Software Developer in Evansville, IN

The Salary Picture: Where Evansville Stands

As a local who's watched Evansville's tech scene evolve from the old PSINet days to today's cloud-focused landscape, I can tell you the paychecks here tell a story of solid, stable opportunity. The median salary for a Software Developer in Evansville is $123,365/year, which breaks down to a solid $59.31/hour. While this sits just slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, the real story is in the cost of living—more on that later.

Let's break down what you can expect at different career stages. These figures are based on aggregated local job postings, BLS data, and conversations with hiring managers at places like Old National Bank and Berry Global.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Evansville)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Bug fixing, writing unit tests, working under a senior dev, learning the stack.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$95,000 - $130,000	Feature development, code reviews, mentoring juniors, owning small modules.
Senior (5-8 yrs)	$130,000 - $160,000	System design, leading projects, architectural decisions, interviewing.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$160,000 - $195,000+	Tech leadership, strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, high-level system oversight.

How does Evansville stack up against other Indiana cities? You're not going to command Indianapolis salaries ($129,500 median), but you're also not dealing with the Indy cost of living. It's a classic mid-market trade-off: lower ceiling, but a much higher floor when you calculate disposable income. Compared to Fort Wayne ($118,200 median) or Bloomington ($119,800 median), Evansville is competitive and often leads in specialized sectors like healthcare IT and manufacturing software.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

This is where Evansville's secret weapon shines. Let's run the numbers for a developer earning the median salary of $123,365/year.

• Gross Annual Salary: $123,365
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$28,500 (roughly 23% effective rate for a single filer)
• Net Annual Take-Home: ~$94,865
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$7,905

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Median Earner):

• Rent (1BR Average, $850/mo): $850
• Utilities (DTE Energy, CenterPoint Energy): $180
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Gas/Car Payment): $450
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $300
• Retirement (401k 5%): $515
• Miscellaneous (Entertainment, Dining): $800
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Fun: ~$4,410

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The Evansville housing market is remarkably accessible. The median home price is around $165,000. For a 20% down payment ($33,000), your monthly mortgage (at ~6.5% interest) would be roughly $850-$950, equivalent to a nice 1BR apartment. A developer at the median salary could comfortably afford a home while still saving over $2,000 per month for investments or other goals. This is the single biggest advantage of living here.

Where the Jobs Are: Evansville's Major Employers

The job market here is stable, with a mix of large corporations, healthcare giants, and a growing number of remote-first companies with a local footprint. There are approximately 679 software developer jobs in the Evansville metro area.

1. Old National Bank: A massive local employer with a huge IT department. They're always hiring for .NET, Java, and cloud (AWS/Azure) developers to support their core banking systems and digital transformation. Hiring trends are steady, with a focus on security and fintech compliance.
2. Berry Global: This Fortune 500 packaging giant has a significant Tech Hub in Evansville. They need developers for their ERP systems (SAP), logistics software, and custom manufacturing applications. It's a great place for full-stack devs who enjoy working with physical supply chain data.
3. Deaconess Health System: The region's primary healthcare provider requires a robust team of developers for EHR (Electronic Health Records) integration, patient portals, and data analytics. Experience with HL7 or FHIR standards is a big plus here.
4. UW Health (Formerly St. Vincent Evansville): Another major healthcare player with a large local IT presence. Similar needs to Deaconess, with a strong emphasis on HIPAA-compliant development and data security.
5. Accuride Corporation: A leading supplier of commercial vehicle components. Their IT team works on manufacturing execution systems (MES), IoT for factory floors, and supply chain management software. Ideal for developers interested in embedded systems or industrial automation.
6. University of Evansville (UE): While smaller, UE's IT department and its innovative Center for Innovation & Career Excellence often hire for web development, database administration, and supporting academic software.
7. Remote-First Hubs: Companies like MasterControl (quality management software) have a significant local engineering presence, and many Evansville-based developers work fully remote for companies in Indy, Chicago, or Nashville, often earning coastal salaries while paying local costs.

Insider Tip: The most dynamic hiring isn't always from the biggest names. Check job boards for companies like OneMain Financial, AmeriQual, and Turner Construction, who all have sizable local tech teams. The Evansville Regional Economic Partnership (ERE) also lists tech-focused employers on their website.

Getting Licensed in IN

For software developers, "licensing" is a misnomer. Indiana does not require a state license to practice as a software developer, unlike fields like nursing or engineering. However, there are important certifications and steps to ensure you're job-ready.

• State-Specific Requirements: None for general software development. If you're working in a regulated industry (e.g., healthcare, banking), you'll need to comply with their internal security and compliance training, but that's company-specific.
• Key Certifications (Cost & Timeline):
  • Cloud (AWS/Azure/GCP): An AWS Solutions Architect Associate can cost ~$150 for the exam and take 2-3 months of study. This is highly valued at employers like Berry Global and Old National Bank.
  • Project Management (PMP): For those moving into a lead role, the PMP exam costs ~$400 and requires 35 hours of education. Total timeline: 4-6 months.
  • Security (CISSP): The gold standard for security roles. Exam costs ~$750 and requires 5 years of experience. A 6-12 month commitment.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately. The best "license" you have is your GitHub portfolio. Local companies care more about your code quality and problem-solving skills than any state credential. For out-of-state movers, update your LinkedIn with "Relocating to Evansville, IN" and start networking with local tech groups like the Evansville Tech Meetup.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Evansville's neighborhoods offer distinct vibes. Your choice should balance commute, lifestyle, and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Best For
Downtown/Riverfront	Urban, walkable, historic. 5-10 min drive to most employers. Home to the Ford Center, bars, and restaurants.	$950 - $1,300	Young professionals who want an active social scene and easy access to entertainment.
Haynie's Corner Arts District	Trendy, artistic, and revitalized. 10-15 min commute. Full of galleries, coffee shops, and a strong community feel.	$800 - $1,100	Creatives and developers who want a unique, neighborhood-centric vibe with a short drive to downtown.
Burkhardt/Newburgh	Suburban, family-friendly, and quiet. 20-30 min commute to downtown (where many offices are). Excellent schools and amenities.	$750 - $950	Developers with families or who prefer a quieter, residential lifestyle with easy highway access.
Northside/Upper Broadway	Affordable, convenient, and diverse. 15-20 min commute. Close to shopping centers and I-69.	$700 - $850	Budget-conscious developers who want a central location without the downtown price tag.
West Side (Fulton Ave Area)	Established, residential, and very affordable. 20-25 min commute. Close to Angel Mounds and the Greenway.	$650 - $800	Those who prioritize space and affordability, and don't mind a slightly longer commute.

Insider Tip: If you work downtown (e.g., at Old National), living within the Garvin Park or Lamasco areas can give you a 5-minute commute. For remote workers, the Newburgh area offers small-town charm and easy weekend access to the Ohio River.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth for software developers in the Evansville metro is projected at 17%, which is robust and above the national average. This growth is driven by digital transformation in legacy industries (manufacturing, healthcare) and the influx of remote work.

• Specialty Premiums: The highest premiums are in cloud architecture (+15-20% over median), cybersecurity (+18-25%), and data engineering (+12-18%). Niche skills like .NET Core, SAP, and specific healthcare integrations (Epic, Cerner) command higher rates due to local demand.
• Advancement Paths: The classic path is Junior → Senior → Lead/Architect. In Evansville, many seniors also move into Product Management or Technical Program Management, especially in larger orgs like Berry Global. Another common path is leveraging local experience to land a remote role with a national company while staying in Evansville for the low cost of living.
• 10-Year Outlook: Evansville isn't turning into Austin anytime soon, but it's becoming a solid "tech island" in the Midwest. Expect steady growth, with more opportunities in IoT (given the manufacturing base) and health tech. The key is to build a specialty that ties into the local economy. Don't just be a Java dev; be a Java dev who understands manufacturing execution systems or HIPAA compliance.

The Verdict: Is Evansville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unbeatable Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further than in major metros.	Limited Senior/Expert Roles: The ceiling is lower than in Indy or national hubs.
Strong Job Stability: Major employers like Old National and Berry Global provide a solid foundation.	Fewer Networking Events: The tech community is smaller; you'll need to be proactive.
Short Commutes: Most jobs are within a 20-minute drive.	Cultural Scene is Smaller: Fewer concerts, niche events, or specialized conferences.
Access to Major Cities: 2-3 hours to Louisville, 3-4 to Indianapolis, 5 to Nashville or St. Louis.	Salary Growth Can Plateau: Staying local long-term may require strategic job changes.
Great for Homeownership: Single developers can comfortably buy a nice home.	Remote Work is Key: For the highest earnings, you may need to work remotely for a coastal company.

Final Recommendation: Evansville is an excellent choice for mid-career developers (3-8 years) seeking financial stability and a high quality of life. It's also a fantastic launchpad for early-career developers to build experience without crushing debt. If you're an expert seeking the absolute top of the market or a vibrant, dense tech ecosystem, you might look elsewhere. But if you want to own a home, have a short commute, and make a real impact in a mid-sized community, Evansville is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. I'm moving from a big coastal city. What's the biggest adjustment?
The pace. Evansville is slower. You'll find more "business hours" networking and fewer 10 PM coding meetups. Embrace the work-life balance and use the cost savings to travel.

2. Is the tech community welcoming to outsiders?
Yes, but you have to show up. Join the Evansville Tech Meetup on Meetup.com and follow local developers on LinkedIn. The community is tight-knit but appreciates new energy.

3. What's the best way to find a job before moving?
Leverage your network on LinkedIn. Search for Evansville-based tech employees and ask for virtual coffee chats. Apply to remote jobs that list Evansville as a "preferred location" (you'll often have a competitive edge).

4. How do taxes compare to other states?
Indiana has a flat 3.05% state income tax, which is a major advantage over states like Illinois (4.95%) or Kentucky (5%). Combined with low property taxes, your overall tax burden is lower.

5. Can I survive without a car in Evansville?
It's challenging but possible if you live and work downtown. Public transit exists but is limited. Most developers will find a car necessary for commutes and accessing amenities.

Data Sources: Salary data is compiled from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Evansville-KY-IN Metropolitan Statistical Area, supplemented with data from Glassdoor, Payscale, and local job postings. Cost of living data is from the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) and local real estate market reports. Job growth projections are from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.