both residential service and construction.

1. A & B Plumbing & Heating: A Cheyenne staple for decades. They handle a huge mix of residential and commercial projects. They are a primary employer for apprentices and are known for investing in certification training.
2. Mountain View Plumbing & Heating: Another major player with a strong reputation in new construction, especially in the growing areas like the South Hills. They often hire for project-based work.
3. CIC Plumbing & Heating: Focuses heavily on commercial and industrial work. This is where you’ll get experience with larger-scale systems, including work for local government and the military base.
4. F.E. Warren Air Force Base (Maintenance & Civil Engineering): The base is a massive employer. Civilian jobs (often posted on USAJobs.gov) are competitive but offer excellent benefits and stability. They handle all plumbing for base housing, facilities, and critical infrastructure.
5. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC): As the largest hospital in the region, CRMC maintains a full facilities team, including licensed plumbers for medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and general maintenance. These are often union positions with great benefits.
6. Laramie County School District #1: The local school district employs maintenance staff, including plumbers, to service over 30 schools. This offers a steady schedule and public employee benefits.
7. Local Construction Firms (e.g., Bell, Buckley): These large construction companies often have in-house or contracted plumbing teams for major projects like the new housing developments, the airport expansion, and municipal buildings.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift towards service and repair over new construction. The market for new homes is steady but not booming, whereas the call for emergency service, drain cleaning, and fixture upgrades is constant. Companies are actively looking for journeymen with strong customer service skills and a CDL for driving service vans. Apprenticeship positions are competitive; persistence and a willingness to start with grunt work (drain cleaning, basement rough-ins) are key.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a clear, straightforward licensing process through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES).

1. Apprenticeship: The first step. You must be registered with the Wyoming State Plumbing Board as an apprentice. You’ll need 4-6 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed master plumber.
2. Journeyman License: After your apprenticeship, you must pass the Wyoming Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam is based on the International Plumbing Code (IPC) with state amendments. The exam fee is approximately $150.
3. Master License: To become a master plumber (required to own a business or pull permits), you need two additional years as a journeyman (4,000 hours) and must pass the Wyoming Master Plumber Exam. The fee is also around $150.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Schooling: Some companies sponsor tuition; otherwise, expect to pay $2,000 - $4,000 for evening classes over your 4-year apprenticeship.
• Exam Fees: $150 per exam level.
• Total Licensing Cost (if self-funded): ~$4,000 - $5,000 over 4-6 years.
• Timeline: To go from zero to a licensed journeyman, plan for 4-6 years. Cheyenne has a few apprenticeship programs, but the most common path is getting hired on by a company that sponsors you.

Insider Tip: The WY exam is heavily focused on code. Buy the most recent code book and study it front-to-back. Many local trade schools offer short, intensive prep courses just before exam time.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Cheyenne affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods plumbers often choose.

1. East Cheyenne (Southland & Fox Farm Areas):

   • Commute: Excellent. You’re central to most of the city’s service calls. Easy access to I-80 and I-25.
   • Lifestyle: Established neighborhoods, affordable older homes (good for a plumber to buy and fix up), and plenty of amenities. Family-friendly.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,050/month for a 1BR/2BR.

2. South Cheyenne (The "South Hills" & Granite Ridge):

   • Commute: Good. Slightly longer if jobs are on the north side, but new subdivisions mean lots of new construction work.
   • Lifestyle: Newer homes, modern apartments, and great views. More upscale. Close to the Cheyenne Country Club and newer retail.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month for a modern 1BR/2BR.

3. North Cheyenne (Near F.E. Warren AFB):

   • Commute: Very good, especially if you work on base. Quick access to downtown.
   • Lifestyle: Mix of older military housing and some newer apartments. Can be noisier due to base activity. Affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $950/month. Often the most budget-friendly option.

4. Downtown/Urban Core:

   • Commute: Walking distance to many shops and restaurants. Easy access to service calls in the core.
   • Lifestyle: Historic charm, walkable, but limited parking if you have a work truck. More apartment living.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for loft-style apartments.

5. West Cheyenne (Near the Capitol & Airport):

   • Commute: Excellent for jobs at the State Capitol, airport, or related to government contracts.
   • Lifestyle: Mix of government workers, airport staff, and families. Good schools.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,100/month.

Insider Tip: For a plumber, East Cheyenne is often the sweet spot. It’s centrally located, housing is affordable, and you’re never more than a 15-minute drive from any major job site.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber in Cheyenne isn’t stuck turning wrenches forever. The path to higher earnings involves specialization and business acumen.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest wage jumps come from niche skills.

  • Medical Gas & Backflow Prevention: Certifying in these areas can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. Hospitals (CRMC) and large commercial clients (like the Capitol Complex) require this work.
  • Industrial/Commercial Piping: Working on large-scale systems for energy, agriculture, or manufacturing has a premium over residential service.
  • Irrigation & Fire Sprinklers: Commercial and high-end residential work often includes these systems, which are lucrative specialties.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Manager: Oversee a team of technicians, handle scheduling, and quality control. Salary can reach $80,000+.
  2. Project Foreman: Lead crews on large construction projects (new schools, hospitals). Pay is often tied to project bonuses.
  3. Business Owner: The ultimate path. A successful small plumbing business in Cheyenne can net the owner $100,000 - $150,000+, but it comes with overhead, marketing, and liability.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is solid. The biggest driver will be retirement. A significant portion of the current licensed master plumbers in Cheyenne are over 55. This creates a vacuum for the next generation of licensed pros to step into leadership and ownership roles. If you get licensed in the next 5-7 years, you’ll be perfectly positioned for the next decade of opportunity.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Here’s a final, honest breakdown to help you decide.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here than on the coasts.	Cold Winters: The wind and snow are real. Your vehicle and tools need to handle it.
Stable Job Market: Tied to government/military, not just one industry.	Limited Nightlife/Scene: It’s a quiet, family-oriented city. If you want big city vibes, look elsewhere.
Realistic Homeownership: A journeyman plumber can absolutely afford to buy a home.	Wages Slightly Below National Average: You trade some high earning potential for quality of life.
Outdoor Access: Gateway to the Laramie Mountains and Wyoming’s outdoor recreation.	Can Feel Isolated: It’s a 2-hour drive to Denver for a major city fix.
Tight-Knit Trade Community: You’ll know other plumbers; reputation matters.	Apprenticeship Competition: Getting your foot in the door at a good company requires hustle.

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent choice for a plumber who values stability, affordability, and a "work hard, live well" lifestyle. It’s ideal for someone looking to start a family, buy a home, and build a long-term career without the financial pressure of a major metro area. It’s less ideal for a single person seeking bustling nightlife or for someone who wants to chase the absolute highest salary in the trade, regardless of location. For most, the balance here is right.

FAQs

Q: Is it worth getting my license in Wyoming if I’m already licensed in another state?
A: Wyoming does not have reciprocity with any other state. You would likely need to apply for a Wyoming license by examination. However, your out-of-state experience will count toward the required hours, potentially allowing you to test for your Journeyman or Master license immediately. Contact the Wyoming DFPES for a specific evaluation.

Q: Do I need a pickup truck for this job?
A: In Cheyenne, yes. Most service plumbers drive their own trucks or are issued a work van. A reliable, 4WD/AWD vehicle is highly recommended, especially for winter service calls in outlying areas. Many employers provide a truck after you're hired, but you'll need a vehicle to get to interviews and the job site initially.

Q: What’s the biggest challenge for plumbers in Cheyenne?
A: The wind. Cheyenne is one of the windiest cities in the U.S. It affects outdoor work, vehicle safety, and even how you handle certain materials. Dressing in layers and securing tools properly is a daily skill.

Q: How do I find an apprenticeship in Cheyenne?
A: The best way is to apply directly to local companies like A & B, Mountain View, and CIC. Be persistent. Walk into their offices with a resume. Also, check with the Wyoming Apprenticeship and Training Program. Networking at local trade supply houses (like Ferguson or local plumbing supply stores) can also lead to leads.

Q: Is the work seasonal?
A: Construction slows in the winter, but service and repair work is year-round. Frozen pipes are a huge business from November to March. A good service plumber can stay busy all year, though there may be fewer hours during the coldest weeks.