Registered Nurse in Sheridan, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Sheridan Stands

As a local who’s watched the healthcare landscape shift over the last decade, I can tell you Sheridan’s nursing market is stable but tight-knit. The median salary for a Registered Nurse here is $83,694/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $40.24/hour. While this is slightly below the national average of $86,070/year, the low cost of living makes it a powerful financial move. The metro area has 171 nursing jobs and a 10-year job growth projection of 6%, which is modest but steady—reflection of a stable community hospital system rather than explosive urban growth.

Let’s break down what you can expect to earn based on experience. This table is based on regional data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local hospital pricing structures.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range	Key Differentiators in Sheridan
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $72,000	Often starts at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital. Expect a structured orientation and a strong emphasis on general med-surg/ER skills.
Mid-Career (3-9 yrs)	$78,000 - $89,000	This is the median range. Nurses here often specialize in ER, ICU, or labor & delivery. Shift differentials can add $4-$6/hour.
Senior (10-19 yrs)	$88,000 - $98,000	Charge nurse roles, clinical educators, or specialists in areas like oncology or palliative care. Leadership positions at major employers.
Expert (20+ yrs)	$95,000+	Typically in management, anesthesia nursing, or as a highly specialized NP/CRNA. Often employed by the VA or in private practice.

How does Sheridan compare to other Wyoming cities? It’s a middle ground. Cheyenne, as the state capital and largest metro, often pays slightly more (median $87,200/year) but has a higher cost of living. Casper, a larger oil and gas hub, can see higher wages ($85,500/year) but more market volatility. Sheridan’s strength is its stability and predictable hours, which many nurses prefer over the "boom and bust" cycles of other regions. The $83,694 median here is very competitive when you factor in the cost of living, often beating out more expensive cities in the Mountain West.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your paycheck. With a median salary of $83,694, your take-home pay after federal taxes, Wyoming state tax (which is 0%), Social Security, and Medicare will be approximately $62,500/year or $5,208/month. Wyoming’s 0% state income tax is a massive financial advantage that immediately boosts your purchasing power.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single RN earning the median salary:

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Details & Local Insight
Net Monthly Pay	$5,208	After federal taxes, FICA.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$876	City average. Newer complexes near the hospital run ~$950-$1,100.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Varies seasonally. Winters can be cold; budget for higher gas bills.
Groceries	$350	Prices are slightly above national average. A smaller Safeway and a strong local co-op.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential. Public transit is limited to a basic bus system.
Health Insurance (Post-Employer)	$250	Most local employers offer good plans, but premiums vary.
Retirement Savings (10%)	$697	$83,694/12 = $6,975 monthly gross. 10% is $697.
Miscellaneous/Buffer	$1,405	For dining, entertainment, clothing, and savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Sheridan County is roughly $275,000-$300,000. With the budget above, after saving for a down payment, a mortgage of $1,300-$1,400/month is feasible on a single RN income. This is a significant advantage over cities where home prices exceed $400,000. Many local nurses purchase homes in the Northridge or River Heights areas. Your local credit union, like First Federal Savings Bank, often has favorable terms for healthcare professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Sheridan's Major Employers

The job market is dominated by a few key players. Getting your foot in the door at one of these is your primary goal. Hiring trends are consistent year-round, with peak openings in spring and fall.

1. Sheridan County Memorial Hospital (SCMH): The cornerstone of the community. It’s a 25-bed critical access hospital, meaning you’ll see a wide variety of cases. They employ over half the RNs in the county. Hiring trends are steady; they prioritize local candidates and those with a clear intent to stay long-term. They often host job fairs and have a robust internal education department.
2. Veterans Affairs (VA) Northern Wyoming Healthcare System: Located on the VA campus off US-87. This is a major employer for RNs, offering competitive federal pay (GS-11, Step 5 start ~$83,000). They have a strong reputation for benefits and work-life balance. Hiring is slower and more bureaucratic; you must apply through USAJobs.gov. They often need nurses for primary care, mental health, and long-term care.
3. Sheridan Memorial Hospital (SMH) - Part of Billings Clinic: Actually, the correct and crucial detail is that Sheridan County Memorial Hospital is now part of the Billings Clinic system. This is a major recent change. Billings Clinic brings more resources, potential for specialty referrals, and a clearer pathway for advancement. Expect more investment in technology and possibly new service lines. This is where the most growth is happening.
4. Long-Term Care Facilities: The Villa at Sheridan and WestView Health Care Center are the two largest. They need nurses for stable, predictable shifts. The work is less acute but can be incredibly rewarding. Hiring is frequent, and turnover is lower than in large city hospitals.
5. Private Clinics & Specialty Practices: Sheridan County Community Health (public health), Ortho & Sports Medicine, and Big Horn Mountain Medical (urgent care). These offer a 9-to-5 schedule, which is a huge draw for nurses with families. Jobs are less frequent but highly coveted.
6. Mobile Intensive Care Unit (MICU): Operated by SCMH, this service runs ambulances and provides critical care transport. It’s a great option for nurses who love the ER and critical care but want variety. Hiring is less frequent.

Insider Tip: The "Sheridan County Medical Society" often posts non-hospital jobs. Networking at local events like the Buffalo Bill Days parade or volunteering at the Museum at the Bighorns can get you an "in" before a job is even posted.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming’s licensing is straightforward but requires attention to detail. The Wyoming State Board of Nursing (WSBN) handles all credentials. You must have an active, unencumbered license from another state to apply for licensure by endorsement.

• Requirements & Costs:
  • Fingerprinting & Background Check: Required. Must be done through the WSBN-approved vendor (IdentoGO). Cost: ~$45.
  • Application Fee: $130 for Licensure by Endorsement.
  • Verification: You must verify your original license and education. This often costs $10-$25 per verification.
  • Total Estimated Cost: $200 - $250.
• Timeline: Once your application is complete and all verifications are received, the WSBN typically processes endorsements in 2-4 weeks. However, start the process 6-8 weeks before your planned move to account for delays in your home state's verification.
• Compact State: Wyoming is NOT a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). You cannot practice in Wyoming with a multi-state compact license from another eNLC state. You must obtain a Wyoming license. This is a critical point for travel nurses considering the area.

Getting Started: Visit the Wyoming State Board of Nursing website. Download the Licensure by Endorsement packet. Start the fingerprinting process immediately, as it can be the longest step. Keep digital copies of your license, diploma, and transcripts handy.

Best Neighborhoods for Registered Nurses

Sheridan is a compact city, but neighborhoods vary in vibe and cost. Proximity to your employer is key, as winter driving can be challenging.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Northridge	Quiet, family-oriented, newer construction. 5-10 min drive to SCMH/VA.	$950 - $1,100	Nurses seeking a modern, low-maintenance lifestyle. Straightforward commute.
Downtown (Historic District)	Walkable, charming, with Victorian homes. 3-8 min drive to hospitals.	$750 - $900	The social butterfly who wants coffee shops and the WYO Theater at their door.
River Heights	Established, larger lots, older charm. 8-12 min to hospitals.	$850 - $1,000	Those wanting more space, a yard, and a quieter, established feel.
Sheridan East	Affordable, practical, mix of older and newer homes. 10-15 min drive.	$700 - $850	Newcomers looking to save money while still having easy access to amenities.
Country Living (Outskirts)	Rural, acreage, longer commutes. 15-25 min drive.	$800+ (for house)	Nurses with families who want space, don’t mind driving, and value privacy.

Insider Tip: If you work night shift at the VA, living in the East Side or Northridge is ideal. The drive is short and after midnight, you’ll rarely hit a single red light. For day shift at SCMH, Downtown is perfect for walking to a post-shift lunch.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year outlook for nursing in Sheridan is about sustained demand. The 6% job growth ensures you will never be out of work, but advancement is more about specialization and leadership than rapid expansion.

• Specialty Premiums: In Sheridan, these are built into the base salary rather than as separate stipends. However, specialized roles command higher pay.
  • ER/ICU: Typically 5-10% above base median.
  • Labor & Delivery / NICU: Premium of 8-12%.
  • OR / Anesthesia: Premium of 10-15%. Highly specialized, often requires additional certification.
  • Home Health / Public Health: Often at or slightly below the median, but with more autonomy and a predictable weekday schedule.
• Advancement Paths: The primary path is moving from bedside to leadership. The typical progression is Staff Nurse → Charge Nurse → Unit Manager → Director of Nursing. With the Billings Clinic merger, there is now a clearer path to regional system roles in Billings, MT, which offers a higher salary band. Another key path is becoming a Clinical Nurse Leader (CNL) or obtaining a Master’s (MSN) to become a Nurse Practitioner (NP). The University of Wyoming’s online MSN program is popular with local nurses.
• 10-Year Outlook: The core driver is the aging population and the consolidation of care under the Billings Clinic system. Expect gradual wage increases tied to cost-of-living adjustments. New roles may emerge in telehealth and specialized outpatient clinics. The VA will remain a steady, high-benefit employer. The biggest uncertainty is the future of smaller private practices, which may continue to consolidate into larger groups.

The Verdict: Is Sheridan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living. Your $83,694 salary goes much further here than the national average.	Limited Job Variety. No Level 1 Trauma or large specialty centers. You may need to travel for highly specialized care.
Zero State Income Tax. A direct boost to your take-home pay.	Harsh Winters. Snow, ice, and cold are a reality from October to April. A 4WD vehicle is recommended.
Stable, In-Demand Market. With 171 jobs and steady growth, you are highly employable.	Isolation. It’s a 3-hour drive to Billings, MT (the nearest larger city). You may feel removed from big-city amenities.
Strong Community. It’s easy to know the doctors you work with, the local leaders, and feel like part of the fabric.	Limited Direct Flights. The local airport (SCA) has limited service. Most travel requires a drive to Billings or Denver.
Outdoor Access. World-class hiking, skiing (at the local ski area), and hunting are minutes away.	Social Life is "What You Make It." It’s not a bustling nightlife scene. Fun is found in community events and outdoor clubs.

Final Recommendation: Sheridan is an ideal fit for a nurse who prioritizes financial stability, a low-stress lifestyle, and a close-knit community. It’s perfect for those raising a family, seeking a second career, or looking to slow down. It is less ideal for a nurse in their 20s seeking a fast-paced, high-energy urban environment or requiring extremely specialized, cutting-edge medical care. If you value a high quality of life over constant stimulation, and your financial goals align with a median salary of $83,694 in a town where rent is $876, Sheridan is not just a good choice—it’s a strategic one.

FAQs

Q: What is the typical shift schedule like in Sheridan?
A: Most hospital jobs (SCMH, VA) use 12-hour shifts, either 7am-7pm or 7pm-7am. Schedules are often "every third weekend" and a mix of days and nights. Long-term care and clinics typically use 8-hour day shifts. Schedules are generally more predictable than in larger metros, with less floating between units.

Q: Are there travel nursing opportunities in Sheridan?
A: Yes, but they are limited. Travel contracts arise primarily at Sheridan County Memorial Hospital (Billings Clinic) and occasionally at the VA. Contracts are usually 13 weeks and pay a higher gross wage, but you must secure your own housing. Rates are competitive with the lower cost of living in mind. Contact local agencies like Aya Healthcare or Kanga Healthcare for current postings.

Q: How is the weather for someone moving from a warmer climate?
A: Be prepared for distinct seasons. Summers are dry and beautiful (70s-90s°F). Winters are cold and snowy (20s-40s°F), with occasional deep freezes. Investing in a good winter coat, insulated boots, and a vehicle with 4WD or AWD is essential. The dry air helps, but wind chills can be severe.

Q: What are the best ways to network for nursing jobs in Sheridan?
A: 1) Apply directly on employer websites. 2) Use LinkedIn and connect with the nurse recruiters at SCMH/Billings Clinic and the VA. 3) Attend community events. The Sheridan County Chamber of Commerce hosts mixers. 4) Join the Wyoming Nurses Association (WNA) and attend their local chapter meetings. The community is small; personal connections matter.

Q: Is the cost of utilities really that high?
A: Yes, especially in winter. Your $180/month estimate is an average. In January, a gas bill for a 1BR apartment can hit $120 or more. Electricity is relatively cheap in summer but can rise with AC use. Budgeting for seasonal spikes is crucial. Many apartments include some utilities, so read your lease carefully.