Gillette vs Laramie: Mechanical Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare mechanical engineer salaries between Gillette, WY and Laramie, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gillette, WY | Laramie, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,248 | $101,453▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $46.76 | $48.77▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $71,887 | $73,268▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $79,521 | $82,000▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $123,354 | $125,571▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $147,024 | $151,854▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 9 |
Verdict
Laramie, WY offers better overall compensation for mechanical engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Gillette.
The salary gap between Gillette and Laramie is $4,205 (4.32%). Laramie's median is -5.32% compared to the US national median of $107,150.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gillette spans $75,137,Laramie spans $78,586. Laramie has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced mechanical engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Laramie ($105,901 effective) pays 4.32% more than Gillette ($101,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gillette if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Laramie if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($101,453/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($151,854)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,901)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, mechanical engineer salaries in Gillette grew 13.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.2% growth in Laramie over the same period.
Gillette, WY
$83,498 (2024) → $94,489 (2025)
Laramie, WY
$87,109 (2024) → $98,575 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gillette, WY
Laramie, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays mechanical engineers more: Gillette or Laramie?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gillette and Laramie?
Should I relocate from Gillette to Laramie as a mechanical engineer?
What do entry-level mechanical engineers earn in Gillette vs Laramie?
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