Career Guide for Registered Nurses in Cheyenne, WY

As a career analyst who’s spent years tracking the nursing market across the Mountain West, I can tell you Cheyenne offers a unique proposition for RNs. It’s not a sprawling metro, but it’s the state capital and a regional healthcare hub. The cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, and the job market is stable, if not booming. This guide is for the pragmatic RN—someone who wants the full picture, from take-home pay to commute times, before making the move.

Let’s cut through the noise and look at the data.

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

First, let’s establish the baseline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the median salary for a Registered Nurse in the Cheyenne metro area is $83,720 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $40.25. This is slightly below the national average of $86,070, but the difference is less than 3%. When you factor in Cheyenne's cost of living, that salary goes much further than in most U.S. cities.

The job market itself is modest but steady. There are approximately 586 RN jobs in the metro area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's a reliable, expanding field. The demand is driven by an aging population and Cheyenne’s role as a referral center for rural southeastern Wyoming and parts of Nebraska.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Nursing salaries in Cheyenne follow a predictable progression. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local job postings and union contract data:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Cheyenne)	Key Employers at This Level
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$72,000 - $78,000	Cheyenne Regional, Banner Health clinics, nursing homes
Mid-Career	3-9 years	$80,000 - $92,000	Cheyenne Regional, VA Medical Center, specialty clinics
Senior/Expert	10+ years	$90,000 - $105,000+	Leadership roles, ICU/ER specialties, education/management

Note: These ranges are estimates and can be influenced by shift differentials (nights/weekends), certifications (e.g., CCRN, CEN), and union contracts.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

How does Cheyenne stack up against other Wyoming cities for an RN?

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Job Market Size
Cheyenne	$83,720	90.9	Moderate (586 jobs)
Casper*	$82,500	92.1	Moderate (450 jobs)
Gillette*	$81,000	95.5	Smaller (200 jobs)
Laramie*	$79,500	88.7	Smaller (150 jobs)

Salary estimates based on BLS area data and adjusted for local cost of living. Gillette's higher COL is due to its energy sector boom.

Insider Tip: Cheyenne offers the best balance of salary, job availability, and urban amenities in the state. While Casper pays slightly less and has a higher cost of living, its hospital system (Banner Health) is larger. For a single RN or a couple, Cheyenne’s lower rent often makes it the financial winner.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,720 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what that means for your monthly budget in Cheyenne.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,720
• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$12,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,400
• Wyoming State Tax: $0 (Wyoming has no state income tax)
• Health Insurance (Est.): ~$3,600/year (shared with employer)
• 401k/Retirement (5%): ~$4,186

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,850

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent of $917/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,850	After taxes, insurance, and 5% retirement
Rent (1BR Apt)	$917	Average for metro area
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, gas, water, internet
Car Insurance/Gas	$250 - $350	Cheyenne is car-dependent; commute is minimal
Groceries	$350 - $450	For a single person
Health (Out-of-Pocket)	$100 - $150	Copays, prescriptions
Miscellaneous	$500 - $700	Entertainment, dining, savings, debt
Remaining	$1,683 - $1,933	For savings, emergency fund, or mortgage

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, easily. This is one of Cheyenne’s biggest draws. With a take-home of ~$4,850 and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 28%, you could comfortably afford a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,358.

As of late 2023, the median home price in Cheyenne is approximately $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000. For a $228,000 loan at a 6.5% interest rate (30-year fixed), the principal and interest payment is about $1,440/month—just slightly above the comfortable range. With a smaller down payment or a dual-income household, buying a home is very attainable for an RN in Cheyenne.

Insider Tip: Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs with lower down payments. It’s worth exploring if you’re planning to stay for several years. The housing market is competitive but not as frenzied as in larger cities.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $83,720 is a gross figure. Let’s break down what that means for your monthly budget in Cheyenne.

Assumptions for a Single Filer:

• Gross Annual Salary: $83,720
• Federal Tax (Est.): ~$12,500
• FICA (7.65%): ~$6,400
• Wyoming State Tax: $0 (Wyoming has no state income tax)
• Health Insurance (Est.): ~$3,600/year (shared with employer)
• 401k/Retirement (5%): ~$4,186

Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$4,850

Now, let's factor in the average 1BR rent of $917/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Estimated)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$4,850	After taxes, insurance, and 5% retirement
Rent (1BR Apt)	$917	Average for metro area
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electric, gas, water, internet
Car Insurance/Gas	$250 - $350	Cheyenne is car-dependent; commute is minimal
Groceries	$350 - $450	For a single person
Health (Out-of-Pocket)	$100 - $150	Copays, prescriptions
Miscellaneous	$500 - $700	Entertainment, dining, savings, debt
Remaining	$1,683 - $1,933	For savings, emergency fund, or mortgage

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, easily. This is one of Cheyenne’s biggest draws. With a take-home of ~$4,850 and a mortgage-to-income ratio of 28%, you could comfortably afford a monthly mortgage payment of around $1,358.

As of late 2023, the median home price in Cheyenne is approximately $285,000. A 20% down payment is $57,000. For a $228,000 loan at a 6.5% interest rate (30-year fixed), the principal and interest payment is about $1,440/month—just slightly above the comfortable range. With a smaller down payment or a dual-income household, buying a home is very attainable for an RN in Cheyenne.

Insider Tip: Many local lenders offer first-time homebuyer programs with lower down payments. It’s worth exploring if you’re planning to stay for several years. The housing market is competitive but not as frenzied as in larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

The nursing job market in Cheyenne is dominated by a few key players. Here’s a breakdown of the major employers, from largest to most specialized.

1. Cheyenne Regional Medical Center (CRMC): The largest employer in the region. This is a 240-bed, Level II Trauma Center and the primary referral hub for southeastern Wyoming. They have openings in Med-Surg, ICU, ER, L&D, and perioperative services. Hiring is relatively consistent, with the biggest pushes in winter (flu season) and summer (seasonal population). Insider Tip: CRMC is a teaching hospital and has a close relationship with the University of Wyoming Nursing Program. It’s a great place for new grads to cut their teeth, though it can be busy.

2. Cheyenne VA Medical Center: Part of the Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN 19), this is a 50-bed facility with a strong outpatient clinic. It offers excellent benefits, federal job stability, and a focus on a specific patient population. Salaries are competitive with CRMC, often with better shift differentials. Hiring is less frequent but highly sought after for the benefits and work-life balance.

3. Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center (Casper, with Cheyenne clinics): While its main hospital is in Casper, Banner runs several primary care and specialty clinics in Cheyenne (e.g., Banner Medical Group). These are great for RNs seeking a clinic or outpatient role without the 12-hour hospital shifts. Jobs here are more 9-to-5, with weekends off.

4. Peak Wellness Center: This is the community mental health and substance abuse treatment center for Laramie County. They hire RNs for crisis stabilization, detox units, and outpatient programs. It’s a different pace than acute care and is critical for the community. Hiring is steady due to high demand in behavioral health.

5. Senior Living Facilities (Sagestone Senior Living, Granite Pointe): Cheyenne has a growing senior population. These facilities hire RNs for supervisory roles (charge nurses) and for direct resident care. The pay can be slightly lower than acute care, but the schedule is often more predictable (no nights, weekends, or holidays in some cases).

6. Wyoming Medical Center (WMC) - Statewide Telehealth: While not a physical Cheyenne employer, WMC’s telehealth services are expanding. They employ RNs for remote patient monitoring and tele-triage. This is a growing niche for tech-savvy nurses who want to work from home, with a Cheyenne cost-of-living salary.

Hiring Trends: The biggest hiring needs are in Med-Surg and ER. Due to Cheyenne’s aging population, home health and hospice roles are also growing. The market is not saturated; you won’t be one of 500 applicants for a single posting. However, specialized roles (like IR or Cath Lab) are fewer and may require relocation to Casper or Denver.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing process is straightforward and managed by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing.

Key Requirements:

1. NCLEX-RN Pass: You must have passed the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses.
2. Graduation from an ACEN or CCNE Accredited Program: Your nursing school must be accredited.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based criminal background check is required.
4. Application & Fees: The application fee is $110. The license renewal fee is $110 every two years.

Timeline to Get Started:

• If you’re licensed in another state (Compact or Non-Compact):
  • Wyoming is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If your primary state of residence is another compact state (e.g., Nebraska, Colorado), you can practice in Wyoming with your multi-state license immediately. You do not need to apply for a Wyoming license.
  • If your home state is not a compact state, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. The process takes 4-8 weeks. You must provide proof of your current license, NCLEX results, and an official transcript. Wyoming does not require continuing education for initial licensure by endorsement.
• If you are a new graduate or foreign-educated nurse:
  • You must apply for exam authorization, which can take 4-6 weeks. Once you have your ATT, you can schedule the NCLEX. After passing, you’ll receive your license. The total process can take 3-5 months.

Cost Breakdown:

• Licensure by Endorsement (from non-compact state): $110 application fee.
• Licensure by Examination (new grad): $110 application fee + NCLEX exam fee (~$200). Total ~$310.
• Total Cost to Become Licensed in WY (Non-Compact State): ~$110

Insider Tip: Wyoming’s Board of Nursing website is user-friendly. For compact state nurses, simply carrying your multi-state license is sufficient. For non-compact nurses, start the endorsement process at least two months before your planned move.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Cheyenne is a manageable city where most neighborhoods are within a 10-15 minute drive of the major hospitals (CRMC and VA are north of downtown). Your choice will depend on lifestyle and budget.

1. North Cheyenne (Near CRMC/VA):

   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to work. Ideal for night shift nurses who want to get home quickly.
   • Lifestyle: Quiet, suburban. Mostly single-family homes and apartment complexes. Close to parks like Holliday Park.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Nurses prioritizing a short commute above all else.

2. Downtown/ Historic District:

   • Commute: 5-8 minutes to hospitals. Walkable to local shops, restaurants (like The Albany and The Met), and the Capitol building.
   • Lifestyle: Vibrant, historic, with a mix of young professionals and long-time residents. Older, charming apartments and condos.
   • Rent Estimate: $950 - $1,300 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Nurses who want to be in the heart of the action and enjoy walkability.

3. Eastside / South Cheyenne:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: Established, family-oriented neighborhoods with good schools. More affordable single-family homes. The area around the University of Wyoming at Cheyenne (UW-Cheyenne) is more affordable.
   • Rent Estimate: $800 - $1,050 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Those looking for a quiet, residential feel with more space for their money.

4. Sunrise / Gilchrist Park Area:

   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to hospitals.
   • Lifestyle: A mix of older homes and newer developments. Close to the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens and Lions Park. It’s a great balance of residential peace and recreational access.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100 for a 1BR apartment.
   • Best For: Nurses who love the outdoors and want a quiet, safe neighborhood without being too far from amenities.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Cheyenne is minimal, so a "bad" commute is still short. The biggest factor is winter weather—living closer to work can be a plus during heavy snowfall. Consider a vehicle with good tires and all-wheel drive.

The Long Game: Career Growth

While Cheyenne isn’t a major academic medical center, there are solid paths for advancement