Software Developer in Riverton, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Riverton Stands

For a software developer, Riverton is a market where the numbers tell a straightforward story. You’re not looking at Silicon Valley salaries, but you’re also not dealing with Silicon Valley costs. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Riverton metro area is $126,114/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.63/hour. This sits slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, a difference of about 0.9%. It’s a negligible gap, but it’s a data point you should keep in mind. The real story, however, is the local job market. With only 64 software developer jobs currently in the metro area, this is a niche market. The 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 17%, which suggests opportunity is expanding, but from a very small base.

To understand where you fit, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local salary surveys and BLS data for the region, applied to the specific Riverton context.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$85,000 - $105,000	Junior developer roles, front-end/back-end support, QA testing, learning legacy systems.
Mid-Level (3-6 years)	$110,000 - $135,000	Full-stack development, leading small projects, mentoring juniors, system architecture.
Senior-Level (7-10 years)	$135,000 - $155,000**	Technical lead, architecture decisions, complex system design, cross-department collaboration.
Expert/Principal (10+ years)	$155,000+	Principal engineer, CTO-level strategic planning, cutting-edge tech implementation, team building.

How does Riverton stack up against other Wyoming cities? The answer is: it’s competitive. Cheyenne and Casper, as larger state hubs, offer more jobs but also higher costs of living, particularly in housing. Laramie, home to the University of Wyoming, has a dynamic tech scene but is dominated by academic and startup salaries. For a developer seeking a balance of decent pay and an extremely low cost of living, Riverton’s median salary of $126,114 is a strong contender. You’re earning a respectable wage while your dollar stretches further than it would in any of those larger metros.

Insider Tip: Don’t anchor your expectations to the national average. Instead, compare Riverton’s salary to the local cost of living. A $126,114 salary here has more purchasing power than the same amount in Denver or Salt Lake City.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. We’ll use the median salary of $126,114 and factor in Riverton’s cost of living index of 97.0 (US avg = 100) and average 1BR rent of $921/month. This is where Riverton’s advantage becomes crystal clear.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Software Developer Earning $126,114:

• Gross Monthly Income: $10,509
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA ~25%): -$2,627
• Net (Take-Home) Monthly Income: $7,882
• Average 1BR Rent (Utilities not included): -$921
• Remaining for All Other Expenses: $6,961

This remaining $6,961 covers groceries, utilities, transportation, insurance, retirement savings, and discretionary spending. It’s a very comfortable margin, especially compared to national averages.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. Let’s look at the local housing market. The median home price in Fremont County (where Riverton is located) is approximately $285,000 (per Zillow and local real estate data). With a 20% down payment ($57,000), a mortgage on the remaining $228,000 at a 7% interest rate (current market estimate) would be roughly $1,517/month. This is only about 60% of the average rent burden for a 1BR apartment. A developer earning the median salary could comfortably afford a starter home or condo in Riverton within 1-2 years of saving, even on a single income.

Insider Tip: The housing stock in Riverton is a mix of older homes (1960s-1980s) and newer constructions on the city’s west side. For a tech professional, finding a home with a dedicated office space is common and adds significant value. Look in neighborhoods like Sage Hills or West Riverton for newer builds with modern layouts.

Where the Jobs Are: Riverton's Major Employers

With only 64 developer jobs, you need to know where to look. Riverton’s tech scene is tied to its broader economic pillars: education, healthcare, energy, and local government. Here are the specific employers you should have on your radar.

1. Central Wyoming College (CWC): Located in Riverton, CWC is a major regional employer with a growing need for IT and software professionals to manage their student information systems, online learning platforms (LMS), and campus-wide tech infrastructure. They often hire for both full-time staff and contract roles.
2. SageWest Health Care (Riverton Hospital): As the primary healthcare provider for the region, SageWest requires robust software systems for electronic health records (EHR), patient portals, and internal logistics. Their IT department is a steady source of mid-level developer jobs, particularly in systems integration and database management.
3. Fremont County School District #25: The local school district’s IT department manages everything from student data systems to network security across multiple schools. This is a stable, public-sector employer with a need for developers familiar with educational software and data security.
4. Wyoming Machinery Company (Wyotech): While based in Campbell County, Wyotech has a significant training facility in Riverton focused on trades. Their corporate IT and software teams often need developers to handle training software, scheduling systems, and data analytics for student outcomes.
5. Local Government & Municipal Services: The City of Riverton and Fremont County government employ IT staff to maintain civic software for utilities, permit systems, and public records. These roles are less frequent but offer excellent job security and benefits.
6. Energy & Natural Resources Companies: Companies like Anadarko Petroleum (now part of Occidental) and various wind energy firms operating in the Wind River Range have field offices that require software support for logistics, data analysis, and field operations. These roles often blend software development with data science.
7. Startups & Remote Opportunities: Due to the small local job pool, many Riverton-based developers work remotely for companies in Cheyenne, Denver, or Salt Lake City. The local tech community is small but tight-knit; networking events at The Mint Bar or the Riverton Library can lead to remote job referrals.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is slow but steady. Most local employers prefer candidates with a mix of formal education and practical experience. Knowledge of legacy systems (like older EHR platforms or government software) is a plus. Remote work is increasingly common, so don’t limit your search to local job boards like the Riverton Ranger.

Getting Licensed in WY

Software development is a field without a universal state license, unlike law or medicine. However, there are specific certifications and processes relevant to Wyoming’s key industries.

• State-Specific Requirements: Wyoming does not require a state license to practice as a general software developer. However, if you’re working on projects for state or local government, or in regulated industries like healthcare (SageWest) or finance, you may need to pass a background check or adhere to specific data security standards (like HIPAA or CJIS).
• Costs & Timeline: The primary “license” for most developers is professional certification. For Wyoming’s market, consider these:
  • AWS or Microsoft Azure Fundamentals: ~$100 for the exam. These are valuable for employers in energy and healthcare who use cloud infrastructure.
  • CompTIA Security+: ~$392 for the exam. Crucial for any role in government or healthcare IT due to cybersecurity mandates.
  • Timeline: You can study for and pass these certs in 2-4 months of part-time study. For state-specific requirements, contact the Wyoming Department of Administration & Information (A&I) for their IT procurement and security standards.

Insider Tip: If you’re targeting the healthcare sector, get familiar with the Wyoming Health Information Network (WHIN) and their data standards. Having this knowledge on your resume can set you apart from candidates applying from out of state.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Riverton is a small, navigable city. Commutes are rarely longer than 10-15 minutes. Your choice of neighborhood will come down to lifestyle, not traffic.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Devs
Sage Hills	Family-friendly, quiet, modern suburban. 10-15 min to downtown/CWC.	$1,000 - $1,200	Newer homes with home office space. Safe, low-crime area. Close to parks and good schools.
West Riverton / Downtown	Walkable, historic, mix of old and new. 5-10 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Best for social life and networking. Close to local coffee shops (like The Blend), restaurants, and community events. Walkable to the Wind River.
North Riverton	Quiet, residential, more affordable. 10-15 min commute.	$750 - $950	Good for saving money. A great starter area while you explore the city. Less social, but peaceful.
Arapahoe	Rural, spacious, on the reservation. 15-20 min commute.	$600 - $800	Extremely low cost. Best for those who value space and solitude over urban amenities. Strong connection to Northern Arapaho culture.

Insider Tip: If you’re working remotely, internet reliability is key. The major provider in Riverton is Spectrum, but service can be spotty in the more rural areas like Arapahoe. Before renting in North Riverton or Arapahoe, check coverage maps and ask neighbors about their experience.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A career in Riverton requires a strategic, long-term mindset. The local market won’t offer the same rapid advancement as a tech hub, but it provides a stable foundation.

• Specialty Premiums: In Riverton, developer skills tied to the local economy command a premium.
  • Healthcare IT (EHR Systems): +10-15% premium over generalist developers.
  • Data Science for Energy: +15-20% premium, especially if you have geospatial data skills.
  • Government/GIS Software: +5-10% premium due to contract requirements.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is vertical within a single employer (e.g., Junior → Senior → IT Manager at SageWest). Horizontal moves are limited due to the small number of companies. Many successful developers in Riverton advance by:
  1. Gaining deep expertise in a local industry (healthcare, education).
  2. Developing strong project management skills.
  3. Transitioning into a remote senior role for a non-local company, leveraging their low cost of living as a competitive advantage for employers.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% job growth projection is promising. This growth will likely come from three areas: expansion of remote work allowing Riverton residents to compete for jobs globally, the slow but steady growth of local tech needs in healthcare and education, and the potential for a major employer (like a data center or tech company) to establish a small satellite office due to low energy costs and available land.

Insider Tip: Start building your network immediately. Join the Wyoming Technology Business Center (WTBC) outreach events, even if they’re in Casper or Cheyenne. The developer community in Wyoming is small; your reputation will precede you.

The Verdict: Is Riverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your $126,114 salary goes much further than in any metro area.	Very Limited Local Job Market: Only 64 jobs means fewer opportunities for quick job changes.
Outdoor Recreation: Unparalleled access to the Wind River Range, hiking, fishing, and hunting.	Isolation & Remote Work Dependency: To grow significantly, you may need to work remotely, which can feel disconnected.
Low Stress & Community: Small-town pace, friendly community, short commutes.	Limited Cultural & Social Scene: Fewer restaurants, concerts, and events compared to larger cities.
Stable Employers: Government, education, and healthcare provide job security.	Slower Career Pace: Advancement can be slower, requiring more patience.
Home Ownership is Attainable: You can buy a home on a single developer salary.	Internet & Infrastructure: Can be unreliable in rural areas; requires due diligence.

Final Recommendation:
Riverton is an excellent choice for a specific type of software developer: one who prioritizes quality of life, affordability, and outdoor access over a fast-paced, high-growth tech career. It’s ideal for remote developers, those specializing in local industries (healthcare, education, energy), or mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and raise a family without financial strain. It is not suitable for junior developers seeking mentorship from a large tech community or those whose career goals are tied to cutting-edge startups or FAANG companies.

If you value stability, room to breathe, and seeing the stars at night, Riverton is a hidden gem. If you need the buzz of a tech hub, look elsewhere.

FAQs

1. What is the job market really like for software developers in Riverton?
It’s a niche, stable market. Most jobs are with established employers like SageWest Health Care, Central Wyoming College, and local governments. With only 64 jobs, you should be prepared for a potentially longer job search and strongly consider remote work options to expand your opportunities.

2. How does the median salary of $126,114 align with the local cost of living?
Extremely well. With the cost of living index at 97.0 and average 1BR rent at $921/month, a developer earning the median salary has significant disposable income. It’s a financially advantageous position compared to most U.S. tech hubs.

3. Are there networking opportunities for tech professionals?
Yes, but they are smaller and less frequent. Look for events hosted by the Central Wyoming College IT department, the Fremont County Chamber of Commerce, and regional tech meetups in Casper or Laramie. Online communities like the Wyoming Technology Business Center forums are also valuable.

4. What should I know about working with Native American tribes in the area?
The Wind River Indian Reservation, home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes, is a major part of the local economy. Software developers may find opportunities with tribal government, healthcare, or education systems. Cultural sensitivity and understanding of tribal sovereignty are important professional assets.

5. Is it feasible to work fully remotely while living in Riverton?
Yes, and many do. Reliable internet is the main hurdle. Spectrum is the primary provider in the city; verify coverage before committing to a remote job. The low cost of living makes Riverton an attractive base for remote workers earning coastal salaries.