Mechanical Engineer Salary

Cheyenne vs Green River: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)

Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Green River, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Cheyenne, WY
$126,077
$60.61/hr
Green River, WY
$95,699
$46.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricCheyenne, WYGreen River, WY
Median Salary$126,077$95,699
Hourly Rate$60.61$46.01
Entry Level (P10)$75,317$75,462
25th Percentile$108,056$81,284
75th Percentile$143,697$119,149
Top Earner (P90)$156,665$142,928
Total Employed604
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Cheyenne ($126,077) and Green River ($95,699) mechanical engineer salaries.CheyenneGreen RiverMedian Salary$126,077$95,699Entry Level (P10)$75,317$75,462Top Earner (P90)$156,665$142,928US Median $107,150

Verdict

Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Green River.

The salary gap between Cheyenne and Green River is $30,378 (31.74%). Cheyenne's median is +17.66% compared to the US national median of $107,150.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $81,348,Green River spans $67,466. Cheyenne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Cheyenne
P10 (Entry)$75,317
P25$108,056
Median$126,077
P75$143,697
P90 (Top)$156,665
Green River
P10 (Entry)$75,462
P25$81,284
Median$95,699
P75$119,149
P90 (Top)$142,928

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Cheyenne ($130,662 effective) pays 30.80% more than Green River ($99,895 effective).

Cheyenne
Nominal: $126,077
CoL Index: 96.491
Adjusted: $130,662
Green River
Nominal: $95,699
CoL Index: 95.8
Adjusted: $99,895

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Cheyenne if…

  • Higher median salary ($126,077/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($156,665)
  • Larger job market (60 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $130,662)
  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Choose Green River if…

  • You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Cheyenne grew 47.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Green River over the same period.

Cheyenne, WY

+47.3%

$83,170 (2019) → $122,500 (2025)

Green River, WY

+13.2%

$82,168 (2024) → $92,984 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cheyenne or Green River?

Cheyenne has a higher median mechanical engineer salary at $126,077/year, compared to Green River at $95,699/year — a difference of $30,378 (31.74%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Green River?

Cheyenne mechanical engineers earn $60.61/hr while Green River hygienists earn $46.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Cheyenne to Green River as a mechanical engineer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Cheyenne and Green River. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Cheyenne = $130,662, Green River = $99,895), job availability (60 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Cheyenne vs Green River?

Entry-level (10th percentile) mechanical engineers earn $75,317 in Cheyenne and $75,462 in Green River. The Green River area offers higher starting salaries.
AP

Written by Amina Patel, PE

Career Analyst

Amina has 10 years of experience in mechanical engineering. She specializes in thermal analysis and works in the automotive industry.

Clinically reviewed by Jamal Robinson, PhDData verified by Lina Zhang, MS

Methodology & Data Source

All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.92% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.

Data Sources & Methodology

Source: BLS, OEWS , released .

Compiled and verified by Amina Patel, PE, a licensed mechanical engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov