Project Manager in Cheyenne, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

As someone who’s watched the Cheyenne job market for over a decade, the first thing to know is that the numbers here tell a story of stability, not explosive growth. The median salary for a Project Manager in Cheyenne is $98,515/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.36/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but it’s a figure that’s held remarkably steady even as inflation has ticked up elsewhere.

Here’s how experience typically maps onto salary in the local market. These are estimates based on regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local job postings.

Experience Level	Typical Years in Role	Median Salary Range (Cheyenne)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $85,000
Mid-Career	3-7 years	$90,000 - $110,000
Senior	8-15 years	$110,000 - $135,000
Expert/Principal	15+ years	$135,000+

Looking beyond Cheyenne, let's compare to other Wyoming cities. Cheyenne is the state capital and largest metro area, so it carries a premium over smaller towns. Casper, the next-largest city, often sees salaries for similar roles that are 5-8% lower due to a different industrial mix (more energy-focused). Meanwhile, Jackson Hole salaries can be 20-30% higher for the right specialty (e.g., luxury construction, hospitality projects), but the cost of living, especially housing, is astronomically higher, making Cheyenne’s $98,515 median a more balanced proposition for long-term livability.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base number. In Cheyenne, a significant portion of a Project Manager's value—and often their total compensation—comes from benefits. Many local employers, particularly in government and healthcare, offer robust pension plans, which are increasingly rare. Always calculate the full package.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground that $98,515 median salary in reality. We’ll assume a filing status of single, no dependents, and the standard deduction for 2023 for a rough estimate.

• Federal Tax (approx.): ~$16,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$7,536
• State Tax (WY has no state income tax): $0
• Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$74,479
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,207

Now, let's build a monthly budget. The average 1BR rent in Cheyenne is $917/month, but this varies by neighborhood (see below). We'll use a conservative $1,000 for a decent 1BR.

Monthly Budget Item	Estimated Cost	% of Take-Home Pay
Rent (1BR)	$1,000	16.1%
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$250	4.0%
Groceries	$400	6.4%
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	8.1%
Fuel & Transport	$200	3.2%
Health Insurance (Employer Subsidy)	$150	2.4%
Retirement Savings (6% 401k)	$575	9.3%
Misc. & Discretionary	$1,132	18.2%
Total	$4,207	67.8%
Remaining Buffer	$2,000	32.2%

This budget shows a healthy 32% buffer after essential and savings contributions. This is where Cheyenne's cost of living shines. The Cost of Living Index is 90.9 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar stretches roughly 9% further here than the national average.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a $2,000/month buffer and excellent credit, a Project Manager at the median salary could comfortably afford a mortgage. The median home price in Cheyenne hovers around $350,000. A 20% down payment ($70,000) is substantial, but with the savings potential shown above, it's a realistic goal within 3-5 years for a disciplined saver. Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs, which is a significant advantage over pricier metro areas.

The Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

Cheyenne’s job market is anchored by government, healthcare, and transportation. The metro area supports about 130 Project Manager positions at any given time, with a 10-year job growth of 6%. This isn't blistering growth, but it's stable and resilient. Here’s where you’ll find the postings:

1. Wyoming State Government: As the capital, this is the largest single employer. Departments like the Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT), Wyoming Department of Administration & Information, and the State General Services Division regularly hire IT and construction project managers. Hiring trends are steady, with competition for roles being moderate. Preference often goes to candidates with a PMP certification and knowledge of state procurement laws.

2. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC): The region's primary hospital is in a constant state of modernization. They hire Project Managers for facilities expansion, IT system implementations (like Epic), and process improvement initiatives. The healthcare sector is a growth area, with CRMC investing heavily in new clinics and services.

3. Laramie County School District 1: The largest school district in the state manages multi-million dollar bond projects for new schools and renovations. Project Managers here often have backgrounds in construction management or education administration. Hiring cycles are tied to school board budgets and bond measures.

4. Franciscan Health (formerly Cheyenne Regional): While part of a larger system, the local operations have their own capital projects. They are a key employer for healthcare-related project work, often partnering with local construction firms.

5. Federal Employers: Cheyenne hosts several federal agencies, including the USDA, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and the U.S. Forest Service. These roles are often advertised on USAJobs.gov and require a security clearance. The F.E. Warren Air Force Base is another major federal presence, though most Project Manager roles are contracted or work directly for the base's civil engineering squadron.

6. Private Sector & Construction: While smaller, the private sector is robust. F.E. Warren Construction, a local contractor, handles military projects. Larger regional firms like Bridger Steel (with a Cheyenne facility) and TerraSource Global (mining equipment) may have project management needs for their local operations. Energy companies like Anschutz Corporation also have a presence in the state and occasionally post for project leads.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market here is strong. Many state and federal jobs are filled through internal transfers or networking. Attend the Wyoming Business Council events or the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce mixers. Also, don't overlook the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) at the University of Wyoming's Cheyenne campus, which hosts startups and small businesses that need project oversight.

Getting Licensed in WY

For Project Managers, "licensing" isn't a state-mandated requirement in the way it is for engineers or accountants. However, certifications are the de facto license for credibility and competitiveness.

• Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. In Cheyenne, having a PMP can bump your salary by 10-15% and is often a prerequisite for senior or government roles. There is no state-specific requirement for this certification.
• Cost: Exam fee is ~$555 for non-members, ~$405 for PMI members (membership fee ~$129/year). Study courses range from $500 to $2,000+.
• Timeline: If you have the required experience (36 months leading projects with a bachelor’s degree), you can typically prepare and sit for the exam in 4-6 months.
• State-Specific Considerations: For construction project management, if your role involves direct oversight of licensed trades, you might need a Wyoming Contractor License through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. However, this is typically for the business owner or lead contractor, not a salaried project manager. For IT projects, no special state license is needed.
• Getting Started: Your first step is to verify your experience hours on the PMI website. For contractors, check the Wyoming Board of Contractors for licensure requirements if you plan to start your own firm.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Cheyenne is a compact city with distinct neighborhoods. Commutes are rarely an issue—the average is 15-20 minutes. Here’s a breakdown:

1. South Cheyenne (Near CRMC & Downtown):

   • Vibe: Established, older homes (1950s-70s), tree-lined streets. Close to hospitals, state government buildings, and downtown restaurants.
   • Commute: Easy access to I-25, <10 mins to most major employers.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,100. A great mix of affordability and convenience.

2. North Cheyenne (Near F.E. Warren & I-25):

   • Vibe: Newer developments (1990s-present), more suburban, family-oriented. Close to base access and the recently developed north side retail corridor.
   • Commute: Very easy, <15 mins to downtown. Direct access to I-25.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300. Slightly pricier for newer builds and amenities.

3. East Side (Near I-80):

   • Vibe: More industrial and commercial, with some residential pockets. Home to the airport and logistics hubs, which aligns with project management in transportation/energy.
   • Commute: Excellent for anyone working in logistics, energy, or at the airport. 15-20 mins to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $800 - $1,000. One of the more affordable areas.

4. Historic Downtown & Surroundings:

   • Vibe: Walkable, with restored historic homes, apartments, and a growing arts scene. Perfect for those who want a short walk to coffee shops and breweries.
   • Commute: Walking or biking to many state government offices is possible. Parking can be a minor hassle.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,250 (for apartments in converted buildings).

5. West Cheyenne (Near the Capitol & State Buildings):

   • Vibe: Mix of historic mansions, apartments, and government housing. Very quiet, close to the Capitol complex and the Governor's Mansion.
   • Commute: The easiest of all for state employees. Often walkable.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $950 - $1,200. Premium for proximity to state power centers.

Insider Tip: When searching for rentals, look at the "Cheyenne Needles"—the local classifieds—or Facebook Marketplace. Many local landlords don't list on major apps, and you can find better deals by going direct.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Cheyenne isn't a hotbed for rapid career advancement in the classic tech sense, but it offers unique and stable paths. The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates a market that grows with the region's economy, not boom-and-bust cycles.

Specialty Premiums:

• IT Project Management: With the state's digital transformation and healthcare IT needs, PMs with experience in Agile methodologies, cloud migration (AWS/Azure), and cybersecurity projects can command premiums over the $98,515 median, potentially reaching $110,000+ at the senior level.
• Construction/Civil PMs: Licenses like a PE (Professional Engineer) or PMP are highly valued. Experience with federal contractors (e.g., on BFE projects at F.E. Warren) is a golden ticket, often leading to roles with $120,000+ salaries.
• Energy/Infrastructure PMs: With Wyoming's energy focus, PMs with experience in mining, wind, or pipeline projects are in steady demand. This niche can pay well but may require travel within the state.

Advancement Paths: The typical path is not vertical within a single large company (as there aren't many Fortune 500 HQs here), but rather lateral into more complex organizations or into consulting. A common trajectory is: Junior PM at a state agency -> Senior PM at the same agency -> Project Director or move to a private firm managing state contracts. Another path is to gain 5-10 years of experience in Cheyenne, then leverage that knowledge for a role with a regional firm based in Denver or Salt Lake City, which can lead to a significant salary jump.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive but steady. Growth will be tied to public sector budgets (state and federal) and regional infrastructure needs (e.g., airport expansion, broadband rollouts). The key for long-term growth is to build a network across sectors—government, healthcare, and private contractors. The person who can bridge these worlds becomes indispensable.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Cheyenne offers a compelling value proposition for a Project Manager who prioritizes work-life balance, affordability, and community over the frenetic pace of a major coastal metro.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Cost of Living (Index 90.9)	Limited high-end cultural/entertainment options
Median Salary ($98,515) goes far	Job market is smaller; fewer "dream" roles
Low commute times (<20 mins)	Can feel isolated from major industry hubs
No state income tax	Winters are long and can be harsh
Stable, government-driven job market	Limited public transportation
Great for homeownership	Social scene is more "local" than transitory

Final Recommendation:
Cheyenne is an excellent choice for:

• Project Managers with 3-10 years of experience looking to buy a home and build a stable life.
• Those specializing in government, healthcare, or construction projects.
• Individuals who value outdoor access (nearby mountains, national forests) and a close-knit community feel.
• Budget-conscious professionals who want to save aggressively or pay down debt.

Think twice if:

• You are an early-career PM seeking a fast-paced, competitive tech environment with rapid promotions.
• Your lifestyle depends on major league sports, a vast dining scene, or an international airport hub.
• You prefer a highly diverse, transient population.

For the right person, Cheyenne isn't just a place to work—it's a place to build a life, where a Project Manager's salary affords genuine comfort and a clear path to stability.

FAQs

1. Is the market for Project Managers in Cheyenne competitive?
Moderately competitive. There are only 130 jobs, so openings aren't daily. However, the pool of local candidates is also smaller. Having a PMP and tailoring your resume to local employers (e.g., highlighting state grant management or healthcare IT experience) gives you a significant edge.

2. Can I work remotely for a company outside Wyoming while living in Cheyenne?
Yes, and it's increasingly common. You'd be paid based on the company's location, which could mean a coastal salary while enjoying Cheyenne's cost of living. However, ensure your employer is set up for multi-state payroll and that you have reliable, high-speed internet, which is generally good in Cheyenne but can be spotty in rural outskirts.

3. What's the winter like, and how does it affect work?
Winters are cold (avg high 35°F in Jan) and snowy (avg 60" annually). However, the city is exceptionally well-prepared. Roads are cleared quickly, and schools/businesses rarely close. Commutes are less affected than in many places. The key is a good snow shovel, a reliable vehicle (AWD/4WD is common), and a warm coat.

4. How important is networking in such a small community?
It's everything. Cheyenne operates on relationships. A recommendation from a current employee at the State General Services office or CRMC is worth more than a dozen applications. Join the Cheyenne Project Management Institute (PMI) Chapter (if active) or the local Chamber of Commerce. Attend the Wyoming Business Council's "Business After Hours" events. People remember faces.

5. What's the best way to find a job?
A multi-pronged approach:

• Public Sector: Wyoming State Government jobs website and USAJobs.gov (for federal).
• Private Sector: LinkedIn (filter for Cheyenne), Indeed, and local company websites (e.g., Cheyenne Regional, private