Here is a comprehensive career guide for Web Developers considering Cheyenne, Wyoming.

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Web Developer Career Guide: Cheyenne, WY

As a career analyst who’s spent time in the Capital City, I’ll tell you this: Cheyenne isn’t your typical tech hub. It’s a city where you can watch a thunderstorm roll in from a downtown rooftop bar, where the tech scene is tightly woven into government and agriculture, and where your paycheck goes a whole lot further than on the coasts. For a Web Developer, it’s a unique blend of stability, affordability, and a slower-paced lifestyle that can be a huge draw if you’re tired of the grind.

Let’s break down the data and the local reality to see if Cheyenne is the right move for your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The data for Web Developers in the Cheyenne metro area paints a clear picture: it’s a solid, stable market, but with a ceiling that’s lower than the national average.

• Median Salary: $90,217/year
• Hourly Rate: $43.37/hour
• National Average: $92,750/year
• Jobs in Metro: 130
• 10-Year Job Growth: 16%

The Cheyenne median salary is just about $2,500 below the national average. That might seem like a downside, but the context is everything. With a cost of living index of 90.9 (where the U.S. average is 100), that $90,217 carries significantly more purchasing power. The job growth projection of 16% over the next decade is healthy, indicating a stable, expanding market, though with a relatively small pool of 130 current openings.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Cheyenne market. These are estimates based on local job postings and industry standards for the region.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Cheyenne)	Typical Local Employers
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$55,000 - $68,000	Local marketing agencies, small startups, junior roles at state agencies.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$70,000 - $85,000	State government (full-stack roles), regional banks, healthcare IT departments.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Senior developer at Cheyenne LEADS, lead roles at F.E. Warren AFB contracts, senior positions at major regional employers.
Expert/Architect	10+ years	$110,000 - $130,000+	Solutions architect, CTO for a local company, principal engineer for a defense contractor.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

Cheyenne is the state's second-largest tech market after Casper, but the profiles are different.

City	Median Salary (Est.)	Key Industries	Vibe
Cheyenne	$90,217	Government, Defense, Agri-Tech	Capital city, stable, growing.
Casper	$88,500	Energy (Oil & Gas), Healthcare	Industrial, slightly smaller metro.
Jackson	$92,500	Tourism, Real Estate Tech	High pay, very high cost of living, seasonal.
Laramie	$85,000	Education (University of Wyoming), Research	College town, younger demographic.

Insider Tip: While Jackson Hole pays slightly more, the median home price is over $2.5 million. Cheyenne’s median home price is closer to $300,000. The take-home pay in Cheyenne is vastly superior for the average developer.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary is just a number until you see what’s left after the basics. Let’s run the numbers for a developer earning the median salary of $90,217.

Assumptions:

• Filing Status: Single, no dependents.
• Taxes: Federal, State (Wyoming has no state income tax), FICA (7.65%).
• Rent: Average 1BR rent of $917/month.
• Other Deductions: Health insurance (~$300/mo), 401(k) contribution (5% of salary).

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,518	($90,217 / 12)
Federal Tax	$850	Varies by filing status.
FICA Tax (7.65%)	$575	Social Security & Medicare.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored plan.
401(k) (5%)	$376	Pre-tax contribution.
Net Monthly Pay	$5,417	Take-home pay
Rent (1BR Average)	$917	17% of take-home pay.
Utilities (Est.)	$150	Electricity, gas, internet.
Remaining	$4,350	For food, transport, savings, fun.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With a net monthly pay of $5,417 and a mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) on a $280,000 home (a common price point for a starter home in a good neighborhood) likely around $1,600/month, your housing costs would be under 30% of your take-home pay. This is a healthy ratio. The Cheyenne market is far more accessible for homeownership than Denver, Salt Lake City, or any coastal tech city.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

The job market here is not dominated by FAANG companies. It’s a mix of public sector, defense, and regional business. Networking is key, as many jobs are filled through referrals before they ever hit a job board.

1. State of Wyoming: The largest employer. The Department of Administration & Information (A&I) is the central IT hub. They hire developers for internal systems, public-facing websites (like Wyo.gov), and specialized agency projects. Process can be slow, but benefits are excellent.
2. F.E. Warren Air Force Base: A huge driver of the local economy. There are numerous defense contractors supporting the base's operations and cybersecurity needs. Companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin have a presence, often hiring web developers for secure, internal applications and training systems. A security clearance can be a massive advantage here.
3. Cheyenne LEADS (Local Enterprise Authority of Wyoming): This is the economic development organization, but they also run The INNOVATE Cheyenne incubator. They often have tech roles supporting their initiatives and are deeply connected to every tech-oriented business in town.
4. Regional Healthcare Systems: Cheyenne Regional Medical Center and Banner Health Wyoming Medical Center have IT departments that need developers for patient portals, internal tools, and public health websites. Healthcare tech is a stable sector.
5. First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) - Cheyenne Campus: FNBO has a major data center and operations center in Cheyenne. They employ developers for their online banking platforms, internal financial tools, and data processing applications. It's a significant private-sector tech employer.
6. Agriculture & Transportation Tech: Companies like Great Western Sugar and Union Pacific Railroad have significant operations in and around Cheyenne. They need web developers for logistics, data dashboards, and internal communication platforms. Union Pacific, in particular, has a large IT footprint.

Hiring Trends: There's a steady demand for full-stack developers who are comfortable with a variety of technologies, as many local companies use legacy systems alongside modern frameworks. Python, Java, and .NET are common in the government and banking sectors. Front-end roles often look for React or Vue.js. Remote work is growing, but hybrid models (2-3 days in office) are most common for local employers.

Getting Licensed in WY

For Web Developers, there is no state-specific license required to practice. The field is largely credential-driven (your portfolio and experience) rather than licensed.

However, there are important certifications and background checks to consider:

• State Government Jobs: Any role with the State of Wyoming will require a background check. Some roles, especially those touching public records or financial systems, may require a notary public commission (cost: ~$10, timeline: 1-2 weeks after application).
• Defense Contractor Jobs (F.E. Warren AFB): This is the biggest "license" in the area. A Security Clearance (Secret or Top Secret) is often required. You can't get one on your own; an employer must sponsor you. The process is lengthy (6-12 months) and involves an intensive background investigation. Having a clean record is essential.
• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure are highly valued by local employers, especially those with cloud infrastructure. A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) can also be an asset for team lead roles.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're applying for a job that requires a security clearance, expect a long onboarding process. For standard web dev roles, the hiring timeline is 4-8 weeks from application to offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Cheyenne is a compact city. Commutes are generally under 20 minutes, but lifestyle and housing stock vary.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown/Capitol	Historic, walkable, near bars, restaurants, and the Capitol building. A 5-10 minute drive to most offices.	$1,000 - $1,300	Young professionals, those who want to be in the heart of the action.
East Cheyenne (Near E. Pershing Blvd)	Quiet, residential, close to Cheyenne Regional Medical Center. Easy access to I-25. 10-15 min commute.	$850 - $1,100	Families, those seeking more space and quiet.
South Cheyenne (Near Sun Valley Golf Course)	Established neighborhoods, mix of older homes and apartments. Close to shopping centers. 10-15 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	Those looking for a balance of affordability and amenities.
North Cheyenne (Near F.E. Warren AFB)	Primarily residential, with some newer apartment complexes. Direct access to the base for contractors. 10-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,200	Defense contractors, those who want a suburban feel.
West Cheyenne (Near I-80)	More industrial, near the airport and logistics hubs. Housing is more affordable. 10-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Budget-conscious developers, those who work in transportation/ logistics tech.

Insider Tip: If you don't have a car, prioritize Downtown or the immediate surrounding areas. Public transit (Cheyenne Transit) exists but is limited. The city is very bikeable in the core, but a car is almost a necessity for daily life.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 16% suggests a stable, not explosive, market. Your growth here will be more about specialization and climbing the ladder within local structures than jumping between startups.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Security Clearance: Developers with an active Secret or Top Secret clearance can command a 15-25% premium over standard market rates.
  • Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure): As local employers migrate from on-premise servers, cloud skills are in high demand. Expect a 10-15% salary bump for certified cloud developers.
  • Full-Stack with .NET/Java: Given the enterprise and government stack, proficiency in these languages can lead to more senior, higher-paying roles.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Junior -> Senior Developer: The standard path, gaining experience and leading smaller projects.
  2. Senior -> Tech Lead/Manager: Moving into people and project management, common in state agencies and larger companies like FNBO.
  3. Specialist -> Solutions Architect: Deepening expertise in cloud, security, or data to design systems. This is a high-value path in the defense and banking sectors.
  4. Entrepreneurship: Cheyenne has a growing startup scene, though it's modest. The INNOVATE Cheyenne incubator is the place to connect. Success often comes from solving local problems (e.g., ag-tech, logistics, tourism software).

10-Year Outlook: The core drivers—government, defense, and agriculture—are not going away. The tech needs will evolve (more cloud, data, and cybersecurity), but the demand for skilled developers will remain steady. The key to long-term growth is adaptability and building a strong local network.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living relative to salary. Homeownership is within reach.	Smaller tech community with fewer networking events and meetups compared to larger cities.
No state income tax, which boosts your take-home pay.	Salaries are slightly below the national average; long-term earning potential may be capped.
Stable job market in government and defense.	Limited upward mobility within the tech sector; you may need to move to advance after a certain point.
Short, manageable commutes and a relaxed pace of life.	Cultural and entertainment options are more limited than in a major metro. Great outdoors, but fewer museums, concerts, etc.
Access to incredible outdoor recreation (hiking, hunting, skiing in the nearby mountains).	Winters can be harsh and long, with significant snowfall.
Growing sense of community and a "big small town" feel where you can make a real impact.	Remote work competition from developers in higher-cost areas who can afford to take lower salaries.

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent choice for a Web Developer who values financial stability, homeownership, and a work-life balance that includes easy access to nature. It's ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home and start a family, or for those who work in defense or government tech and want a stable, supportive environment. It's not the place for someone chasing the startup lottery or who thrives on the constant energy of a massive tech scene.

FAQs

1. Is the tech scene in Cheyenne growing?
Yes, but steadily, not explosively. The 16% projected job growth is real, driven by the expansion of digital services in government, healthcare, and banking. The community is tight-knit, so growth is often about strengthening existing networks rather than a sudden influx of new companies.

2. How important is a security clearance?
For the most lucrative and stable jobs near F.E. Warren AFB, it's critical. If you're interested in defense contracting, start networking with those companies now. They will sponsor your clearance if you're a good fit, but the process is slow.

3. Can I work fully remotely from Cheyenne?
Yes, absolutely. Many developers in Cheyenne work for companies in Denver, Salt Lake City, or even the coasts. The reliable internet and low cost of living make it a prime location for remote workers. However, local hybrid roles offer a different kind of stability and community connection.

4. What's the best way to find a job here?
Don't rely solely on LinkedIn. Use WyomingWorks, the state's job board, and connect directly with the HR departments of the major employers listed. Attend events at The INNOVATE Cheyenne and the Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce. Personal referrals carry significant weight in this market.

5. What's the biggest cultural adjustment for a developer moving from a big city?
The pace. Meetings are more direct, the workday often ends at 5 PM, and there's less "hustle culture." The social scene is different—more about backyard barbecues and hiking trips than late-night networking events. If you can embrace that, Cheyenne offers a uniquely balanced and rewarding lifestyle for a tech professional.