Cheyenne vs Jackson: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Jackson, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cheyenne, WY | Jackson, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $126,077▲ | $94,193 |
| Hourly Rate | $60.61▲ | $45.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,317▲ | $71,363 |
| 25th Percentile | $108,056▲ | $76,060 |
| 75th Percentile | $143,697▲ | $115,566 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $156,665▲ | $137,917 |
| Total Employed | 60▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Jackson.
The salary gap between Cheyenne and Jackson is $31,884 (33.85%). 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,Jackson spans $66,554. Cheyenne has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cheyenne ($130,662 effective) pays 32.89% more than Jackson ($98,323 effective).
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 Jackson 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 Jackson over the same period.
Cheyenne, WY
$83,170 (2019) → $122,500 (2025)
Jackson, WY
$80,876 (2024) → $91,521 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cheyenne, WY
Jackson, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Cheyenne or Jackson?
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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.
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