Salaries in Gillette, WY

Gillette, Wyoming, isn't where you'd expect a six-figure software developer salary, but there it is: $126,114. In a town of 33,278 people, mostly known for coal and ranching, that number feels like a typo. It’s not. The tech jobs are here, and they pay well.

Let's talk real purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 97.0, you're getting a 3% discount on the national average. That $921 one-bedroom rent is a steal compared to most cities. The median household income of $90,699 goes surprisingly far here. The COL-adjusted average salary hits $58,240, meaning your paycheck buys more than it would in Denver or Seattle. It’s a genuine bargain, not just a cheap place with low wages.

So who's thriving? The energy sector is king, with Campbell County being a major coal producer, but the real surprise is the demand for skilled trades and healthcare. The hospital system and school district are massive employers. You'll find electricians pulling in nearly $61,000 and registered nurses earning over $85,000. It’s a blue-collar town with white-collar pay for the right licenses.

Here's the honest catch: while the average salary is solid, the gap between the top earners—like those software developers—and the median is wide. The city's economy is tied to energy markets, which can be volatile. Wages are good now, but are they keeping pace with the slow creep of inflation in a place with limited housing stock? For someone with a trade or a degree in a high-demand field, Gillette is a financial sweet spot. For everyone else, it's a tougher climb.

The data below breaks down exactly what you can expect to earn in Gillette’s top professions.