Project Manager in Laramie, WY

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Project Managers considering a move to Laramie, Wyoming.

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The Salary Picture: Where Laramie Stands

As a Project Manager in Laramie, you're entering a market that pays competitively relative to the local cost of living, though it trails slightly behind the national average. The key to understanding your earning potential here isn't just the median—it's the spread based on experience and industry. Laramie's economy is anchored by education, healthcare, and a growing tech and research sector, which creates specific demand for project management skills.

The median salary for a Project Manager in Laramie is $98,484/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.35/hour. This sits just below the national average of $101,280/year, a common pattern for smaller metro areas where the cost of living is a significant offset. With only 63 total Project Manager jobs in the metro area, the market is tight and specialized. You're not competing with hundreds of applicants, but you need to be a precise fit for the roles that come up. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which is steady but not explosive, reflecting the region's stable rather than rapidly expanding economy.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Laramie market. Note that these are estimates based on local job postings and industry data, sitting around the $98,484 median.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Laramie)	Key Industries Hiring
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$68,000 - $80,000	Construction, IT support, university administration
Mid-Career (3-7 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	Healthcare, engineering, public sector, energy
Senior (8-15 yrs)	$105,000 - $125,000	Major construction, healthcare leadership, tech
Expert/Lead (15+ yrs)	$125,000+	Director-level roles, specialized consulting, large-scale project oversight

Local Insight: The "Expert" tier is where you see the largest premiums, especially if you have a PMP certification and experience with federal grants (common at UW) or large-scale construction (e.g., hospital expansions, university infrastructure). The jump from Senior to Expert isn't just about managing more people; it's about managing complexity and risk.

How Laramie Compares to Other Wyoming Cities:

• Cheyenne: Salaries are slightly higher (median ~$102,000) due to state government and insurance industries, but the cost of living is also higher.
• Casper: Similar to Cheyenne, with a stronger energy sector. Salaries are competitive, but the job market is larger and more diverse.
• Jackson Hole: Exceptional salaries (often $115,000+ for mid-career) but an astronomically high cost of living that erases the financial advantage for most. Laramie offers a much better balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $98,484 looks solid on paper, but the real story is in the take-home pay after Wyoming's tax structure and local housing costs. Wyoming is one of only nine states with no income tax, which is a massive financial advantage. However, it has a relatively high sales tax (state + local can reach 8%), and property taxes are moderate.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a single Project Manager earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Earner, No Dependents):

Item	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$8,207	From $98,484 annual salary
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,600	Federal, FICA (7.65%), and local sales tax on goods. No state income tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$6,607	This is your working budget.
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	Well below national average. A nicer 1BR in a prime area may hit $1,100.
Utilities	$150 - $250	Includes high-speed internet (~$70), gas, electric, and water. Winters are cold; heating bills are real.
Car Payment/Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential. Public transit is limited. A reliable vehicle for Wyoming winters is a must.
Groceries & Dining	$400 - $500	Groceries are slightly above national average due to transport costs.
Health Insurance	$200 - $400	Varies greatly by employer. UW and Memorial Hospital offer competitive plans.
Retirement/401k	$400 - $800	Highly recommended. Many local employers match contributions.
Discretionary/Other	$1,000 - $1,500	Gas, entertainment, hobbies, savings.
Monthly Surplus	$1,000 - $2,000	Comfortable room for savings or debt repayment.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Laramie's biggest draws. The median home price in Laramie is around $330,000 (as of early 2024). With a $98,484 salary, a 20% down payment ($66,000) is a stretch but achievable over time with the monthly surplus shown above. A more realistic path for many is a 5-10% down payment with an FHA or conventional loan. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $300,000 home with 10% down would be roughly $1,800 - $2,000. This is higher than rent but builds equity. Given the $98,484 median salary and low cost of living, homeownership is a very attainable goal for a Project Manager here, often within 3-5 years of moving.

Where the Jobs Are: Laramie's Major Employers

With only 63 Project Manager jobs in the metro, you need to know exactly where to look. The market is dominated by a few large institutions.

1. University of Wyoming (UW): The city's largest employer. They hire Project Managers for everything from new building construction (the new College of Business building is a recent example) to IT system overhauls and grant-funded research projects. Hiring Trend: Steady. UW has a constant pipeline of capital projects. Knowledge of state procurement and grant management is a huge plus.
2. Ivinson Memorial Hospital / Laramie County Hospital District: The central healthcare provider. Project Managers oversee facility expansions, electronic health record (EHR) implementations, and process improvement initiatives. Hiring Trend: Consistent. Healthcare is recession-resistant, and aging infrastructure requires ongoing modernization.
3. City of Laramie & Albany County: Government projects, from road improvements and water treatment plant upgrades to community center renovations. Hiring Trend: Cyclical, tied to bond measures and grant cycles. Jobs are posted on government job boards and can be competitive.
4. Engineering & Construction Firms: Companies like Engineering Associates, Inc. and TerraSource are key players. They manage civil engineering projects, environmental remediation, and site development for commercial and public clients. Hiring Trend: Tied to the local economy and university growth. Strong demand for PMs with P.E. (Professional Engineer) licenses or construction management experience.
5. Federal & State Agencies: The US Forest Service (Medicine Bow National Forest supervisor's office) and Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) have a presence. Projects involve land management, transportation infrastructure, and public works. Hiring Trend: Stable, with openings tied to federal funding cycles and staff retirements.
6. Tech & Research Startups: Fueled by UW's research output, a small but growing tech scene is emerging. Companies like Visual Edge IT and various UW spin-offs hire PMs for software development and product launches. Hiring Trend: Growing but volatile. Best for those comfortable in a startup environment.

Insider Tip: Many of the best jobs never hit public job boards. They are filled through UW's internal network or local engineering firms. Join the Wyoming Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) and attend local meetups. Networking here is not optional—it's essential.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-specific "Project Manager License." However, depending on your industry, other certifications are critical.

• PMP (Project Management Professional): This is the gold standard and is highly valued by all major employers in Laramie, especially UW and engineering firms. The cost is approximately $555 for members and $595 for non-members for the exam. You need 36 months of leading projects and 35 hours of project management education. Timeline: 3-6 months of study and application.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) License: If you are managing engineering or construction projects, a P.E. is often required or strongly preferred. This is administered by the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors. It requires an ABET-accredited engineering degree, passing the FE exam, 4 years of work experience under a P.E., and passing the PE exam. Cost: Several hundred dollars for exams and fees. Timeline: 4+ years (including experience).
• Agile Certifications (CSM, SAFe): Gaining traction in the tech and research sectors. Offered by private companies (Scrum Alliance, Scaled Agile). Cost: $1,000 - $2,000 for training and certification.
• State Licensing Board: For the P.E., contact the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers and Professional Land Surveyors (www.wyoengineers.org). For general business, the Wyoming Secretary of State handles business registration if you plan to consult.

Actionable Step: If you don't have your PMP, start the process now. It's the single most valuable credential for a Project Manager in this market and can directly translate to a $10,000-$15,000 salary premium.

Best Neighborhoods for Project Managers

Laramie is a compact city, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commutes are never an issue—anything is 10-15 minutes away—but lifestyle and rent vary.

1. Downtown/West Downtown: The heart of the action. Close to UW, restaurants, and the historic district. Ideal for those who want a walkable lifestyle and easy social access. Commute: 5-10 minutes to most employers. Rent (1BR): $1,000 - $1,300.
2. East Side: Primarily residential, family-oriented, with larger homes and yards. Quieter, more suburban feel. Very close to Ivinson Hospital and elementary schools. Commute: 5-10 minutes. Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000.
3. North Laramie: More affordable, with a mix of older homes and new developments. Growing area with good value. Slightly farther from downtown but still an easy drive. Commute: 10-15 minutes. Rent (1BR): $750 - $950.
4. South Laramie: Similar to the East Side, residential and quiet. Home to the Laramie County Community College campus and some newer apartment complexes. Commute: 5-12 minutes. Rent (1BR): $850 - $1,100.
5. Sherman Hill: A historic neighborhood with beautiful, older homes. Prestigious and quiet. You'll find senior executives and professors here. Commute: 5-10 minutes. Rent: Mostly houses; 1BR apartments are rare but can be found for $900-$1,200.

Insider Tip: If you own a car, location is less critical. If you want to bike or walk to work (possible if you work at UW or downtown), prioritize the Downtown or East Side neighborhoods. Parking is rarely an issue anywhere in the city.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 6% indicates a stable, not booming, market. Your growth will come from specialization and advancement within the existing structure.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • IT/Software Project Management: High demand but limited local opportunities. Remote work for a tech company while living in Laramie is a powerful combo, leveraging the low cost of living against a Silicon Valley salary.
  • Construction/Engineering PM (P.E. + PMP): The most secure path locally. Premium of $15,000-$25,000 over a non-licensed PM.
  • Healthcare PM: Steady demand with Ivinson and UW's medical programs. Experience with HIPAA and healthcare IT is valuable.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Project Coordinator → Project Manager (Mid-Career): The most common jump. Requires taking on full project ownership.
  2. Project Manager → Senior PM / Program Manager: Manage a portfolio of related projects (e.g., all campus IT upgrades). This is where you hit the $115,000+ range.
  3. Senior PM → Director of Projects / Operations: Requires strategic leadership and often a move into management at UW, the hospital, or a large firm. This is the top tier locally ($130,000+).
  4. The Remote Lever: A key growth strategy. Secure a senior PM role with a remote-friendly company based in Denver, Salt Lake, or a coastal city. You earn a salary closer to the national average ($101,280+) while benefiting from Laramie's $917 rent and no state income tax. This is a very popular and financially savvy path for ambitious PMs in Laramie.

The Verdict: Is Laramie Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $98,484 salary goes very far, especially for housing.	Limited Job Market: Only 63 jobs means fewer opportunities and longer searches.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Isolation: 2+ hours to a major airport (Cheyenne/Denver). Limited cultural/entertainment options.
Outdoor Access: World-class hiking, skiing, and biking right outside your door.	Weather: Harsh, windy winters with significant snow. A 4WD/AWD vehicle is essential.
Stable, Recession-Resistant Employers: UW and healthcare provide a solid base.	Slower Pace: Not the place for fast-paced, high-growth tech startup culture.
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to build a network and feel connected.	Population Stagnation: Growth is slow, which can lead to a "small town" feel for some.

Final Recommendation:
Laramie is an excellent choice for a Project Manager who values financial stability, a high quality of life, and outdoor recreation over urban hustle. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or save aggressively. The $98,484 median salary provides a comfortable life here, and the lack of state income tax is a game-changer.

It's not the right fit if you're early in your career and seeking a rapid, mentorship-heavy environment in a competitive field like tech. The job market is too small for that. If you're a senior PM with a PMP (and ideally a P.E.), you can command a top-tier salary and enjoy an unparalleled work-life balance. Ultimately, Laramie rewards those who plan their career move strategically—leveraging local employers or the remote work trend—and who genuinely want to trade a crowded, expensive metro for wide-open spaces and financial peace of mind.

FAQs

1. What is the single most important certification for a Project Manager in Laramie?
Without question, the PMP (Project Management Professional). It is the universal language for project management and is explicitly required or "strongly preferred" in nearly every Project Manager job posting from UW to engineering firms. It signals competence and can directly boost your starting salary offer.

2. Is a car absolutely necessary?
Yes. Laramie's public transit (GoLaramie) is limited, and the city is spread out. While you can live without a car if you work at UW and live downtown, you'll be isolated from grocery stores, outdoor recreation, and other employers. A reliable vehicle, preferably with AWD/4WD for winter, is a non-negotiable tool for living and working in Laramie.

3. How competitive is the housing market for a newcomer?
It's very competitive for rentals, especially in the summer when UW students are looking. The average $917/month for a 1BR is accurate, but good units go fast. Start your search 45-60 days before your move. The home-buying market is more balanced. With a $98,484 salary, you'll be a strong buyer, but inventory can be low. Be prepared to act quickly on a good home.

4. Can I really get a remote job and live in Laramie?
Absolutely, and it's a growing trend. Many PMs in Laramie work remotely for companies in