The $100,000 Salary Analysis for Gillette

This guide strips away the lifestyle marketing. You make $100,000. Here is the math on what that actually means in Campbell County, Wyoming. $100,000 is not "rich" here; it is a solid upper-middle-class income, but the math is tight if you carry debt.

1. The Verification Test

We start with $100,000 Gross Annually. We strip out the mandatory government deductions before you see a dime.

• Gross Annual Income: $100,000
• Federal Income Tax (Estimate): -$13,875
  • Based on standard deduction and 2024 single filer brackets.
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): -$7,650
• Wyoming State Income Tax: $0
  • Wyoming has no state income tax. This is the primary financial advantage of living here.
• Estimated Net Pay (Annual): $78,475
• Estimated Net Pay (Monthly): $6,539

The Reality: Your paycheck is roughly $3,270 bi-weekly. You lose roughly 21.5% of your income immediately to taxes.

2. Smart Budget (50/30/20)

Based on your monthly net of $6,539.

Needs (50%): $3,270

• Rent (1BR): $1,200
  • Market rate for a decent unit. Prices fluctuate based on oil boom cycles.
• Utilities: $250
  • Electricity, heating (winter is expensive), water.
• Groceries: $500
  • Gillette is a transport hub; food costs are slightly higher than national average.
• Car Payment/Gas: $800
  • You need a reliable vehicle. Gas is cheaper than CA, but distances are long.
• Insurance: $250
  • Auto and renters.
• Buffer: $270

Wants (30%): $1,962

• Entertainment, dining out, subscriptions, travel. In Gillette, this budget often goes toward weekend trips to Rapid City or Denver because local entertainment options are limited.

Savings (20%): $1,308

• This is your safety net and investment fund. $1,308/month is $15,696/year. This is the only way to build wealth here without relying on volatile commodity markets.

3. Gillette Tax Context

Wyoming is a "Tax Haven" for high earners compared to coastal states, but it is not cheap.

• Vs. California/NY: You are saving roughly $7,000 - $9,000 annually in state income tax compared to living in a high-tax state. However, you are paying higher property taxes and sales tax locally to compensate.
• Vs. Texas/Florida: You are roughly equal regarding income tax ($0). Texas has higher property taxes; Florida has higher insurance costs. Gillette sits in a competitive middle ground.

The Trade-off: You pay $0 state income tax, but you pay a "Commodity Premium" in rent and goods when the energy sector is hot.

4. FAQ

"Is $100k good here?"
It is good, but it is not "wealthy." In Gillette, $100k puts you in the top tier of individual earners locally. However, because housing is tight and goods are expensive due to logistics, your $78k net pay feels like $60k in a major metro area.

"Local income tax?"
Zero. You will never see a local income tax deduction on your check. You will, however, pay Campbell County Sales Tax, which sits roughly around 6% + state portion. This tax hits your daily spending.

Bottom Line: Take the $100k. Bank the $0 state tax savings. Do not let lifestyle creep eat the $1,308 monthly savings.