Here is a comprehensive career guide for plumbers considering a move to Sheridan, WY.

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A Plumber's Guide to Sheridan, Wyoming

As a career analyst who has studied labor markets across the Mountain West, I’ve developed a particular fondness for Wyoming’s economic resilience. Sheridan, nestled in the northeastern corner of the state, presents a unique case study. It’s a city where the median salary for a plumber sits at $61,601/year ($29.62/hour), yet the cost of living is significantly lower than the national average. This isn't a boomtown; it's a stable, community-focused city where skilled trades are the backbone of the economy. If you're looking for a place where your wrench-turning skills translate directly into a comfortable lifestyle, this guide is for you. We’ll look past the brochures and into the real numbers, neighborhoods, and career paths available in Sheridan.

The Salary Picture: Where Sheridan Stands

Wyoming’s economy is heavily tied to energy, agriculture, and tourism, all of which require robust plumbing infrastructure. While the national average salary for plumbers is $63,350/year, Sheridan’s median of $61,601 is highly competitive when you factor in the local cost of living. It’s important to understand that this median reflects a blend of experience levels. Entry-level apprentices won't hit this number, but seasoned journeymen and master plumbers often exceed it, especially with overtime or specialized certifications.

The job market itself is tight. Data indicates there are only about 38 plumbing jobs currently listed in the Sheridan metro area. This isn't a city with a massive, transient labor pool; it’s a place where skilled workers are known and valued. The 10-year job growth projection of 6% is modest but steady, aligning with the state's aging infrastructure and consistent residential and commercial development. It’s not explosive growth, which means less competition for jobs but also fewer opportunities for rapid, large-scale expansion unless you create your own business.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic breakdown of salary expectations based on experience in the Sheridan market. These are estimates based on the local median and industry standards.

Experience Level	Years in Trade	Sheridan Estimated Salary Range	Insights
Entry-Level / Apprentice	0-2	$40,000 - $52,000	You'll start here. Expect to be paired with a journeyman, learning local codes and water systems. Most apprenticeships are union-based (UA Local 400) or registered with the state.
Mid-Level / Journeyman	3-8	$55,000 - $68,000	This is where the median ($61,601) sits. You can work independently, pull permits, and handle most residential and light commercial jobs.
Senior / Master Plumber	8-15	$65,000 - $85,000+	With a Master Plumber license, you can design systems, run a crew, and start your own business. This is where significant income growth happens.
Expert / Business Owner	15+	$80,000 - $120,000+	Income is variable. Successful owners in Sheridan often tap into the oil and gas sector (via service contracts for companies in Gillette/Casper) and high-end residential work.

Comparison to Other WY Cities

Sheridan’s salary is solid within Wyoming’s hierarchy. It sits comfortably above smaller towns like Lander or Powell but below the major hubs:

• Casper: Higher salaries (median ~$65k) due to an industrial base, but cost of living is also higher.
• Cheyenne: Similar salary range to Sheridan, but more competition as the state capital.
• Jackson Hole: Salaries can be much higher ($70k+), but the cost of living is prohibitively expensive for most. Sheridan offers a better balance.

Insider Tip: The real money in Sheridan isn’t just in the base salary; it’s in the overtime. Companies servicing the oil fields in the Powder River Basin often need plumbers for site work. It’s not uncommon for a journeyman to add $10k - $20k to their annual income through this type of contract work.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $61,601 sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a massive advantage. Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single plumber earning the median salary.

Assumptions: Federal taxes (approx. 12-15%), Social Security/Medicare (7.65%), and a moderate health insurance premium.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,133	$61,601 / 12
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	-$1,100	Varies by dependents, but a safe estimate for a single filer with health insurance.
Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home)	~$4,033	This is your working number.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$876	The citywide average. You can find lower or higher.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	-$250	Winters are cold; heating bills can spike.
Groceries & Household	-$450	Moderate budget.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance)	-$350	Essential in a spread-out city. Expect 20-30min commutes.
Healthcare (Co-pays, etc.)	-$150	Beyond insurance premiums.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	-$300	Movies, dining out, hobbies.
Savings/Debt Repayment	$1,657	This is the key. After all expenses, you have significant savings potential.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a take-home of over $4,000 and rent at $876, you’re in a position to save aggressively. The median home price in Sheridan hovers around $275,000 - $300,000. After a year of saving your surplus (~$20,000), you could have a solid 5-10% down payment. With an FHA or USDA loan (Sheridan County has eligible areas for USDA), you could buy a home with as little as 3.5% down. Your mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be comparable to renting a larger house, making homeownership a very attainable goal within 2-3 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Sheridan's Major Employers

Sheridan’s job market is dominated by a mix of public sector, healthcare, and established local businesses. Plumbing companies here often have long-standing relationships with these entities.

1. Sheridan County School District #1: Maintains a large portfolio of buildings (high schools, middle schools, elementary). They have an in-house maintenance crew and frequently contract for major projects, especially in older buildings like Sheridan High School.
2. Sheridan Memorial Hospital: A major employer and a constant source of work for commercial plumbers. New construction and renovations are ongoing, requiring specialized medical gas and sanitary systems.
3. City of Sheridan: The municipal government itself is a significant employer for plumbers in the water and sewer department. These are secure, unionized jobs with excellent benefits. They handle all city infrastructure.
4. Morse Oil & Gas / Mountain West Oil: While not direct plumbing companies, these local fuel distributors and service companies often need industrial plumbers for facility maintenance and tank installation.
5. Established Local Plumbing Firms: Companies like A-1 Plumbing & Heating, R&R Plumbing, and H & H Plumbing are the backbone of the residential and commercial market. They handle everything from new construction on the west side of town to emergency service calls.
6. Sheridan College (Northern Wyoming Community College District): The college has its own facilities team and is a source of contract work. They also host the apprenticeship program, so there’s a pipeline of new talent.
7. Businesses on the I-90 Corridor: The strip along Interstate 90, featuring truck stops, hotels (like the Holiday Inn), and restaurants, provides a steady stream of service and maintenance work.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is steady but not frantic. Most companies prefer to hire through referrals or from the local apprenticeship program. A candidate with a Wyoming journeyman license and a clean driving record is instantly competitive. The trend is toward plumbers with cross-skills—who can handle basic HVAC or electrical work—making them more valuable to smaller companies.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing is handled by the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety (DFPES). The process is straightforward but requires dedicated time.

• Path: Apprentice -> Journeyman Plumber -> Master Plumber.
• Apprenticeship: Requires 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber, plus 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. You must register with the state.
• Journeyman Exam: After completing an apprenticeship, you must pass the State of Wyoming Journeyman Plumber Exam. The exam fee is approximately $150.
• Master Plumber Exam: Requires 2 additional years as a journeyman (or equivalent) and passing the Master Plumber exam. Fee is around $200.
• Reciprocity: Wyoming has reciprocity with several states, including Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. If you’re already licensed in one of these, you can apply for a Wyoming license without taking the full exam (though you may need to pass a state-specific code test).
• Costs: Beyond exam fees, budget for tools, union dues (if you join UA Local 400), and continuing education (required for license renewal every 2 years).

Insider Tip: The Wyoming State Plumbing Code is based on the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). If you’re coming from a state that uses the International Plumbing Code (IPC), study the differences, particularly in venting requirements. The local inspectors here are strict but fair; they know their code inside and out.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live in Sheridan affects your commute and lifestyle. Traffic is minimal, so a 15-minute drive is the norm.

• Northridge / The Gulch: This is the newer, northwestern part of the city. Homes are modern, and the area is close to Sheridan College. It’s a popular area for young families and professionals. A 1BR here is closer to $950/month, but you get more space and newer amenities. Commute to downtown is 10-15 minutes.
• Downtown / Historic District: For those who want to be in the heart of the action. Walkable to shops, bars, and the WYO Theater. Housing is a mix of older apartments and historic homes. You’ll find 1BRs for $800 - $900. Parking can be a challenge in winter. Ideal if you want to ditch the car sometimes.
• East Brundage / The East Side: This is a more established, quiet residential area. It’s close to the hospital and the East Ridge shopping center. Commutes are easy, and you’ll find more single-family homes for rent or sale. 1BR rentals are around $850. A great mix of convenience and tranquility.
• South Sheridan / The Ranchettes: This area offers larger lots and a more rural feel while still being in town. It’s popular with those who want a workshop or space for a service van. Rents for houses are higher (~$1,200+), but it’s the best option if you plan to run your own business from home.
• Sheridan County (Outside City Limits): If you don’t mind a 20-30 minute commute, look at areas like Story or Ranchester. You can find cheaper rent (a 1BR house for $700-$800) and more land. The trade-off is a longer drive and fewer amenities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 6% job growth over 10 years might seem low, but in a stable market like Sheridan, it’s a sign of sustained demand. The real growth for a plumber here isn’t just about more jobs; it’s about specialization and business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with expertise in medical gas piping (for the hospital), backflow prevention (critical for agricultural and municipal water systems), or gas line installation (for fireplaces and heating in new homes) can command a 10-15% rate increase. These are less common skills in the local market.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Foreman: Overseeing a crew for a large commercial project (e.g., a new school wing).
  2. Service Manager: For a larger company, managing the truck fleet, scheduling, and emergency calls.
  3. Business Owner: The most lucrative path. Many successful plumbers in Sheridan started with a truck and built a reputation. The low overhead (no state income tax, reasonable commercial rent) makes it viable. The key is building a network with realtors and contractors.
• 10-Year Outlook: The aging population in Sheridan will drive demand for residential repiping and accessibility remodels (walk-in showers, etc.). Commercial growth is tied to the healthcare sector and Sheridan College’s expansion. The biggest opportunity is in establishing a business that serves the broader “Sheridan metro” area, including the smaller towns and even into Montana, where competition is lower.

The Verdict: Is Sheridan Right for You?

This is a trade-off city. It’s not for someone seeking a bustling metropolis or an easy path to a six-figure salary without effort. It’s for a plumber who values stability, community, and a high quality of life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $61,601 salary stretches far.	Harsh Winters: Snow, ice, and frozen pipes are a reality from October to April.
No State Income Tax: More money in your pocket.	Limited Nightlife & Culture: It’s a quiet town; you’ll drive to Billings or Rapid City for big events.
Tight-Knit Community: You’ll know your customers and colleagues.	Small Job Market: Only 38 jobs listed means fewer options if you’re dissatisfied with your first employer.
Stable Demand: Infrastructure always needs work.	Isolation: You’re 2+ hours from a major airport (Billings, MT) and 4+ from Denver.
Outdoor Access: World-class fishing (Bighorn River), hiking, and hunting.	Slower Pace: Career advancement can be gradual; entrepreneurship is often required for major income jumps.

Final Recommendation:
Sheridan is an excellent choice for a mid-career journeyman plumber (3-8 years of experience) looking to buy a home, raise a family, and build a stable career. It’s also a great fit for a young apprentice who can commit to a 4-year program and wants to avoid the high costs of urban living. For a master plumber with an entrepreneurial spirit, Sheridan offers a supportive community to start and grow a business. If you’re a high-achiever solely chasing the absolute highest salary, you might look to Jackson Hole or Wyoming’s oil boomtowns, but you’ll sacrifice Sheridan’s balance of affordability and quality of life.

FAQs

1. I’m already licensed in another state. How long will it take to get my Wyoming license?
If you have a journeyman license from a reciprocal state (like MT or SD), the process can be as quick as 4-6 weeks. You’ll need to submit your application, proof of experience, and pass a state-specific code exam. For non-reciprocal states, you’ll need to apply as an apprentice and complete the full hour requirements or challenge the exam with extensive documentation (which can take 3-6 months).

2. What’s the union situation in Sheridan?
Sheridan is served by UA Local 400, which covers Wyoming and parts of Montana. Union jobs are prominent with the city, school district, and large commercial contractors. Union wages are typically at or above the median. However, many residential and small commercial shops are non-union. It’s worth contacting the local union hall to understand the apprenticeship intake process.

3. Is the work seasonal?
While there’s indoor work year-round, the outdoor construction season runs roughly from April to October. Plumbers involved in new home construction may see slower periods in deep winter, but service and repair work (burst pipes, furnace issues) actually spikes during cold months. A diversified plumber will have steady work all year.

4. How is the quality of the local technical training?
The apprenticeship program through Northern Wyoming Community College District (Sheridan College) is well-regarded. It follows the national UA training standards. The instructors are typically retired master plumbers with decades of local experience. You get both code knowledge and practical, region-specific skills (like dealing with hard water and clay soil).

5. What’s the reality of the water quality and soil conditions?
This is a critical local detail. The water in the Sheridan area is hard (high mineral content). You’ll encounter more scale buildup in pipes and appliances. The soil can be a mix of clay and rock, which affects trenching and backfill for new installations. Understanding these local conditions is key to efficient work and can set you apart from outsiders.