Salaries in Evanston, WY

Here’s the honest truth about Evanston: you can make a decent living here, but you’ve likely never heard of its biggest employer. The city’s largest private-sector employer isn’t a tech giant or a hospital system—it’s the Union Pacific Railroad, which has a major maintenance hub here. That single fact shapes the entire job market.

Let’s talk purchasing power. With a Cost of Living Index of 97.0, Evanston is a hair below the national average. That $76,569 median household income stretches further than it would in Denver or Salt Lake City. For context, a one-bedroom apartment runs you about $921 a month. Your take-home pay feels more robust here, especially if you’re in one of the handful of higher-paying professions. It’s not a steal, but it’s certainly not a rip-off.

Who actually thrives here? The data points to a small, tight-knit group of high earners. Software developers are pulling in a surprising $126,114, and that’s before the COL adjustment bumps it to over $130,000. Accountants and Registered Nurses both hover around the $85,000 mark. But notice the gap: the average salary across all roles is just $56,493. This isn't a city of sprawling corporate campuses; it's a place where a few skilled professionals do very well, while the majority earn a more modest, working-class wage.

Here’s the catch, and it’s a big one: wages for most people aren’t keeping pace. With only 19.9% of residents holding a bachelor’s degree or higher, the path to those top-tier salaries is narrow. If you’re not in tech, finance, or healthcare, you’re likely earning closer to the average, and that gap between the median income and the top-paying jobs is stark. This city works beautifully for a skilled electrician or a nurse, but it’s a tougher climb if you’re starting out in a field without a clear, in-demand credential.

The numbers below will show you exactly where those salary divides lie and what your earning potential really looks like in this Wyoming town.