Project Manager in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

If you’re a Project Manager (PM) eyeing Jackson, let’s cut straight to the numbers. The median salary for a PM in the Jackson, WY metro area is $100,368/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.25/hour. This is almost neck-and-neck with the national average of $101,280/year, putting Jackson in a surprisingly competitive position for a small mountain town. However, context is everything. With a metro population of just 10,746 and only 21 Project Manager jobs in the entire area, the market is tight and hyper-local. It's not a sprawling metro like Denver or Salt Lake City; it's a niche environment where opportunities are limited but can be highly rewarding for the right fit.

Career progression and salary bumps in Jackson are less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about gaining specialized expertise in local industries. The 10-year job growth projection of 6% is modest but stable, reflecting the consistent (though careful) development in tourism, construction, and conservation.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level in this specific market:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary (Jackson, WY)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $85,000	Often in assistant PM or coordinator roles. Strong demand for those with construction or hospitality project experience.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	This is where you’ll find the median. Roles managing larger construction, resort development, or public works projects.
Senior-Level (8-12 yrs)	$120,000 - $140,000	Typically leads major initiatives, often for large property development firms or hospital/healthcare expansions.
Expert (12+ yrs)	$145,000+	Rare roles, often in executive capacity or as a principal consultant for a major regional firm. Specialization is key.

When you compare Jackson to other Wyoming cities, the picture becomes clearer. While Casper and Cheyenne have larger job markets (more Jobs in Metro), they also have a slightly different salary structure. Jackson’s median of $100,368 is competitive with the national average but may offer lower raw purchasing power due to the area's high cost of living. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a different economic base. In Jackson, your salary is heavily influenced by the seasonal nature of the tourism and construction industries. A PM who can navigate both the summer rush and the off-season planning is invaluable.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base salary. In Jackson, total compensation often includes seasonal bonuses tied to project milestones or resort occupancy rates. Always ask about the bonus structure during interviews.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s ground the $100,368/year median salary in reality. After federal and state taxes (Wyoming has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage), a single filer can expect to take home approximately $75,000 - $80,000 annually, or about $6,250 - $6,667/month. This is a net positive compared to many states.

Now, factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Jackson costs $921/month. This is surprisingly affordable, especially when compared to the national average, but it's a misleading figure. You will not find a decent 1BR in downtown Jackson for $921. That average is heavily skewed by older properties and areas further from the town core. A realistic budget for a modern 1BR in a desirable neighborhood is $1,200 - $1,500/month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Project Manager earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$6,500	After taxes (estimated)
Rent (1BR, desirable area)	$1,400	A realistic figure for a clean, modern unit.
Utilities (Electric, Heat, Internet)	$250	Heating costs are a major factor in winter.
Groceries	$500	Jackson's grocery prices are 15-20% above national average.
Transportation (Car + Gas)	$350	A car is non-negotiable. Gas is ~$3.80/gallon.
Healthcare/Insurance	$300	Employer plans vary, but this is a good baseline.
Miscellaneous/Entertainment	$500	Dining out, lift tickets, gear, etc.
Savings/Debt	$3,200	This is your discretionary and savings bucket.

Can they afford to buy a home? The short answer is: it’s extremely challenging. The median home price in Jackson is over $1.2 million. Even with a 20% down payment ($240,000), a monthly mortgage would exceed $5,000, which is unaffordable on a single median salary. Most professionals in Jackson are long-term renters. Some may buy in outlying areas like Wilson or Teton County, but the market is brutally competitive. Homeownership is generally a goal reserved for dual-income households or those with substantial savings.

Insider Tip: Look for rentals in the off-season (October-April). Landlords are more willing to negotiate then. Also, consider a roommate to split costs, even as a professional. It’s common in Jackson and can dramatically increase your quality of life and savings rate.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The Jackson job market for Project Managers is not defined by Fortune 500 companies, but by a unique mix of high-end hospitality, major healthcare, and significant public/non-profit entities. With only 21 jobs in the metro, you need to know who the key players are.

1. St. John’s Health (Hospital): As the primary healthcare provider for Teton County, St. John’s is in a perpetual state of growth and renovation. They manage projects ranging from new facility wings to electronic health record implementations. They are a stable, year-round employer for PMs with healthcare or construction experience.

2. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR): One of the largest employers in the region. Project management roles here are seasonal and project-based—think summer lift maintenance, new restaurant builds, or digital transformation initiatives for resort operations. Hiring is often through their main contractor, Teton Village Construction, or directly for specific capital projects.

3. Teton County Government: This is a major source of stable, long-term PM jobs. Projects include affordable housing initiatives, road and infrastructure upgrades (like the ongoing Jackson Town Square renovations), and public facility management. They value PMs with PMP certification and experience in public works.

4. Historic District of Jackson (Town of Jackson): Manages the core town’s infrastructure, festivals, and preservation projects. A PM here might oversee the restoration of a historic building or the logistics of the Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival. It’s a role for someone who appreciates local history and community engagement.

5. Large-Scale Development & Construction Firms: Companies like Hogben Construction, Big-D Construction, and Walters Group are the engines of physical growth in the valley. They handle luxury residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. These firms are your best bet for high-salary, high-intensity project roles. Hiring is often tied directly to the success of the construction season.

6. Conservation & Non-Profit Sector: Organizations like the Jackson Hole Land Trust or the National Elk Refuge (federal) sometimes hire Project Managers for land acquisition, restoration, and trail system projects. These roles are highly competitive and often require a passion for environmental stewardship.

Hiring Trends: The market is cyclical. The prime hiring season for construction and hospitality projects is late winter/early spring, gearing up for the summer season. Healthcare and government roles are posted year-round. Networking is critical; most of these jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever publicly advertised.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-specific license for Project Managers in the private sector. The industry is primarily regulated by certifications and client requirements. However, for public sector projects or certain federal contracts, certification is often mandatory.

1. Project Management Professional (PMP): Offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), this is the gold standard. The exam costs $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. You'll need 36 months of leading projects with a four-year degree, or 60 months without. Timeline: Studying takes 2-3 months. Once you apply, the approval process is quick. You can sit for the exam within weeks.
2. Construction Manager Certification (CCM): Critical for the many construction-focused roles in Jackson. Offered by the Construction Manager Certification Institute (CMCI). Requires a combination of education and field experience. Exam fee is approximately $495.
3. State Licensing for Contractors: If you plan to start your own firm or act as a general contractor, you must license through the Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety. This is a separate process from project management and involves bonding and insurance requirements.

Timeline to Get Started: If you’re pursuing a PMP, you can be exam-ready in 3-4 months. For someone moving to Jackson with existing PM experience, the key is to get your resume in front of the specific local employers mentioned above. There is no "waiting period," but the job search may take longer due to the small market size.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Where you live in Jackson directly impacts your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The town is small, but micro-climates and traffic patterns (especially in summer) matter.

1. East Jackson (The “Hole”): This is the residential heart of town. You’re close to the grocery stores (Smith’s, Albertsons), St. John’s Health, and the town square. Commute is a 5-10 minute drive or bike ride anywhere. It’s family-friendly but parking can be tight. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,600.
2. West Jackson (Miller Butte area): Offers more space and newer construction. It’s a quick commute over the hill to Teton Village (JHMR). The downside is you’re further from town amenities, but you get more mountain views. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,200 - $1,500.
3. Wilson (Unincorporated Teton County): 10-15 minutes west of Jackson. More residential, with a mix of older ranch homes and new subdivisions. It’s quieter, has good schools (Wilson Elementary), and you’re closer to the ski resorts. The commute to Jackson for work can be a traffic headache in peak season. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,400.
4. Teton Village: Living at the base of the mountain. Extremely convenient for JHMR employees, but very expensive, tourist-centric, and can feel empty in the off-season. Most housing is time-share or high-end condo rentals. Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,800+ (if you can find one).
5. Rural Outskirts (e.g., Kelly, Moran): For those seeking true solitude. Commutes are 30-45 minutes, and you’ll deal with wildlife and long drives for groceries. Not recommended for a single PM unless you work remotely or have a specific affinity for extreme privacy. Rent Estimate (1BR): Varies widely, often cheaper but with longer commutes.

Insider Tip: If you work in Teton Village (JHMR), living in Wilson or West Jackson is ideal to avoid the summer traffic bottleneck on Highway 390. If your job is in downtown Jackson, East Jackson is unbeatable for walkability and cost savings on gas.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jackson, career advancement isn’t about a title change every two years; it’s about building a reputation and specializing. The 6% job growth over 10 years is steady, not explosive.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest salary jumps come from niche expertise. A PM with LEED AP (green building) certification is invaluable in a community focused on sustainability. A PM with healthcare project management experience is critical for St. John’s expansion. Heavy civil construction experience is a premium skill for the county and large developers. These specializations can push you from the median $100,368 to the $130,000+ bracket.
• Advancement Paths: The path typically moves from managing smaller, internal projects to leading large, multi-million dollar capital projects. After several years, you might move into a Senior PM role, then a Project Director or Program Manager overseeing a portfolio of projects. The ultimate step is often leaving to start your own consulting firm, serving the many small business owners who need project leadership but can’t afford a full-time employee.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive but requires adaptability. The core drivers—tourism, healthcare, and housing—will remain. However, the market may see a shift toward more adaptive reuse projects (converting old structures) and resilient infrastructure projects (climate adaptation). The PM who positions themselves as an expert in sustainable development or complex multi-stakeholder projects (e.g., public-private partnerships for housing) will have the most career longevity.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Moving to Jackson as a Project Manager is a lifestyle choice as much as a career one. The data shows a market that pays competitively but demands a specific type of professional.

Pros	Cons
Median salary of $100,368 is competitive nationally.	Extremely high cost of living (especially housing).
No state income tax boosts take-home pay.	Hyper-competitive, small job market (only 21 jobs).
World-class outdoor recreation at your doorstep.	Seasonal economic fluctuations can affect job stability.
Strong sense of community and professional network.	Homeownership is nearly impossible on a single median salary.
Diverse project types (healthcare, hospitality, conservation).	Tourist traffic significantly impacts daily life and commutes.
Stable 10-year job growth of 6%.	Limited career mobility—few companies to jump between.

Final Recommendation: Jackson is an excellent fit for a Project Manager who is a specialist (in construction, healthcare, or hospitality), values lifestyle over ladder-climbing, and has a robust financial cushion (at least 6 months of living expenses). It’s not the place to start your career, but it’s a fantastic place for a mid-to-senior level PM who wants to apply their skills in a unique, high-stakes environment. If you’re a generalist PM looking for rapid career growth or easy home ownership, look to larger metros like Denver or Salt Lake City instead.

FAQs

1. I have my PMP but no construction experience. Can I find a job in Jackson?
Yes, but your options will be more limited. Focus on healthcare (St. John’s Health), public sector (Teton County), or resort operations (JHMR) rather than the large construction firms. Your PMP will be valued, but you’ll need to highlight transferable skills from your previous industry.

2. Is it feasible to commute from Idaho (e.g., Victor or Driggs) to work in Jackson?
It is done, but it’s a significant commitment. The commute is 45-60 minutes each way, often over Teton Pass. While Idaho housing is more affordable, you’ll face a mountain pass that can close in winter (though it’s well-maintained). You save on rent but pay in time and vehicle wear. For a Project Manager with a variable schedule, it can be challenging.

3. How important is networking in such a small town?
It’s everything. In a market with only 21 active jobs, personal connections are the fastest path to employment. Join the Jackson Hole Business Association, attend Chamber of Commerce events, and connect with local professionals on LinkedIn. A referral from a respected local can make your resume stand out instantly.

4. What’s the best way to prepare for the Jackson job market?

1. Get your PMP or CCM. 2. Research the specific employers listed above and tailor your resume to their past projects. 3. Be prepared for a long search. The right job might not be posted for months. 4. Have a financial plan. Ensure you can cover 3-6 months of expenses while you search.

5. Are there remote Project Manager roles for Jackson-based companies?
Yes, this is a growing trend, especially in the tech and professional services sectors supporting local businesses. If you have strong remote project management experience, you could work for a company based elsewhere but serving the Jackson market. This can offer a higher salary while allowing you to live in the area. Job boards like remote.co or We Work Remotely may have leads, but you’ll need to target companies in the tourism, outdoor retail, or consulting spaces.

Data sources: Salary figures are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and localized industry reports. Cost of Living Index from C2ER. Rental data from local real estate listings and Zillow. Job growth projections from the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.