Plumber in Gillette, WY

As a career analyst who’s spent time in Wyoming, I can tell you that Gillette isn't your typical city. It’s a tough, blue-collar town built on energy, grit, and the constant need for skilled trades. For a plumber, this isn't just a job—it's a lifeline for a community that depends on reliable infrastructure in a harsh climate. If you're considering moving here, you need the straight facts: the money, the neighborhoods, the employers, and the realities of daily life.

This guide breaks down what it means to build a plumbing career in Gillette, Campbell County, Wyoming.

The Salary Picture: Where Gillette Stands

Let’s cut to the chase: money is the primary reason people move for trades work. The data for plumbers in Gillette is specific and telling. The median salary for a plumber here is $62,779 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.18. This is slightly below the national average of $63,350, but the context of Gillette’s economy changes the math dramatically (more on that later).

The job market is tight. There are only about 66 plumbing jobs in the metro area. This isn’t a massive, booming city like Denver or Phoenix; it’s a specialized market. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s stable. In an energy-dependent town like Gillette, stability is often more valuable than boom-and-bust cycles.

Experience-Level Breakdown

To understand where that median number comes from, you need to see the career ladder. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on regional data and local market conditions:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (Apprentice)	$45,000 - $52,000	Assisting senior plumbers, basic pipe cutting/soldering, drain cleaning, learning code.
Mid-Level (Journeyman)	$58,000 - $68,000	Independent service calls, new construction rough-ins, troubleshooting, permitting.
Senior (Master/Journey+)	$70,000 - $85,000	Complex commercial work, project supervision, business development, advanced system design.
Expert (Specialist/Owner)	$90,000+	Specialized systems (medical gas, industrial), firm ownership, high-end custom residential.

Comparison to Other WY Cities

Wyoming is a state of distinct markets. Gillette sits somewhere in the middle, not as high as the oil boom towns but more stable than tourist areas.

• Casper: Similar median salary, but a larger market with more commercial and industrial work tied to refining. Comparable cost of living.
• Cheyenne: State capital, more government and service-sector jobs. Salaries may be slightly higher (~$65,000), but so is the rent.
• Jackson Hole/Teton County: The salary is much higher ($75,000+), but the cost of living is astronomical. A plumber in Jackson may earn more but struggle more with housing.
• Laramie: College town, more residential and light commercial. Salaries trend lower (~$58,000), with a younger, less experienced workforce.

Gillette offers a middle ground: solid wages without the extreme cost pressures of the resort towns or the hyper-competitive markets of larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where the Gillette advantage becomes clear. The average 1BR rent is $921/month, and the Cost of Living Index is 97.0 (US avg = 100). This is your key.

Let’s run the numbers for a plumber earning the median salary of $62,779.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,231
• Estimated Taxes (25% combined): -$1,308 (Federal, State, FICA)
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,923
• Rent (1BR average): -$921
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Insurance, Gas, Savings: $3,002

With over $3,000 left after rent and taxes, a plumber in Gillette has significant financial breathing room. This is where the local economy shines. That remaining amount can go toward:

• Savings down payment: In Gillette, the median home price is around $325,000. At this income, saving a 20% down payment ($65,000) is aggressive but feasible in 3-5 years with disciplined budgeting.
• A reliable truck: Essential for this trade and the Wyoming climate.
• Outdoor hobbies: From hunting on public land to ATVs, disposable income here is often funneled into local lifestyle activities.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. With a net income of ~$3,923 and a mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) estimated around $1,600-$1,800 for a $325,000 home, you’re looking at a housing cost of ~45% of net income. It’s tight but manageable, especially with a dual-income household.

Where the Jobs Are: Gillette's Major Employers

The job market for plumbers here is not about corporate diversity; it’s about the foundational needs of a resource-based city. You work where the people and the infrastructure are.

1. Roto-Rooter Plumbing & Drain Service: A national franchise with a local presence. This is your go-to for residential and commercial service calls. They’re always hiring for licensed technicians because the demand for emergency repairs (especially in winter) is constant.
2. Gillette Heating & Plumbing: A long-standing local company. Their focus is often on new residential construction and home HVAC/plumbing systems. They have deep ties with local builders and are a great place to learn the trade from the ground up.
3. Campbell County Health (CCH): The regional medical center. While they have a facilities maintenance team, they contract out major plumbing work. Getting a relationship with their preferred contractors can lead to steady, high-paying commercial work. This is where you find specialized jobs like medical gas lines for clinics and hospitals.
4. Energy Companies & Industrial Contractors: This is the big one. Companies like Arch Resources (formerly Arch Coal) and Peabody Energy, along with their myriad of contractors, need industrial plumbers for mine sites, processing facilities, and administrative buildings. This work often pays a premium ($80,000+) for those with the right certifications and experience in industrial settings.
5. Gillette College & Campbell County School District #1: Large institutions with constant maintenance needs. The school district, with its multiple campuses, is a steady source of repair and renovation work, especially during summer months.
6. Local General Contractors: Firms like Hansen, Shane & Co. or Rotella/Warren Construction handle new commercial builds (like the recent developments near the CAM-PLEX multi-event facility). They need plumbers for rough-in and finish work on new restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces.

Hiring Trend Insight: The hiring trend is less about mass postings and more about networking. The community is tight-knit. Your best bet is to contact these employers directly, walk in with your resume, and ask to speak to the service manager or foreman.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming has a straightforward but strict licensing process managed by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (WDFPES). You cannot work as a plumber without the proper license.

State-Specific Requirements:

1. Apprenticeship: You need 4-6 years of documented, supervised work experience (typically 8,000 hours). You must be registered as an apprentice with the state.
2. Journeyman License: Requires passing the state journeyman plumbing exam (based on the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code). You need to submit an application, proof of experience, and pay a fee.
3. Master License: Requires an additional 2 years of journeyman-level work and passing the master plumbing exam. This is required to pull permits as a contractor.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship Registration: Minimal fee (under $50).
• Journeyman Exam Fee: ~$150.
• Master Exam Fee: ~$150.
• License Application Fee (annual): ~$250 for journeyman, ~$350 for master.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're already a licensed journeyman from another state, Wyoming may have reciprocity agreements (check with WDFPES). If you're starting from scratch, expect a 4-6 year path to become a journeyman. The process is rigorous but efficient if you have a sponsor.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Gillette means balancing commute, convenience, and lifestyle. The city is spread out, and winters are tough, so location matters.

1. West Hills (The "North End"): This is where most of the new construction is happening. You’re close to jobs at the industrial plants and the newer housing developments. Commute to anywhere in town is under 15 minutes.

   • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,200 for a 1BR or 2BR apartment.
   • Lifestyle: Modern, family-oriented, with easy access to the new mall and restaurants.

2. Downtown/Central Gillette: The historic heart of the city. Older homes, walkable to local diners, the library, and the community college. It’s a shorter commute to service calls in the core, but older housing stock means more repair work.

   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: More character, closer to cultural events at the CAM-PLEX, but fewer modern amenities.

3. South Gillette: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and apartments. It’s a practical choice for Plumbers who want to save on housing costs. The commute is still manageable (10-15 mins to downtown).

   • Rent Estimate: $750 - $900 for a 1BR.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, residential, with easy access to I-90 if you need to head out to job sites in the county.

4. Ranchettes Area (East of Town): If you want more space and a rural feel, this is it. It’s a 15-20 minute drive to the city center, but you get land for a workshop, a garage for your truck and tools, and a quieter life.

   • Rent Estimate: For a small house or trailer, ~$1,000 - $1,300.
   • Lifestyle: Ideal for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who value privacy. Not for someone who wants to walk to the bar.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area around the older motels on the east side of I-90. While cheap, it’s the least desirable part of town and can have higher crime rates. Stick to the established residential areas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Gillette, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about gaining specialized skills that command higher pay in a niche market.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial & Mine Work: Plumbers with experience in high-pressure systems, welding, and mineral processing can earn a 20-30% premium over residential rates.
  • Medical Gas Certification: This is a high-value credential. Hospitals and clinics in Campbell County and the surrounding region need certified installers. It’s a steady, lucrative niche.
  • Heavy Equipment Systems: Understanding the hydraulic and coolant systems for the massive dump trucks used in mining can open doors to industrial maintenance roles.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Service Technician to Crew Lead: Start with service calls, move to leading a small team on construction projects.
  2. Journeyman to Master Contractor: Get your master’s license, start your own small business. The market is big enough for a reliable local firm but small enough to avoid massive competition from national chains.
  3. Specialist to Consultant: After years in industrial work, you could consult for energy companies on system efficiency and maintenance planning.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% growth is tied to the energy sector. If coal and natural gas remain stable, so does the plumbing demand. However, the push toward green energy is real. Plumbers who learn to install and maintain systems for new energy projects (e.g., hydrogen, geothermal) will have a long-term edge. The key is adaptability.

The Verdict: Is Gillette Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Disposable Income: Low cost of living vs. solid wages means real savings potential.	Limited Job Market: Only 66 jobs; highly dependent on the energy sector.
Stable, High-Demand Work: The climate and industry ensure constant need for plumbing services.	Isolated Location: 2.5 hours from Rapid City (SD), 3.5 hours from Casper. Can feel remote.
Outdoor Paradise: World-class hunting, fishing, and ATV/UTV trails are your backyard.	Harsh Winters: Long, cold winters (Oct-April) with heavy snow. Not for everyone.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a reputation and network; word-of-mouth is king here.	Limited Amenities: Small-town entertainment, dining, and shopping options.
Clear Career Path: Defined steps from apprentice to master, with real financial upside.	Economic Cycles: Can be sensitive to national energy policies and commodity prices.

Final Recommendation:
Gillette, WY, is an excellent choice for a plumber who is practical, self-reliant, and motivated by financial stability over urban excitement. If you’re early in your career and want to master the trade in a market where your skills are in high demand, or if you’re a seasoned pro looking to earn a great wage with a low cost of living, Gillette deserves serious consideration. It is not a place for those who crave the energy of a major metropolis, but for the right person, it’s a blueprint for a secure, fulfilling career in the trades.

FAQs

1. I have my journeyman license from Colorado. Can I work in Gillette?
Wyoming does not have full reciprocity with Colorado. You will likely need to apply for a Wyoming license by examination. Contact the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (WDFPES) directly; they can evaluate your documentation and guide you on the testing process.

2. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers in Gillette?
The winter. Frozen pipes are a constant emergency from November through March. You need a reliable, heated van and the stamina to work in sub-zero temperatures. The second challenge is the isolation—your customer base is limited to the metro area of ~33,000 people.

3. Do I need my own truck and tools?
For service work with companies like Roto-Rooter, they typically provide the van. For construction or independent work, you will need your own vehicle and a full set of tools. Many master plumbers who own small businesses started by investing in a reliable truck and a quality toolset.

4. How is the work-life balance?
It’s what you make it. In the coal mines, shifts can be long. In residential service, you’re on call for emergencies. However, the work is generally structured. Many plumbers here hunt or fish on weekends, so they build their schedule around that. The key is finding the right employer or setting your own boundaries if you go independent.

5. Is there demand for green plumbing or high-efficiency systems?
Yes, but it’s growing slowly. With the cost of energy, homeowners are interested in tankless water heaters and efficient fixtures. The industrial side is more focused on durability and maintenance than efficiency. Positioning yourself as knowledgeable in modern, efficient systems can set you apart for residential customers.