The Welding Career Guide: Cheyenne, Wyoming

As a local who’s watched this city’s economy ebb and flow with the wind and the rails, I can tell you that Cheyenne offers a steady, no-nonsense environment for skilled tradespeople. It’s not the flashiest city, but for a welder who values a low cost of living and a strong sense of community, it’s a place worth serious consideration. This guide cuts through the marketing fluff and gives you the data-driven reality of building a welding career in the capital of Wyoming.

The Salary Picture: Where Cheyenne Stands

Let’s start with the numbers that matter. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local wage data, the welding outlook in Cheyenne is solid, if not spectacular. The median salary for a welder in Cheyenne is $48,236/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $23.19/hour. This sits just below the national average of $49,590/year, a difference you’ll more than make up for with the lower cost of living. The metro area supports about 130 welding jobs at any given time, with a 10-year job growth of 2%. This indicates a stable, but not rapidly expanding, market—perfect for someone looking to plant roots.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Welding is a meritocracy; your pay is directly tied to your skill, certifications, and the specific jobs you can handle. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Cheyenne market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Cheyenne
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$38,000 - $44,000	Often starts in production shops or as a helper on construction crews.
Mid-Level	2-8 years	$45,000 - $56,000	Certified in multiple processes (MIG, TIG, Stick). May lead small crews.
Senior/Supervisor	8-15 years	$57,000 - $70,000	Certified welder (AWS), welding inspector, or shop foreman.
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$70,000+	Niche skills (underwater, pipeline, pressure vessel). Often consultant-level.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities

Cheyenne is the state's metro hub, but it's not always the highest payer. Here’s how it stacks up:

City	Median Salary	Key Industries
Cheyenne	$48,236	Government, Transportation, Construction
Casper	$52,100	Oil & Gas, Energy, Agriculture
Gillette	$54,500	Coal Mining, Energy, Heavy Equipment
Laramie	$46,800	Education, Manufacturing, Agriculture

Insider Tip: Casper and Gillette often pay more due to the oil, gas, and coal industries, but the work can be boom-and-bust. Cheyenne offers more stability, especially with federal and state government contracts.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $48,236 salary in Cheyenne goes significantly further than in most of the country. The Cost of Living Index is 90.9 (US avg = 100), and the average 1BR rent is $917/month. Let’s break down a typical monthly budget for a single welder earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Gross Monthly Pay: $48,236 / 12 = $4,019.67
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): ~ $800 (varies by deductions)
• Net Take-Home Pay: ~ $3,220
• Rent (1BR Apartment): $917
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $180
• Car Payment/Insurance: $350 (Essential in Cheyenne)
• Groceries & Household: $400
• Fuel (Commute & Travel): $150
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $200
• Leisure & Savings: $1,023

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Cheyenne is around $325,000. With a 10% down payment ($32,500) and good credit, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly $1,900 - $2,100. On a $48,236 salary, this is at the higher end of affordability (30-35% of gross income), but manageable with a dual income or a couple of years of saving for a larger down payment. It’s far more accessible than in larger coastal cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Cheyenne's Major Employers

Cheyenne’s economy is anchored by government, transportation, and construction. The welding jobs are concentrated in a few key sectors. Here are the major local employers you need to know:

1. Union Pacific Railroad: The Cheyenne Yard is one of the largest rail yards in the UP network. They employ welders for track maintenance, railcar repair, and heavy equipment maintenance. This is a stable, unionized job with excellent benefits. Hiring is often through their apprenticeship programs.
2. Francis E. Warren Air Force Base (FEW): As a major federal installation, FEW needs welders for everything from facility maintenance to specialized work on base infrastructure. These are often government or contractor jobs (look for companies like Amentum or KBR) and can offer high security and pay.
3. Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT): WYDOT’s Central Shops in Cheyenne maintain the state’s fleet of snowplows, trucks, and heavy equipment. This is a classic state government job with great benefits and job security. They hire welders for fabrication and repair.
4. Local Construction Firms (e.g., Mortenson, GE Johnson): Large-scale construction projects, like data centers, schools, and commercial buildings, require certified welders. These jobs are project-based but pay well and offer variety.
5. Energy & Manufacturing (e.g., Anschutz Corporation, Local Fabrication Shops): While not as concentrated as in Casper, Cheyenne has a number of fabrication shops that serve the region’s energy, agricultural, and mining industries. These shops do custom metalwork, structural steel, and repair.
6. The City of Cheyenne: The city’s public works department employs welders for maintaining water treatment facilities, parks, and city vehicles. Another stable government option with a pension.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward more specialized, certified welders. Companies are investing in automation, but skilled tradespeople who can operate and maintain that equipment are in demand. The growth in data center construction in the region is a new, steady source of work.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-level journeyman welder license. This is common in many states. Instead, certification is handled by private, nationally recognized organizations and employer-specific requirements.

• Primary Certifying Body: The American Welding Society (AWS) is the gold standard. The most common certification is the AWS Certified Welder (CW), which is performance-based. You can get tested at local technical colleges or accredited test facilities.
• Cost: The AWS Certified Welder test typically costs $200 - $400 per test plate/material (e.g., Plate, Pipe). Many employers will pay for your certification if you pass.
• Additional Requirements: For work on government projects (like FEW or WYDOT) or in specific industries (e.g., structural steel), you may need additional certifications like AWS D1.1 (Structural Steel) or ASME Section IX (Boiler & Pressure Vessel).
• Educational Path: The most common path is through a local vocational program. Laramie County Community College (LCCC) in Cheyenne offers a comprehensive Welding Technology program. A certificate typically takes 1 year; an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree takes 2 years. Tuition is roughly $3,500 per year (in-state).
• Timeline to Get Started: You can enroll in a program and start earning basic certifications within a year. With a 2-year AAS degree and AWS certifications, you can command a mid-level wage immediately upon graduation.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Cheyenne depends on your commute, lifestyle, and budget. The city is spread out, but traffic is minimal.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
East Side / Gilchrist	Quiet, residential, family-friendly. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$850 - $975	Young professionals and families looking for a safe, affordable area.
Southwest / Sun Valley	More urban, closer to downtown and FEW. Older homes, walkable in parts.	$800 - $950	Those who want a shorter commute to the base or downtown shops.
North Cheyenne / Ranchettes	Rural feel, larger lots, lower density. 15-20 min commute.	$900 - $1,100 (for a house)	Welders who want space, a workshop area, and don’t mind a drive.
West Edge / College Hill	Near LCCC, mix of students and professionals. Good amenities.	$950 - $1,050	Welders attending LCCC or wanting a vibrant, central location.

Insider Tip: Most welders live on the East Side or in the Southwest for the best balance of commute and amenities. The Ranchettes area is popular for those who need a garage or shed for a personal project vehicle or tool setup.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Cheyenne, the "long game" is about specialization and moving into leadership or inspection roles.

• Specialty Premiums: While general fabrication pays the median, specialties can add a 10-20% premium.
  • Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): Often required for structural or pipeline work. Can push salaries over $65,000.
  • Pipeline Welder: Often involves travel but pays significantly more (often $70,000+ with overtime).
  • Underwater Welder: Very niche, requires additional training and certification. Pays well but is rare in Wyoming.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Production to Field: Move from a shop to on-site construction work (higher pay, more variable hours).
  2. Welder to Foreman: Move into a supervisory role, managing a crew.
  3. Welder to Inspector: Get your CWI and move into quality control, a less physically demanding role.
  4. Start Your Own Shop: With 10+ years of experience and a client base, starting a small fabrication or repair shop is a viable path.

10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth suggests a stable market. The biggest risk is the potential for automation in manufacturing. However, Cheyenne’s core employers (rail, government, construction) are heavy on custom, repair, and field work, which are harder to automate. The key to long-term security is continuous learning and obtaining advanced certifications.

The Verdict: Is Cheyenne Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches much further.	Limited Job Market: 130 jobs is a small pool; switching companies may require a career change.
Stable Employers: Government & rail jobs offer long-term security.	Isolation: It's a 2-hour drive to Denver for a major city experience.
No State Income Tax: Increases your take-home pay.	Weather: Harsh winters with wind and snow can affect outdoor work schedules.
Outdoor Access: Immediate proximity to mountains, trails, and public lands.	Career Ceiling: For ultra-specialized welders, opportunities may be limited locally.
Community Feel: Easy to network and build a reputation in the trades.	Growth is Slow: The 2% growth rate means you have to be proactive for advancement.

Final Recommendation: Cheyenne is an excellent choice for a welder who values stability, affordability, and a work-life balance centered around the outdoors. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home or raise a family. It’s not the best choice for a welder seeking rapid career advancement in a high-tech manufacturing hub or those who crave the amenities of a large metropolitan area. If you’re a skilled, certified welder who’s pragmatic and values a steady paycheck, Cheyenne is a place where you can build a very comfortable and respected life.

FAQs

Q: Do I need my own welding rig to find work in Cheyenne?
A: For most shop-based jobs (like WYDOT or fabrication shops), no. Your employer provides the equipment. For field construction work or as an independent contractor for smaller jobs, having your own mobile rig (truck, generator, welder) can open up more opportunities and higher pay, but it’s a significant upfront investment ($15,000 - $30,000).

Q: How is the job market for entry-level welders?
A: It’s competitive but accessible. Employers like Union Pacific and WYDOT offer apprenticeship programs that train you from the ground up. LCCC graduates are also in high demand. Be prepared to start in a helper or production role to gain experience.

Q: Is the wind really that bad for welding?
A: Yes, for outdoor work. Cheyenne is consistently one of the windiest cities in the U.S. This makes shielded gas welding (MIG/TIG) challenging without proper wind blocks. Many field welders are experienced with stick welding (SMAW), which is more wind-resistant. Shop welding is unaffected.

Q: What’s the best way to network for welding jobs locally?
A: The Local 242 (I.A.W.S.) union is a key player. Attending meetings or events there is a prime way to connect. Also, the LCCC Welding Program has strong industry ties. Don’t underestimate asking for a tour at places like the Union Pacific Yard or WYDOT shops—sometimes a direct, respectful inquiry can lead to an application.

Q: Are there opportunities for women in welding in Cheyenne?
A: Absolutely. The trades in Cheyenne are actively seeking more diversity. Organizations like Girls Build and programs at LCCC have supportive environments. The industry’s merit-based nature means skill and certification are what matter most. You’ll find a supportive community within the local unions and trade associations.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Wyoming Department of Employment, Cheyenne-Learamie Area Chamber of Commerce, Laramie County Community College, local wage surveys, and direct employer information.