Police Officer in Gillette, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Gillette Stands

As a local, I'll tell you straight up: Gillette's police officer salaries are competitive within the region, but they don't quite hit the national average. The median salary for a Police Officer in Gillette is $74,235/year, which breaks down to $35.69/hour. For context, the national average for this role sits at $74,910/year. That means Gillette pays about 1% below the national median—a small gap, but one that's offset by the area's low cost of living.

The job market here is tight but stable. There are only 66 police-related jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at just 3%. This isn't a booming city for law enforcement careers, but it's also not a place where you'll face massive competition for openings. Most jobs are with the Gillette Police Department, Campbell County Sheriff's Office, and a few smaller agencies in surrounding towns.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in Gillette:

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$60,000 - $68,000	$28.85 - $32.69	Usually starts at the bottom of the range; benefits kick in immediately.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$68,000 - $78,000	$32.69 - $37.50	Where most officers fall; includes shift differentials and overtime.
Senior (8-15 years)	$78,000 - $88,000	$37.50 - $42.31	Often includes specialty roles or training positions.
Expert (15+ years)	$88,000 - $100,000+	$42.31 - $48.08+	Command staff, detectives, or specialized units (SWAT, K9).

Compared to other Wyoming cities, Gillette sits in the middle. Cheyenne, as the state capital and largest city, pays slightly more (median around $76,500/year), but the cost of living is higher. Casper is similar to Gillette in both pay and cost of living. Smaller towns like Laramie or Sheridan pay less, but you'd have fewer advancement opportunities. For a single officer or a couple without kids, Gillette offers a solid financial balance.

Insider Tip: The Gillette Police Department offers a step-based pay plan that rewards longevity. New hires start at Step 1, and you move up a step every year until Step 10. That means a new officer could see their salary increase by nearly $10,000 in their first decade without changing roles. The Campbell County Sheriff's Office uses a similar system, but their starting pay is about $2,000 lower.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s break down the monthly budget for a Police Officer earning the median $74,235/year. I’m assuming you’re single (no dependents) and using Wyoming’s state tax rate of 0% (yes, you read that right—Wyoming has no state income tax). You’ll still have federal taxes, FICA (Social Security and Medicare at 7.65%), and any local deductions.

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay:

• Gross monthly: $6,186
• Federal tax (assuming single, standard deduction): ~$650
• FICA (7.65%): ~$473
• Other deductions (health insurance, retirement): ~$300 (varies by agency)
• Net monthly take-home: ~$4,763

Now, housing. The average 1-bedroom apartment rent in Gillette is $921/month, but that’s an average. In a decent area, you might pay $850–$1,050. Let’s budget $950/month for rent.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Rent: $950
• Utilities (electric, gas, water, internet): $250
• Groceries: $400
• Car payment/insurance (assuming one car): $400
• Gas: $150
• Healthcare copays/meds: $100
• Miscellaneous (clothing, entertainment): $300
• Savings/retirement: $1,213 (20% of take-home)

This leaves you with a healthy $1,213/month for savings, emergency funds, or retirement investing. Wyoming’s cost of living index is 97.0 (US avg = 100), meaning everything from groceries to healthcare is about 3% cheaper than the national average. This makes the $74,235 salary go further here than in most parts of the country.

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Campbell County is around $320,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,000) and a 30-year mortgage at 6.5%, your monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,800–$2,000. That’s about 42–48% of your net monthly income, which is on the higher side but manageable if you’re disciplined. Most officers wait until they reach mid-level ($70,000+) to buy, often pairing up with a spouse. The Gillette Police Department offers a down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers, which can cover up to $5,000 of your closing costs.

Insider Tip: Many officers rent for the first 1–2 years to get a feel for the city and save for a down payment. The rental market is stable, but it moves fast—especially near downtown or the college. If you’re moving here, start looking at least 60 days in advance.

Where the Jobs Are: Gillette's Major Employers

Gillette’s economy is driven by energy (coal, oil, gas), but law enforcement agencies are steady employers. Here are the key players:

1. Gillette Police Department – The largest employer of police officers in the city. They have about 60 sworn officers. They hire usually once a year, often in the spring. The current chief is focused on community policing and has expanded the school resource officer program. Starting salary is around $62,000, with full benefits.

2. Campbell County Sheriff’s Office – Covers the entire county, including rural areas. They have about 35 deputies. Hiring is less frequent but often includes positions for jailers and patrol deputies. Pay is slightly lower than the city police, but the housing allowance is better for those living outside city limits.

3. Wyoming Highway Patrol – District 2 covers Gillette and the surrounding area. Troopers are based in Gillette and travel throughout northeastern Wyoming. Pay starts at $65,000 and includes a vehicle and gas allowance. They’re actively hiring due to retirements.

4. University of Wyoming – Gillette College – The college has its own campus security, but it’s a small team. Usually 2–3 officers. Good for starting out or side work. Pay is lower ($50,000–$55,000), but hours are predictable.

5. Rocky Mountain Regional Youth Academy – A juvenile detention center in nearby Wright, about 30 minutes away. They hire correctional officers and security staff. It’s a different side of law enforcement, but it’s a stable job with good benefits.

6. Private Security for Energy Companies – Companies like Peabody Energy and Cloud Peak Energy hire security for their operations in the Powder River Basin. Pay can be high ($80,000+), but it’s often seasonal or contract-based. Not a typical police career path, but an option for extra income.

Hiring Trends: The Gillette PD and Sheriff’s Office are both in a hiring phase due to retirements. The city’s population has grown slowly, but the call volume is increasing (up 5% last year). Expect competition for openings, but not overwhelming. If you have military or prior law enforcement experience, you’ll be at the top of the list.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s law enforcement licensing is straightforward but strict. All officers must be certified by the Wyoming Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Here’s the step-by-step:

1. Meet Basic Requirements: You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen. No felony convictions or certain misdemeanors (like domestic violence). You’ll also need a valid driver’s license.
2. Complete Basic Training: You must graduate from a Wyoming POST-approved academy. The most common is the Wyoming Law Enforcement Academy (WLEA) in Douglas, about 150 miles from Gillette. The program is 10 weeks long, and you live on-site. Tuition is $1,200, but many agencies (like Gillette PD) will pay for it if they hire you first.
3. Pass Physical and Written Exams: The physical fitness test includes a 1.5-mile run, push-ups, sit-ups, and agility. The written exam is multiple-choice and covers law, ethics, and report writing.
4. Background Check and Polygraph: This is the most time-consuming part. Expect 3–6 months of vetting, including interviews with friends, family, and past employers.
5. POST Certification: Once you pass everything, you’ll get your certification, which is valid for 3 years. You must complete in-service training each year to maintain it.

Total Timeline: If you apply today, you could be in the academy within 6 months and on patrol in 9–12 months. If you’re already licensed in another state, Wyoming has reciprocity with a few states (like Colorado and Nebraska), but you’ll still need to take a Wyoming-specific law exam.

Costs: If your agency doesn’t cover it, the academy costs $1,200 plus living expenses for 10 weeks. Background checks and medical exams are usually covered by the hiring agency. Uniforms and gear are provided.

Insider Tip: Wyoming POST also offers a “Provisional Permit” for officers hired before completing the academy. This lets you work under supervision while you train. It’s a great way to start earning a paycheck right away.

Best Neighborhoods for Police Officers

Gillette is a small city, but neighborhoods vary in vibe and commute. As a police officer, you’ll want somewhere safe, affordable, and close to work (or at least with easy access to the highway). Here’s the breakdown:

1. Downtown / Historic District – Walkable, full of character, and close to the PD and Sheriff’s Office. You’ll find older homes (some with charm, some needing work) and a few new apartment complexes. Rent for a 1-bedroom is $900–$1,100. The downside? Parking is tight, and it can be noisy on weekend nights. Great for young officers who want to be in the action.

2. Northridge – A newer subdivision on the north side of town. Most homes were built in the last 15–20 years. It’s quiet, family-friendly, and has good schools. Commute to downtown is 10–15 minutes. Apartments here are harder to find, but there are some townhomes for $1,200–$1,400/month. Ideal for officers planning to start a family.

3. South Gillette – The area near the college and the mall. More affordable rentals ($800–$950 for a 1-bedroom) and plenty of retail options. It’s a 5–10 minute drive to the PD. Can be a bit more transient, but it’s convenient and budget-friendly. Good for first-year officers.

4. Westside / Country Club Area – Older, established neighborhood with larger yards and a quieter feel. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown, and you’re close to the golf course and parks. Rent is moderate ($850–$1,000), but you get more space. Great for officers who want a backyard and a short commute.

5. Rural Outskirts (Wright, Weston County) – If you don’t mind a 20–30 minute drive, you can find cheaper housing and lots of space. Rent for a house can be as low as $700/month. The trade-off is longer commutes and fewer amenities. Some deputies with the Sheriff’s Office choose this for the lower cost of living.

Commute Note: Gillette is small; most commutes are under 20 minutes. Traffic is minimal, even during rush hour. The biggest headache is winter weather—roads can be icy, and you’ll need a reliable vehicle with 4WD.

Insider Tip: If you’re moving from out of state, consider renting for the first 6 months. This gives you time to explore neighborhoods and figure out which one fits your lifestyle before buying.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Gillette, career growth is steady but not explosive. The key is to specialize and take on extra responsibilities. Here’s how it typically unfolds:

Specialty Premiums and Overtime:

• K-9 Unit: If you get assigned a K-9, you’ll earn an extra $200/month. It’s competitive—usually only 2–3 officers have dogs at a time.
• SWAT / Tactical Team: Officers selected for SWAT earn a $150/month stipend and get priority for overtime. It’s a demanding role with irregular hours.
• Detective / Investigation: Moving to the detective division often comes with a $250/month raise and a shift from patrol to days. It’s a common goal for mid-level officers.
• Field Training Officer (FTO): Officers who train new recruits earn an extra $100/month and gain leadership experience.
• Overtime: Overtime is readily available for special events (like the Campbell County Fair or high school football games) and court appearances. Officers can earn an additional $5,000–$10,000/year.

Advancement Paths:

• Patrol Officer → Senior Officer → Sergeant → Lieutenant → Captain
  This is the standard path at the Gillette PD. Each step requires testing and interviews. A sergeant earns around $85,000–$90,000, a lieutenant $95,000+.
• Sheriff’s Office: Similar path, but with opportunities for Jail Commander, Patrol Supervisor, or Investigations Supervisor.
• State Level: Wyoming Highway Patrol offers advancement to Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain, with pay reaching $110,000+.

10-Year Outlook: With a 3% job growth rate, opportunities will be limited. Most openings will come from retirements. The current workforce is aging—about 30% of officers in Gillette are within 5 years of retirement. If you’re loyal to one agency, you can expect steady advancement. If you’re open to moving, you could hop to a larger department (like Cheyenne) for higher pay, but you’d face a higher cost of living.

Insider Tip: The biggest career booster here isn’t just tenure—it’s community involvement. Officers who volunteer, coach youth sports, or work with neighborhood watch groups are often first in line for promotions. The city values community ties, not just years on the job.

The Verdict: Is Gillette Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward breakdown of the pros and cons:

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living – Your salary stretches far; $74,235 feels like $85,000 in most cities.	Limited job growth – Only 3% growth over 10 years; advancement can be slow.
Stable employment – Agencies are hiring, and the energy sector provides economic stability.	Remote location – You’re a 4-hour drive from Denver or 3 hours from Rapid City; travel options are limited.
Small-town feel – You’ll know everyone, and community support for law enforcement is strong.	Weather challenges – Winters are long, cold, and snowy; roads can be hazardous.
Outdoor recreation – Surrounded by mountains, hunting, fishing, and hiking.	Limited diversity – Campbell County is 95% white; cultural and entertainment options are minimal.
No state income tax – More money in your pocket.	Energy boom/bust cycle – The economy is tied to coal and oil; during downturns, services can be strained.

Final Recommendation: If you’re early in your career, value a low cost of living, and don’t mind a slower pace of life, Gillette is a solid choice. It’s especially good for officers who want to buy a home and build long-term savings. If you’re seeking a fast-paced, diverse urban environment with ample nightlife and cultural opportunities, you might feel stifled here. For a mid-career officer looking to settle down, it’s a great fit—just be prepared for the winters and the lack of metropolitan amenities.

FAQs

1. Can I apply to the Gillette Police Department if I’m not yet POST-certified?
Yes. The department has a provisional hiring process. You’ll be hired as a civilian first, then sent to the academy. You’ll earn full benefits and a starting salary of $62,000 while in training.

2. How competitive is the hiring process?
For Gillette PD, expect 50–100 applicants per opening. The Sheriff’s Office and Highway Patrol see fewer applicants. Military and prior law enforcement experience are highly valued