Salaries in Riverton, WY
What every job actually pays โ cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 ยท 27 occupations ยท BLS + Census data
You might think a town of 10,803 in Wyoming would be a place where remote tech workers cash in, but the numbers tell a different story. The most surprising job in Riverton isnโt a software developer pulling in $126,000, but an accountant or a nurse making about $85,000. Thatโs the real backbone of this local economy.
Letโs talk purchasing power. With a cost of living index of 97, Riverton is about 3% cheaper than the national average. That sounds like a win, but itโs a modest one. The median household income sits at $56,280, while the average salary across all roles is just $56,493. Your paycheck goes a little further here, especially on a $921 one-bedroom rent, but donโt expect to feel rich. The COL-adjusted average salary bumps up to $58,240, showing that while your dollars stretch, they donโt magically multiply.
Who actually thrives here? Itโs the professionals tied to the community itself. Central Wyoming College and Riverton Memorial Hospital are major employers, which explains the solid pay for teachers and nurses. The trades, like electricians, also do well at around $61,000, likely serving the surrounding agricultural and energy sectors. Iโll admit, I was a bit surprised that the software developer salary, while high, feels a bit isolated here; itโs a great number, but itโs not driving the local job market like the healthcare and education roles are.
Hereโs the honest catch: wages are modest, and with an unemployment rate of 3.2%, the job market is tight but not booming. A family earning the median income will find life manageable, even comfortable, but donโt move here expecting Silicon Valley salaries to fund a mountain retreat. This city works for steady, skilled professionals who value a lower cost of living over high-octane career growth.
The data below breaks down exactly who earns what, and what your salary might look like after adjusting for that cheaper cost of living.
๐ Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Riverton
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
๐ Complete Salary Guide โ All 27 Occupations in Riverton
COL-Adjusted Salary = Raw salary divided by the cost of living index (97/100). Higher = more real purchasing power. This city's COL is below the US average.
| # | Occupation โ | Raw Salary โ |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Software Developer | $126,114 |
| 2 | Accountant | $85,305 |
| 3 | Registered Nurse | $85,295 |
| 4 | Elementary School Teacher | $63,096 |
| 5 | Electrician | $60,996 |
| 6 | Real Estate Agent | $60,926 |
| 7 | Heavy Truck Driver | $52,612 |
| 8 | Dental Hygienist | $49,549 |
| 9 | Marketing Manager | $49,549 |
| 10 | Medical Assistant | $49,549 |
| 11 | Financial Analyst | $49,549 |
| 12 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $49,549 |
| 13 | Welder | $49,549 |
| 14 | Project Manager | $49,549 |
| 15 | Police Officer | $49,549 |
| 16 | Graphic Designer | $49,549 |
| 17 | Data Analyst | $49,549 |
| 18 | Plumber | $49,549 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $49,549 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $49,549 |
| 21 | Paralegal | $49,549 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $49,549 |
| 23 | Physical Therapist | $49,549 |
| 24 | HVAC Technician | $49,549 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $49,549 |
| 26 | Firefighter | $49,549 |
| 27 | Web Developer | $49,549 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
๐๏ธ Living Costs in Riverton
๐งฎ Can You Afford to Live in Riverton?
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๐ Editor's Verdict: Is Riverton Worth It?
Hereโs my honest verdict: Riverton isnโt a gold rush, but itโs a steady bet if you value breathing room over buzz. With a cost-of-living index of 97 and rent at $921, your paycheck stretches further than in most cities. The $56,493 average salary wonโt make you rich, but software developers are cleaning upโ$126k base, and a COL-adjusted $130k feels even stronger here. Tech workers win big, healthcare pros find stability, and tradespeople still command solid wages thanks to the regionโs infrastructure and energy needs. If youโre remote-friendly or in tech, youโll thrive. If youโre chasing six-figure exits or nightlife, look elsewhere. My advice? Visit in February before you commit. If the quiet and cold donโt scare you, Rivertonโs math works.