Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Cheyenne, WY: $40,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Cheyenne, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $40,383 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cheyenne's local price level (BEA RPP 96.5 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $41,852 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($63,019) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
While Cheyenne, WY, remains an appealing location for aspiring plumbers, entry-level positions present a starting salary around $40,383 for those just beginning their careers in 2026. This figure is notably below the city’s median annual salary of $63,019, indicating a significant gap for new entrants to the field. However, the upward mobility is promising, as early-career plumbers can move from the lower range of entry-level pay towards the $48,082 mark within a few years, steadily progressing to the median as they gain experience and expertise. Given the local market dynamics and the projected growth rate of 2.52%, new graduates have a reasonable opportunity to establish themselves in a strong job sector, especially with the aging infrastructure and a workforce nearing retirement age.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cheyenne
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cheyenne
Entry-level plumbers in Cheyenne, WY typically start between $40,383 and $48,082 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,780 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $63,019 — 3.65% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Wyoming of $10,000 represents just 24.76% of the starting plumber pay ($40,383/year) in Cheyenne. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cheyenne
- 1Research the Cheyenne market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $40,383 to $48,082, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cheyenne, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cheyenne for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cheyenne's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Cheyenne is $46,780 ( 115.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $40,383, experienced hygienists can earn up to $87,163.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$32,830
2025 BLS Actual
$39,390
2026 Current Est.
$40,383
2019–2027 Growth
+26.1%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Cheyenne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $34,590 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $36,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,750 | Actual |
| 2025 | $39,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $40,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,400 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Cheyenne, WY grew 20.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $32,830 in 2019 to $39,390 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,400. New graduates entering the Cheyenne job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cheyenne metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Cheyenne
In Cheyenne, various employers are keen on hiring new graduates, notably through organizations like the United Association (UA), which offers structured apprenticeship programs requiring formal applications and testing. These programs generally last 4-5 years and are designed to ensure a well-trained workforce. Non-union contractors also frequently seek entry-level plumbers, providing critical on-the-job training. Large service companies such as Roto-Rooter and ARS often value licensed journeymen but can provide commission-based roles for apprentices with high earnings potential. Investing in additional credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license or specialized certifications in backflow prevention and medical gas installation can further enhance starting pay and job security. As the sector continues to evolve, realistic salary growth during the initial three years will hinge on the route chosen. Non-union service plumbing roles may lead to variable incomes, while positions focused on medical gas plumbing could offer higher salaries due to the specialized skill set required in treating aging infrastructure demands.
More salary data for Cheyenne, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Wyoming
Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cheyenne. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov