Project Manager in Evanston, WY

Navigating a career as a Project Manager in Evanston, WY, requires a clear-eyed view of the local landscape. This guide provides a data-driven analysis of the salary, cost of living, job market, and lifestyle factors you need to make an informed decision. As someone who's watched Evanston's economy shift with the energy sector and healthcare expansion, I'll give you the local insights you won't find in generic national reports.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

In Evanston, the median salary for a Project Manager is $100,368/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.25/hour. This figure is slightly below the national average of $101,280/year, but it's a strong wage for the region, especially considering Evanston's low cost of living.

The job market here is tight but growing. There are approximately 23 jobs for Project Managers in the metro area, with a 10-Year Job Growth of 6%. This growth is modest but stable, driven by healthcare, construction, and local government projects. The key for PMs here is versatility; those with experience in construction, healthcare IT, or municipal planning will find the most opportunities.

Here’s a breakdown of salary expectations by experience level. These are estimates based on local market data and BLS trends for the region.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Industries
Entry-Level (0-3 yrs)	$75,000 - $85,000	Construction, local government, small tech
Mid-Level (4-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $110,000	Healthcare, energy support, engineering
Senior (9-15 yrs)	$115,000 - $130,000	Hospital administration, large construction, federal contracts
Expert (15+ yrs)	$135,000+	Strategic leadership, specialized consulting, C-suite roles

Comparison to Other WY Cities:

• Cheyenne: Salaries are slightly higher ($105,000+ for mid-level), but the cost of living is 12% higher. The market is larger with state government and federal jobs.
• Casper: Similar to Evanston, with median salaries around $98,000. The economy is more volatile due to its reliance on the oil and gas industry.
• Jackson Hole: Salaries can be much higher ($120,000+), but the cost of living is prohibitive for most, with one-bedroom rents averaging $2,200/month.

Insider Tip: The $100,368 median is your anchor. If you have a PMP certification and experience in healthcare or construction, you should target the upper end of the mid-level range. Don't accept an offer below $95,000 for a mid-level role unless the benefits package is exceptional.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down a monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary of $100,368/year. This assumes a single filer with no dependents, using approximate Wyoming tax rates (no state income tax, ~15% effective federal rate).

Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$6,300

Sample Monthly Budget:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$921	City average. See neighborhood breakdown below.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies seasonally; Wyoming winters are cold.
Groceries & Household	$450	Reasonable for one person.
Transportation (Gas/Car Payment)	$450	Most residents rely on personal vehicles.
Healthcare (Insurance + Out-of-Pocket)	$300	Varies by employer.
Retirement & Savings (15%)	$945	Critical for long-term financial health.
Personal/Discretionary	$1,554	Covers dining out, entertainment, etc.
Total	$4,800	Leaves a healthy buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Evanston's biggest advantages. The median home price in Evanston is approximately $285,000. With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% would be roughly $1,450/month (including taxes and insurance). This is higher than rent but manageable on a $100,368 salary, especially if you have a dual-income household.

Insider Tip: The local real estate market is stable but not hot. You won't face the bidding wars seen in larger cities. Take your time and get a local realtor who knows the nuances of properties near the I-80 corridor, where some homes experience more wear from highway traffic.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

The Evanston job market is dominated by healthcare, local government, and energy support. Here are the key players:

1. Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County: The largest single employer in the county. They continuously hire Project Managers for facilities expansion, IT system implementations (like new EHRs), and community health initiatives. Hiring Trend: Steady growth in healthcare IT and capital projects.
2. Evanston Municipal Government: The City of Evanston and Uinta County oversee public works, parks and rec, and infrastructure projects. These roles offer great stability and benefits. Hiring Trend: Focused on long-term infrastructure planning and community development.
3. Kodiak College (University of Wyoming Outreach): A smaller but growing employer. They need PMs for campus expansion, new program development, and grant-funded projects. Hiring Trend: Expanding vocational training programs.
4. Energy & Mining Support Companies: While major operations are in nearby Rock Springs, companies like Anadarko (now part of Occidental) and various drilling contractors maintain offices in Evanston for regional coordination. Projects involve logistics, safety compliance, and supply chain management. Hiring Trend: Volatile; tied to oil/gas prices. Hiring is active during boom cycles.
5. Construction Firms (e.g., Haselden Construction, local contractors): The ongoing need for housing, commercial space, and infrastructure keeps PMs in demand. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a recent uptick in residential and light commercial work.
6. Federal Agencies (e.g., US Forest Service, BLM): Based in the nearby Bridger-Teton National Forest and the Overland Trail area, these agencies hire PMs for conservation, recreation, and facilities projects. Hiring Trend: Consistent federal funding, but competitive.

Insider Tip: Networking is key. Join the Wyoming Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and attend events in the Salt Lake City metro area (a 2-hour drive), which has a much larger professional network.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers. However, professional credentials are highly valued and often required for senior roles.

• PMP (Project Management Professional) Certification: Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). This is the gold standard. Cost: ~$555 for members, $710 for non-members. Requires 35 hours of education and passing a rigorous exam.
• Other Certifications: Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) for entry-level, or specialized certs in Agile (PMI-ACP) or construction (CMAA).
• Timeline to Get Started:
  1. If you have a bachelor's degree and 3 years of experience: You can apply for the PMP exam immediately. Study for 2-3 months, then schedule the exam.
  2. If you're new to the field: Start with the CAPM. You can prepare and take the exam within 2-3 months. Use this to break into the Evanston market, then pursue the PMP.
• Local Resources: The University of Wyoming offers online PMP prep courses. The Evanston Public Library provides free access to LinkedIn Learning for certification prep.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Evanston is a compact city, so commutes are short. Your choice depends on lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable to shops, restaurants, and the historic Rialto Theater. 5-minute drive to most offices.	$900 - $1,100	Young professionals who want a social scene.
North Evanston / Near I-80	Quieter, family-oriented. Close to Walmart and major retail. 10-minute commute.	$850 - $1,000	Those seeking more space and lower rent.
South Evanston / Near Hospital	Convenient for Memorial Hospital employees. Mix of older homes and new apartments. 5-8 minute commute.	$920 - $1,050	Healthcare PMs prioritizing a short commute.
West Side / Near Country Club	More upscale, with larger homes and parks. 10-15 minute drive to downtown.	$1,000 - $1,250	Senior PMs or those with families looking to buy.

Insider Tip: Avoid renting west of I-80 without checking the property's foundation and insulation. The railroad tracks run through there, and older homes can be drafty. The best value is often in North Evanston for a true local feel.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth of 6% indicates a stable but not explosive market. Growth will come from:

• Specialty Premiums: PMs with healthcare IT or sustainable construction certifications can command a 10-15% salary premium. The push for energy efficiency in buildings is a growing niche.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Project Coordinator → Junior PM → Senior PM → Program Manager. In Evanston, the ceiling is lower than in major metros. To reach a Director or VP level, you may need to move to Cheyenne or Salt Lake City, or take a remote leadership role.
• 10-Year Outlook: The base of healthcare and local government will remain strong. The energy sector will see cyclical growth. Remote work is becoming more accepted, which opens up national opportunities while living in Evanston's low-cost environment.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low cost of living allows a high quality of life on a median salary.	Limited job market (23 jobs). Less variety than a major city.
Short commutes and easy access to outdoor recreation (hiking, skiing).	6% growth is slow; career advancement may require relocation.
Stable employers in healthcare and government.	Social scene is quiet; limited nightlife and dining options.
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	Remote work is growing but not yet the norm for all employers.
Good for homeownership.	Winters are long, cold, and windy.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an excellent choice for mid-career Project Managers who value work-life balance, low stress, and affordability over rapid career acceleration. It's ideal if you're looking to buy a home, enjoy outdoor activities, and don't need the buzz of a big city. It's less suitable for early-career professionals seeking a wide variety of roles or those aiming for the highest echelons of corporate leadership in the near term.

FAQs

1. Can I live in Evanston without a car?
No. While the downtown core is walkable, Evanston is a car-dependent city. Public transit is limited, and many employers (like the hospital and energy offices) are spread out. You'll need a reliable vehicle, especially with Wyoming winters.

2. How does the healthcare scene affect PM jobs?
Memorial Hospital is a major engine of project work. PMs with experience in clinical workflows, medical records systems, or facility upgrades will find consistent opportunities. The hospital's expansion projects are a key source of long-term contracts.

3. What's the biggest surprise for newcomers?
The wind. It's a constant, especially from October to March. When renting or buying, pay close attention to window quality and insulation to keep utility costs down. Also, the sense of community is strong—people are friendly but reserved initially.

4. Are there remote PM jobs I can apply for while living in Evanston?
Yes, and this is a growing trend. Many tech and consulting firms hire remote PMs. Your low cost of living makes you a competitive candidate. However, ensure your home internet is reliable (check providers like Spectrum or local WY-based DSL) and consider investing in a good home office.

5. What's the best way to network in such a small town?
Think regionally. Connect with the Salt Lake City PMI chapter (2-hour drive) and attend their events. Locally, get involved with the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and Sweetwater County Economic Development meetings. Many PMs find roles through personal connections at these functions.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Wyoming Workforce Services, Zillow Rental Data, Cost of Living Index by Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), and local employer websites (Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, City of Evanston).