Salaries in Rock Springs, WY
What every job actually pays — cost-of-living adjusted
Updated: February 2026 · 27 occupations · BLS + Census data
You might think a small Wyoming city like Rock Springs would be a place where wages lag far behind the national average. But look closer at the numbers for 2026, and you'll find a surprising pocket of purchasing power. It’s a town where a median household income of $73,307 feels like it stretches much further than you'd expect.
The secret is in the cost of living, which sits at 97.0—just 3% below the national average. That doesn't sound like much, but when you pair it with that $73k median income, your money works harder here. A one-bedroom apartment averaging $921 a month is a huge part of that equation. It means the typical household isn't drowning in rent, leaving real room for savings or a decent lifestyle on a modest salary. Frankly, it’s a better bargain than many places I've studied with similar incomes.
Rock Springs isn't a tech hub, but its economy is surprisingly stable. The big players are in energy and healthcare. You’ve got the local mines and natural gas operations, and then there’s Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County, which is a major employer. This creates a solid middle-class backbone for jobs like accountants, nurses, and skilled tradespeople. The low 3.2% unemployment rate proves there’s real demand for workers.
Here’s the honest catch: while the cost of living is manageable, wages for many professions aren't skyrocketing. The average salary across all roles is $56,493, which isn't bad, but it's not a gold rush. This city works best for people in the top-paying fields—software developers, nurses, accountants—or for those in skilled trades who can command good rates. If you're in one of those categories and you value space and a lower cost of living over big-city amenities, Rock Springs is a financially smart move.
The data below breaks down exactly who earns what, showing how far that money really goes in this Wyoming city.
🏆 Top 5 Highest-Paying Jobs in Rock Springs
Ranked by raw salary. See COL-adjusted figures in the full table below.
Software Developer
Accountant
Registered Nurse
Elementary School Teacher
Electrician
📋 Complete Salary Guide — All 27 Occupations in Rock Springs
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 ↕ | Raw Salary ↕ |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $49,549 |
| 9 | Paralegal | $49,549 |
| 10 | Welder | $49,549 |
| 11 | Dental Hygienist | $49,549 |
| 12 | Project Manager | $49,549 |
| 13 | Police Officer | $49,549 |
| 14 | Graphic Designer | $49,549 |
| 15 | Data Analyst | $49,549 |
| 16 | Plumber | $49,549 |
| 17 | Firefighter | $49,549 |
| 18 | Physical Therapist | $49,549 |
| 19 | Carpenter | $49,549 |
| 20 | Human Resources Specialist | $49,549 |
| 21 | Financial Analyst | $49,549 |
| 22 | Pharmacist | $49,549 |
| 23 | HVAC Technician | $49,549 |
| 24 | Web Developer | $49,549 |
| 25 | Construction Manager | $49,549 |
| 26 | Marketing Manager | $49,549 |
| 27 | Medical Assistant | $49,549 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics. COL Index from C2ER/ACCRA.
🏙️ Living Costs in Rock Springs
🧮 Can You Afford to Live in Rock Springs?
Use our Salary Reality Check to see if your specific income covers housing, taxes, and expenses in Rock Springs. Enter your salary and see exactly how far your money goes.
❓ Rock Springs Salary FAQ
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📝 Editor's Verdict: Is Rock Springs Worth It?
Here’s my take: Rock Springs isn’t a gold rush, but it’s a smart play if you’re budget-conscious. With a cost-of-living index at 97.0 and rent under $1,000, your paycheck stretches further than in most cities. The average salary of $56,493 is modest, but if you’re in tech—especially software development—this place is a steal. The $126,114 average jumps to a league-leading $130,014 when adjusted for COL, making it the best-paying and best-value role here. Healthcare and trades get by, but tech workers win big. If you’re considering the move, my advice: secure the job first. The market is small, and opportunities aren’t abundant. If you land a solid offer, especially in tech, you’ll live comfortably and save more than you would in a bigger, pricier city. For everyone else, weigh the trade-offs carefully.