Cheyenne vs Gillette: Police Officer Salary (2026)
Compare police officer salaries between Cheyenne, WY and Gillette, WY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cheyenne, WY | Gillette, WY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,500▲ | $60,730 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.53▲ | $29.20 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,340 | $39,428▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $51,051▲ | $47,803 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,280▲ | $77,458 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,532▲ | $87,811 |
| Total Employed | 13▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Cheyenne, WY offers better overall compensation for police officers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Gillette.
The salary gap between Cheyenne and Gillette is $2,770 (4.56%). Cheyenne's median is -19.15% compared to the US national median of $78,542.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cheyenne spans $60,192,Gillette spans $48,383. 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 ($66,284 effective) pays 4.56% more than Gillette ($63,392 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 ($63,500/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,532)
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,284)
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Choose Gillette if…
- ✓You prefer the Wyoming area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, police officer salaries in Cheyenne grew 4.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.7% growth in Gillette over the same period.
Cheyenne, WY
$58,837 (2024) → $61,615 (2025)
Gillette, WY
$56,271 (2024) → $58,927 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cheyenne, WY
Gillette, WY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays police officers more: Cheyenne or Gillette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cheyenne and Gillette?
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Written by Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice
Career Analyst
Jordan Lee has over 10 years of experience in law enforcement. They specialize in community policing strategies. Jordan works with a municipal police department.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.06% 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 Jordan Lee, BA Criminal Justice, a licensed police officer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov