The Welder's Guide to Jackson, Wyoming

From the rust of Grand Teton National Park's construction to the high-tech fabrication shops serving the oil and gas sector, Jackson, Wyoming, offers a rugged and unique landscape for welders. This guide is for the practical-minded professional who wants the straight facts—no fluff, just the data and local insight you need to decide if this western hub is your next career move.

As a local, I can tell you that Jackson isn't just a postcard town. It's a working town, a logistics hub, and a place where skilled trades are in constant demand. But it's also a place with a high cost of living and a small-town job market. Let's break it down.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

The numbers tell a specific story. The median salary for a welder in Jackson, WY, is $49,143/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.63/hour. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average of $49,590/year. However, this figure is for the entire metro area, which includes surrounding towns like Wilson and Teton Village.

The local market is small, with only 21 welding jobs in the metro area. The 10-year job growth projection is a modest 2%. This isn't a boomtown for welders, but a steady, stable market for those with the right skills and connections. A major factor here is that many high-paying jobs are project-based (e.g., construction for a new luxury lodge), which can skew the "median" data.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While precise local data for each level is hard to find, we can extrapolate from regional trends and local employer feedback. The following table provides a realistic estimate based on the median salary and typical industry progression.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate	Notes
Entry-Level	$38,000 - $44,000	$18.25 - $21.15	Often starts with basic MIG welding in fabrication shops or support roles on construction sites.
Mid-Level	$49,143 (Median)	$23.63	Proficient in multiple processes (SMAW, GMAW). Can work independently on most projects.
Senior/Lead	$58,000 - $68,000	$27.88 - $32.69	Often holds AWS D1.1 certification, can read complex blueprints, and may lead a small crew.
Expert/Specialist	$70,000+	$33.65+	Certified for pressure vessels, high-purity systems, or advanced alloys. Highest demand in niche sectors.

Comparison to Other WY Cities

City	Median Salary (Welder)	Cost of Living Index	Key Industry Driver
Jackson	$49,143	97.0	Tourism, High-End Construction, Aviation Support
Cheyenne	~$52,500	98.5	State Government, Railroad, Energy
Casper	~$54,000	95.0	Energy (Oil & Gas), Manufacturing
Gillette	~$60,000	93.0	Coal Mining, Energy (Highest in WY)

As you can see, Jackson offers a lower salary than energy-focused cities like Casper and Gillette, but its cost of living index of 97.0 (US avg = 100) is slightly higher than the state average, driven almost entirely by housing costs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get down to brass tacks. With a median salary of $49,143, what does your monthly budget look like in Jackson?

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Welder Earning $49,143:

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,095
• Estimated Taxes (Fed, State, FICA): -$820 (approx.)
• Net Monthly Income: $3,275
• Average 1BR Rent (Jackson): -$921
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $2,354

Can they afford to buy a home?
This is the biggest hurdle in Jackson. The median home price is well over $1 million. For a welder earning the median wage, purchasing a home in Jackson proper is not feasible without a significant dual-income household or substantial savings. Most tradespeople in the area either rent long-term, live in more affordable outlying areas (like Victor, ID or Alpine, WY), or invest in property outside the immediate "Jackson Hole" core.

Insider Tip: Many local welders I know commute from Star Valley, Wyoming, or Driggs, Idaho, where housing is 40-60% less expensive. The commute is worth the financial breathing room.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The job market here is dominated by a few key sectors: high-end construction, aerospace, and specialized fabrication. Here are the specific employers to target:

1. Bridger Steel: A major fabrication shop in the industrial zone off US-89. They specialize in architectural metalwork for the luxury homes and commercial buildings that dot the valley. They hire for both shop and field welders.
2. Jackson Hole Aviation: Located at the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC). They provide maintenance and repair services for private and corporate aircraft. Welders here often work on aluminum airframes and exhaust systems—requiring specific certifications.
3. Kampgrounds of America (KO) Fabrication: Based in nearby Wilson, this company builds the custom trailers and equipment for the KOA network. It's a steady, year-round shop job with consistent hours.
4. Teton County School District #1: The maintenance department is always looking for skilled welders to repair everything from playground equipment to snowplows. It's a stable, government job with good benefits.
5. High-End Construction Firms: Companies like Hogback Construction and Teton Builders are consistently bidding on luxury residential and commercial projects. These are often project-based hires, but the pay is top-tier for the region.
6. Grand Teton National Park (Maintenance Division): The park's facilities department hires welders for maintaining historic structures, vehicles, and infrastructure. These are federal jobs with excellent benefits but can be competitive.
7. Snow King Resort: The maintenance and mountain operations teams need welders for lift maintenance, snowmaking equipment, and structural repairs.

Hiring Trends: Hiring is project-driven. The summer construction season (May-Oct) sees a surge in demand, while winter focuses more on maintenance and repair. Networking is critical—many jobs are filled through referrals before they're ever advertised.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a state-level mandatory license for welders. However, to be competitive, you need certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS). This is your de facto license.

Key Requirements & Timeline:

1. Get Certified: The most common certification is the AWS Certified Welder (test per D1.1 Structural Steel Code). This typically costs $300-$600 for the test and preparation if you take a course. You can test at local community colleges or certified testing facilities.
2. Timeline: If you already have experience, you can study and test in 1-2 months. If you need to learn from scratch, a 6-month technical program (like the one at Western Wyoming Community College in Rock Springs) is a solid foundation.
3. Costs Beyond Certification: You'll need your own basic PPE (helmet, gloves, jacket) and reliable transportation. A good helmet alone can set you back $200-$400.
4. Specialty Certs: For aerospace (AS9100) or pressure vessel (ASME) work, additional certifications are required. These are often paid for by the employer after you're hired.

Insider Tip: Start by getting your AWS D1.1. It's the most recognized credential in the valley and will get your foot in the door at 90% of local shops.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

Where you live in Jackson affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle dramatically. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
East Jackson / Milward	Working-class, no-frills, close to downtown shops and amenities. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$950 - $1,200	Welders who want to be in town but on a budget.
Ranch Inn / South Park	Quieter, more residential, a bit more spread out. 15-20 min commute to industrial zones.	$1,000 - $1,300	Those seeking a bit more space and a quieter home life.
Victor, ID (15 min drive)	A true bedroom community with a fraction of the housing cost. Strong local community feel.	$700 - $900	The ultimate budget-conscious choice. The commute is worth the savings.
Wilson (10 min drive)	Upscale, rural, home to many wealthy residents. Fewer rentals, but some options.	$1,200 - $1,600	Those who work in Wilson or want a premium, quiet setting.
Teton Village (30 min drive)	Ultra-luxury, remote, focused on resort operations. Very few welding jobs directly here.	Extremely high ($2,000+)	Not practical for most welders unless working at the Village itself.

The Long Game: Career Growth

With only 21 jobs and 2% growth, your path forward isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about diversifying your skills.

• Specialty Premiums: The biggest pay bumps come from specialization. A welder certified in stainless steel TIG welding for brewery or food-grade systems can command 15-20% more. Aerospace welding certifications can push your wage toward the $70,000+ expert tier.
• Advancement Paths: The most common path is to move from a field welder to a fabrication shop lead or project manager. This requires strong blueprint reading, cost estimation, and client communication skills. Some welders also pivot into welding inspection (CWI certification), which is a separate, high-demand career.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 2% growth is misleading. The real opportunity is in the energy transition. As the region explores geothermal and other renewables, there will be a need for specialized welders for new infrastructure. The high-end construction market is also resilient; as long as wealthy clients want custom homes, there will be work.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stunning natural backdrop for work and play.	Extreme housing costs and limited rental inventory.
High-quality, niche jobs in aerospace and luxury construction.	Small, competitive job market (only ~21 jobs).
Lower cost of living than major coastal cities (index 97.0).	Pay is below national average for the sector.
Strong sense of community among the trades workforce.	Seasonal fluctuations in work availability.
Access to outdoor recreation is unparalleled.	Isolated location; travel to larger cities is a long drive.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson is not for the welder looking for a fast-paced, high-growth metropolis. It is an excellent fit for the welder who is already skilled, values quality of life over maximum salary, and is willing to be strategic about housing. If you can secure a stable job with a reputable employer (like Bridger Steel or Jackson Hole Aviation) and are open to a commute from Victor or Alpine, you can build a rewarding career with an incredible lifestyle. Come here with your AWS certifications in hand and a realistic budget, and you can thrive.

FAQs

1. What's the first step if I'm moving to Jackson to weld?
Secure a job before you move, or at least have several interviews lined up. The rental market is too tight to move here on a hope and a prayer. Get your AWS D1.1 certification first—it's your ticket in.

2. Is the cost of living really as bad as they say?
It is, but it's almost entirely due to housing. Groceries, utilities, and gas are fairly standard for the region. Your biggest challenge will be finding a place to live that doesn't eat up 50% of your take-home pay.

3. Do I need a truck for this job?
A reliable vehicle is non-negotiable. A truck is ideal but not always required. Many shop jobs just need a car to get you there. For field welders, a truck is essential for hauling tools and materials.

4. How do I find jobs that aren't advertised?
Network at the local supply houses (like Jackson Hole Welding Supply). Talk to the guys at the coffee shops in East Jackson. Many of the best jobs are passed along through the "guy who knows a guy" system.

5. What's the winter work like?
It slows down for outdoor construction, but it doesn't stop. This is prime time for indoor fabrication, equipment repair, and maintenance for the ski resorts and snowmaking operations. It's a different pace, but there's still steady work.