Welder in Gillette, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Gillette Stands

As a local who's watched the energy sector ebb and flow for decades, I can tell you that Gillette's welding economy is directly tied to coal, oil, and natural gas. When the mines and rigs are busy, welders are in high demand. When things slow down, the market tightens. This cyclical nature is the first thing you need to understand.

Let's get straight to the numbers. The median wage for a Welder in Gillette is $49,143 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.63. This is slightly below the national average for welders, which sits at $49,590 per year. The difference isn't huge, but it's significant, and it reflects the local cost of living, which is more favorable than the national average.

The metro area, which includes all of Campbell County, has approximately 66 jobs for welders at any given time. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%. This isn't explosive growth, but in a stable, resource-based economy like ours, it means steady work if you're skilled and reliable. The city's metro population is 33,278, a tight-knit community where word of mouth is everything.

To give you a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn as you gain experience, here's a breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Typical Hourly Rate
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.25 - $21.63
Mid-Career (2-5 yrs)	$45,000 - $52,000	$21.63 - $25.00
Senior (5-10 yrs)	$52,000 - $60,000	$25.00 - $28.85
Expert/Supervisor (10+ yrs)	$60,000 - $75,000+	$28.85 - $36.00+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on local market data and job postings. The median of $49,143 falls squarely in the mid-career range.

Compared to other Wyoming cities, Gillette offers a unique position. It's not as large as Cheyenne (the state capital) or Casper (the oil and gas hub), but it has a more concentrated industrial base than smaller towns like Sheridan or Laramie. Casper, for instance, might have more diverse opportunities but also higher competition. Gillette's strength is its focus on heavy industrial and energy sector work, which often pays a premium for specialized skills like pipe welding or rig welding.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially in the energy sector, offer overtime, per diems for travel, and bonuses tied to safety records or production targets. A welder earning the median can often push their take-home pay 20-30% higher with consistent overtime.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be practical. A salary is just a number until you see what's left after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. For a single filer earning $49,143 annually in Wyoming (which has no state income tax), your take-home pay after federal taxes and FICA (Social Security and Medicare) will be approximately $41,500 per year, or about $3,458 per month.

Wyoming's cost of living is a major advantage. The overall index is 97.0, meaning it's 3% cheaper than the national average. The most significant cost for most is housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Gillette is $921 per month.

Here's a realistic monthly budget for a single welder earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income	$3,458	After federal taxes & FICA
Rent (1BR avg)	$921	Varies by neighborhood (see below)
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$150 - $200	Higher in winter due to heating
Groceries	$300 - $400
Transportation (Fuel, Insurance)	$250 - $350	Depends on commute & vehicle
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	$150 - $300
Retirement Savings (401k, etc.)	$250	6% of gross, critical for long-term
Personal/Savings/Debt	$887 - $987
Total Expenses	$2,908 - $3,507

Can you afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. This is one of the biggest draws of Gillette. The median home price in Campbell County is around $270,000 - $300,000. With a 5% down payment ($13,500 - $15,000) and a decent credit score, a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be in the $1,400 - $1,600 range. While this is higher than rent, it's still manageable on a $49,143 salary, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many local welders I know are homeowners by their early 30s.

Where the Jobs Are: Gillette's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by a few key sectors: coal mining, oil and gas, power generation, and heavy equipment repair. Here are the specific employers you should be researching:

1. Peabody Energy (North Antelope Rochelle Mine): The largest coal mine in the U.S., located about 45 minutes south of Gillette. They have a massive maintenance shop and are constantly hiring welders for equipment repair (draglines, haul trucks, shovels). They pay well and offer excellent benefits. Hiring is tied directly to coal demand.
2. Arch Resources (Black Thunder Mine): Another major coal operator in the region. Similar opportunities to Peabody, with a focus on heavy equipment maintenance and structural welding for mine infrastructure.
3. Kinder Morgan (Wyoming Interstate Company): This natural gas pipeline company has a significant presence. They need welders for pipeline construction, maintenance, and facility work ( compressor stations). This work often involves travel and can be very lucrative.
4. Campbell County Health (CCH): The local hospital and healthcare system. They have a facilities maintenance department that employs welders for repair work on hospital infrastructure, medical equipment, and custom fabrication. It's a stable, 9-to-5-type job with great benefits.
5. Gillette College: The local community college has a renowned welding program and often hires skilled welders as instructors or for their own fabrication projects. They also have strong industry connections for job placement.
6. Local Fab Shops & Industrial Contractors: Companies like C&R Machine and Welding, Gillette Industrial Services, and Rancher's Welding serve the local energy and agricultural sectors. These shops handle everything from custom parts for mining equipment to fence repair and structural steel for new buildings. They are the backbone of the local economy and often need reliable, skilled welders.
7. Railroad Companies (BNSF, Union Pacific): The rail lines are critical for transporting coal. These companies have maintenance-of-way (MOW) departments that employ welders for track repair, bridge maintenance, and equipment fabrication.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is strongest in the spring and summer as companies ramp up for the construction and mining seasons. The best time to look for jobs is March through July. Networking is crucial—many jobs are filled through referrals. Join the Wyoming Welders & Metal Trades Facebook group to connect with local employers and get insider job postings.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming makes it relatively straightforward to get started as a welder. The state does not require a state-issued license to practice as a welder. However, you will need specific certifications to be employable, especially in industrial settings.

1. Education: The fastest path is through a vocational program. Gillette College offers a highly respected Welding Technology program. A 1-year certificate or a 2-year Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree can be completed for approximately $5,000 - $12,000 in total tuition and fees. This is far more efficient than on-the-job training for someone starting from scratch.
2. Certifications: The industry standard is certification through the American Welding Society (AWS). The most common entry-level certification is the Certified Welder (CW) test, which costs $200 - $400 per test. You'll typically test in specific processes (SMAW, GMAW, FCAW) and positions (1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 6G). Many local employers will hire you as a helper and pay for your certifications as you train.
3. Timeline: If you enroll in Gillette College's 1-year welding certificate program, you can be job-ready in 12-15 months. If you start as a helper with no formal training, it could take 2-3 years of on-the-job experience to reach the same earning potential.

Insider Tip: If you have prior experience but no formal certification, contact employers directly. Many will administer an in-house weld test to evaluate your skill. A passing score on a 3G/4G vertical and overhead plate test will get you in the door for many shop and field jobs.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Gillette affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a breakdown of the most common areas where welders settle.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
North Gillette / Industrial Park	Close to the industrial areas and highway access. Minimal traffic. More utilitarian housing.	$750 - $900	Welders working in local shops or who want a short commute to industrial sites.
South Gillette (Near College)	Quieter, more residential. Easy access to Gillette College and the shopping corridor.	$850 - $1,010	Those who value a balance, possibly attending night classes.
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, with local bars and restaurants. Older homes and apartments.	$700 - $850	Younger welders who want nightlife and a sense of community.
West Gillette (Near Hospital)	Family-friendly, with good schools and parks. Commute to industrial areas is 10-15 minutes.	$900 - $1,100	Established welders with families or those seeking a quiet, suburban feel.
Outskirts (Fox Farm, Donkey Creek)	More rural, larger lots, cheaper rent. Requires a 15-20 minute drive to town.	$600 - $800	Welders with trucks, who want more space, and don't mind the commute.

Commute Reality: There is virtually no traffic in Gillette. A 10-minute drive is typical for almost anywhere in town to the industrial areas. The biggest factor is winter weather; having a reliable 4WD vehicle is more of a necessity than a luxury from November to March.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 2% job growth number might seem low, but it doesn't capture advancement opportunities. Growth in this field is less about the number of new jobs and more about moving up within your current employer or into specialized, higher-paying niches.

Specialty Premiums:

• Pipe Welding (6G Certification): This is the gold standard. Welders with 6G (45-degree fixed pipe) certification can command $35 - $50+ per hour, especially on pipeline or power plant projects. It requires significant skill and practice.
• Rig Welding: Field welders who bring their own truck and equipment (a "rig") can earn $50 - $75+ per hour, but this comes with high overhead (insurance, fuel, maintenance) and requires finding consistent contract work.
• Underwater Welding (Commercial Diving): This is a niche but highly lucrative path. It requires additional training and certification (often from schools in other states). The pay can be $75 - $100+ per hour, but jobs are project-based and can require travel.
• Welding Inspector (CWI): After gaining several years of experience, you can study for the AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) exam. Inspectors ensure work meets codes and standards. This is a move away from manual labor and into a salaried, supervisory role, often paying $70,000 - $90,000.

10-Year Outlook: The key will be the health of the coal industry. While long-term trends may challenge coal, the immediate outlook for skilled welders in Campbell County remains stable due to the massive existing infrastructure that requires constant maintenance. Diversification into oil/gas, power generation, and general fabrication will be important. Welders who are adaptable, safety-conscious, and willing to learn new processes (like advanced robotics or additive manufacturing) will have the best long-term prospects.

The Verdict: Is Gillette Right for You?

This isn't a decision to make lightly. Gillette offers a clear path to a solid middle-class life for a welder, but it comes with trade-offs.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further here. Homeownership is very attainable.	Economic Cycles: Jobs are tied to energy markets. Downturns can mean layoffs or reduced hours.
High Demand for Skilled Trades: If you're good, you'll find work.	Isolation & Weather: It's remote, and winters are long, cold, and windy.
Stable, Predictable Commute: 10 minutes, no traffic.	Limited Diversity & Entertainment: Cultural and dining options are limited compared to a large city.
Strong Community: People are friendly and neighbors help each other.	Career Ceiling: Without specializing or moving into management, salary growth can plateau.
Outdoor Access: World-class hunting, fishing, hiking, and off-roading are in your backyard.	Tied to Coal: The local economy's largest employer faces long-term existential questions.

Final Recommendation: Gillette is an excellent choice for a welder who is practical, self-reliant, and values financial stability over urban amenities. It's perfect for someone who wants to work with their hands, own a home, and enjoy the outdoors. It's less ideal if you crave cultural diversity, a bustling nightlife, or a career completely insulated from the energy sector's cycles. If you're willing to get certified, be adaptable, and build a network, you can build a very good life here.

FAQs

Q: Is it hard to find a job as a welder in Gillette?
A: It's not hard if you have the right skills and a good attitude. The market is competitive but has a steady demand. Having an AWS certification, especially in SMAW (stick) and GMAW (MIG), will make you a strong candidate. Applying in the spring hiring season (March-May) increases your chances.

Q: What's the cost of living really like?
A: It's very manageable. The Cost of Living Index of 97.0 means your dollar stretches further. The biggest savings are on housing and transportation. However, be prepared for higher heating bills in the winter and the cost of traveling out of town for vacations or major events.

Q: Do I need my own equipment?
A: For most shop jobs, no. The employer provides the machines, consumables, and safety gear. For field work (pipeline, mining), you may be expected to have your own hand tools, helmet, and gloves. Rig welding is a different ballgame entirely, requiring a major investment in a truck and welding machine.

Q: What's the social scene like for a single person?
A: Social life revolves around outdoor activities, sports, and local bars/restaurants. It's not a "dating app" mecca. Meeting people often happens through work, hobbies, or community events. It's a friendly town, but you have to be proactive to build a social circle.

Q: Is the work dangerous?
A: All welding has inherent risks (fumes, burns, electric shock). The industrial work in Gillette (mining, pipelines) carries additional hazards from heavy machinery and confined spaces. A strong safety culture is non-negotiable. Employers here take safety seriously—expect rigorous training and a "safety first" environment. Your best protection is good training and never cutting corners.