A Career Guide for Welders in Riverton, WY

Riverton, Wyoming, isn't on every welder's radar, but for those looking for a lower cost of living, steady industrial work, and a gateway to the Wind River Range, it’s a city worth considering. This guide is written for the working professional—the welder who wants the numbers, the neighborhoods, and the real talk about what life and work are like in the "Heart of Wyoming." Forget the promotional fluff; this is a data-driven look at the Riverton welding job market.

The Salary Picture: Where Riverton Stands

When you're considering a move, the first question is always about the paycheck. Let's cut right to it: your earning potential in Riverton is slightly below the national average but comes with a significantly lower cost of living. The median salary for a Welder here is $49,143/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.63/hour. For context, the national average for welders sits at $49,590/year. You’re not taking a massive pay cut, but you are trading a higher salary for a much lower daily expense.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on your experience level. These figures are estimates based on the local median and regional data.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2 Years	$38,000 - $45,000
Mid-Level	2-7 Years	$46,000 - $55,000
Senior-Level	7-15 Years	$56,000 - $68,000
Expert/Lead	15+ Years	$69,000+

Insider Tip: The "Expert/Lead" category in Riverton often involves getting your AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) or specializing in high-demand codes like ASME Section IX. This can push you into the $70k+ range, especially with a company.

Comparison to Other Wyoming Cities:

• Cheyenne & Casper: These larger metro areas have more industrial activity and typically offer salaries 5-10% higher than Riverton. However, housing costs are also 20-30% higher.
• Gillette: A boom-and-bust coal town. When the mines are hiring, welder salaries can spike significantly above Riverton's median, but the market is less stable.
• Jackson: The outlier. Welder salaries in Jackson can be much higher due to the construction and resort industry, but the cost of living is astronomically higher, making it a difficult comparison.

Riverton offers a stable, middle-ground wage in a low-cost environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The number on your paycheck is one thing; what you can actually do with it is another. Riverton’s cost of living is slightly below the national average (Index: 97.0 vs. US average of 100). The biggest factor here is housing.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a single welder earning the $49,143/year median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Salary)

• Gross Monthly Pay: $4,095
• Estimated Taxes (22% effective rate): -$901
• Net Monthly Pay: $3,194
• Average 1BR Rent: -$921
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $2,273

This leaves you with a solid $2,273 for all other expenses. For context, the average utility bill (electricity, heating, water, garbage) in Riverton is around $180/month. A monthly grocery budget for one person can range from $300-$450. This means you still have over $1,600 left for transportation, entertainment, and savings.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, absolutely. This is Riverton’s biggest advantage for skilled tradespeople. The median home price in Riverton is approximately $285,000. With a 10% down payment ($28,500), a welder earning the median salary can comfortably qualify for a mortgage. Monthly payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be in the $1,600 - $1,800 range, which is manageable on the take-home pay outlined above. Many local lenders are familiar with the industrial workforce and offer programs for tradespeople.

Where the Jobs Are: Riverton's Major Employers

Riverton’s job market for welders is small but concentrated. The 21 jobs listed in the metro area (per BLS data) are primarily with a few key employers. There’s no sprawling industrial park; jobs are tied to specific local industries.

1. Riverton Memorial Hospital: While not a primary industrial employer, the hospital maintenance department hires welders for facility repairs, medical equipment support, and custom fabrication for various hospital needs. It’s a stable, government-adjacent job with good benefits.
2. Wyoming Machinery Company (Cat Dealer): Located just off US-26, this is a major employer for welders. They need technicians for repairing heavy equipment (excavators, bulldozers, tractors). Work involves structural and repair welding on high-strength steel. Hiring trends are steady, tied to local construction and agriculture.
3. Local Machine Shops & Fabricators: There are several small shops in the industrial areas east of downtown. Companies like Fremont Motors (auto group) and independent fabricators service local agriculture and oil & gas support. These are often the best places for custom welding and learning a variety of techniques.
4. Wind River Construction & Bridge: A leading local contractor for public works projects. They hire welders for bridge repair, guardrail installation, and custom steel fabrication for infrastructure. These are often project-based jobs with potential for overtime.
5. Agricultural Equipment Dealers: Stores like Riverton Farm & Ranch or Big R have service bays that employ welders for repairing farm machinery. This work is seasonal, peaking in spring and fall.
6. The Federal Government: The nearby Wind River Reservation (Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho Tribes) and agencies like the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or the U.S. Forest Service may have contract positions for welding on infrastructure, fencing, or facility maintenance.
7. The Geothermal Sector: While not a massive employer, the Blue Mountain Energy geothermal plant near Fort Washakie sometimes requires specialized welding for maintenance and repairs, offering a niche for welders with specific certifications.

Hiring Trends: The job market is stable, not explosive. Growth is projected at 2% over 10 years, which is slower than the national average. Most hiring happens due to retirement or internal promotion, not rapid expansion. Networking in a city this size is critical—a good reputation at one shop can lead to referrals elsewhere quickly.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming does not have a statewide welder license. You do not need a state-issued card to weld for most industrial or construction jobs. However, your employability is almost entirely dependent on certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) or specific employer/industry codes.

State-Specific Requirements:

• No welder license is required by the state.
• For pressure vessel welding (ASME code), you must be certified by an employer or third-party agency. The state’s Wyoming Department of Fire Prevention and Electrical Safety oversees boilers and pressure vessels, but they accept AWS certifications.
• For structural welding on public projects, you will need to meet the requirements of the specific project (often AWS D1.1).

Costs and Timeline to Get Started:

• AWS Entry-Level Welder Certification (e.g., D1.1): $500 - $1,200 for a course and test at a community college or testing facility. Time: 4-8 weeks of training.
• CWI (Certified Welding Inspector): This is the gold standard for advancement. Exam fee is $1,200+, with required experience (5 years for entry-level). Time: Several months of study and preparation.
• Getting Started: The best local resource is Central Wyoming College (CWC) in Riverton. They offer a Welding Technology program (AAS degree) that provides hands-on training and AWS certification testing. The program cost is affordable compared to national averages, and their reputation is strong with local employers. A full program takes about 2 years, but you can get certified for specific processes in shorter modules.

Insider Tip: If you’re already a certified welder moving from another state, your AWS certifications are transferable. Just ensure they are current (usually 3-year renewal). Contact local shops directly; many are willing to hire and test you on the spot if you have a proven certification card.

Best Neighborhoods for Welders

In a city of 10,803, you’re not choosing between sprawling suburbs. Your decision is about commute, lifestyle, and housing style.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate
East Riverton / Industrial Corridor	Live close to work. Mostly older, affordable homes and apartment complexes. 5-10 minute commute to the main industrial shops. Quiet evenings.	$800 - $950
West Riverton / College Area	Near Central Wyoming College. Slightly quieter, with newer apartment complexes. 10-15 minute commute to most jobs. Good access to parks and walking trails.	$920 - $1,100
Downtown / Historic District	Walkable, with local restaurants and bars. Housing is a mix of older homes converted to apartments. Commute is easy (5-10 min to any job site).	$850 - $1,050
North of Town (Riverton Heights)	More residential, single-family home feel. Slightly longer commute (15-20 min). Quieter, family-oriented.	$875 - $1,000 (for larger units)
Fort Washakie (15 min drive)	Located on the Wind River Reservation. Offers a unique cultural setting and often lower housing costs. Longer commute but a strong sense of community.	$700 - $900

Recommendation: For a single welder or a couple, East Riverton or West Riverton offer the best balance of affordability and short commute. If you want a bit more character and don’t mind a 10-minute drive, Downtown is a great choice.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market like Riverton, career growth isn’t about climbing a corporate ladder; it’s about deepening your skill set and building a local reputation.

Specialty Premiums:

• AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI): This can increase your earning potential by 20-30%. It’s a direct path to supervisory or quality control roles.
• Specialized Processes: Expertise in TIG welding for exotic metals (like in aerospace or high-end fabrication) is rare locally but can command a premium if you find the right niche project.
• Underwater Welding: While not a Riverton-based career, the skills are transferable for local diving operations in reservoirs or the occasional pipeline project. This is a high-risk, high-reward specialty.

10-Year Outlook (Growth: 2%)
The 2% jobs growth is conservative. It reflects an aging workforce and slow industrial expansion. However, this also means stability. As older welders retire, there will be consistent openings. The real growth will come from:

1. Renewable Energy: Wyoming’s wind and geothermal projects may create new welding needs for turbine maintenance and plant repairs.
2. Agricultural Modernization: As local farms modernize, they will need more skilled welders for custom equipment.
3. Infrastructure Spending: Federal and state investment in bridges, roads, and water systems will create project-based work for structural welders.

Insider Tip: The most successful welders in Riverton are also competent in other trades—basic plumbing, electrical, or heavy equipment operation. Being a "handyman" with a welding specialty makes you invaluable to small employers.

The Verdict: Is Riverton Right for You?

Riverton isn’t for everyone. It’s a small, tight-knit community where your reputation matters. Here’s a straightforward assessment.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your paycheck goes much further, especially for homeownership.	Limited Job Market: Only 21 listed jobs means fewer options and slower growth (2%).
Stable, Steady Work: Less boom-and-bust than oil towns, with consistent local employers.	Isolation: Remote location. The nearest larger city (Casper) is a 2.5-hour drive.
Outdoor Access: Unbeatable access to fishing, hunting, and the Wind River Range.	Limited Nightlife & Amenities: Very few entertainment options compared to a metro area.
Strong Sense of Community: Easy to get to know people and build a professional network.	Weather: Harsh, windy winters and hot, dry summers.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck in your pocket.	Racism & Cultural Tensions: Can be a real issue; being respectful of the local Native American communities is essential.

Final Recommendation:
Riverton is right for you if: You are a mid-career welder (5+ years experience) seeking a lower cost of living, a stable job, and a better work-life balance with outdoor recreation. You value community over anonymity and are not reliant on big-city amenities.

Riverton is NOT right for you if: You are a new apprentice needing a wide variety of employers to choose from, or if you crave a vibrant urban nightlife. You may also find the cultural landscape challenging if you are not open to learning about and respecting the local Indigenous cultures.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own welding truck to get hired in Riverton?
No, not for most jobs. The major employers (Wyoming Machinery, hospital, construction companies) provide all the equipment and materials. Owning your own rig is only necessary if you plan to start a mobile repair business, which is a viable but competitive path.

2. How hard is it to find a place to rent as a welder?
Very easy. The rental market is not saturated. With your income, you will be a strong applicant. Most landlords are familiar with the local industries and understand the stability of a job at a place like Wyoming Machinery or the hospital.

3. Is the work seasonal?
It depends on the employer. Construction and agricultural work can be seasonal (slow in deep winter). However, shop work, maintenance at the hospital, and equipment repair are year-round. Many welders find steady work by mixing a shop job with seasonal project work.

4. What’s the job market like for women welders?
It’s a traditionally male-dominated field, but there’s a growing acceptance. Smaller shops can have a "boys' club" atmosphere, but larger employers like the hospital and federal contractors have more structured, professional environments. Networking through the Central Wyoming College program can provide a strong support system.

5. How do I get my foot in the door without local experience?
Get AWS certified first. Then, target the smaller machine shops and agricultural dealers. They are often more willing to take a chance on a certified welder without local experience. Be prepared to start at the lower end of the pay scale ($40k-$45k) to prove yourself, then leverage that for a raise or move to a bigger employer within a year.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for national and metro data, U.S. Census for population, local real estate listings for rent and home prices, Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, and Central Wyoming College program information.