Software Developer in Florence, SC

The Salary Picture: Where Florence Stands

As a local, I’ve watched the tech scene in Florence evolve from a handful of IT departments to a more diversified, though still modest, landscape. The salary data you’ve provided is a critical starting point. The median salary of $122,678 is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. It’s about 4% below the national average of $127,260, but the lower living costs in Florence mean your purchasing power here is often stronger than in larger tech hubs. The hourly rate of $58.98 is a good benchmark for contract work or consulting.

The job market itself is small but growing. With only 241 jobs in the metro area, it’s not a sprawling ecosystem like Atlanta or Charlotte. However, the 10-year job growth of 17% is promising, indicating a steady upward trend rather than a boom-and-bust cycle. This growth is largely driven by the healthcare and manufacturing sectors modernizing their IT infrastructure, creating demand for specialized developers.

To break it down by experience, let's look at how salaries typically scale in the Florence market. (Note: These are estimates based on the median and local market dynamics, as specific data is not publicly available for all levels.)

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary (Florence, SC)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Front-end development, basic backend tasks, QA support
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$100,000 - $130,000	Full-stack features, database management, systems integration
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$130,000 - $160,000	Architecture design, mentoring, complex project leadership
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$160,000+	Strategic tech direction, cross-department leadership, R&D

Comparing this to other South Carolina cities puts Florence in perspective. It’s a step below the major hubs like Columbia (state government) and Charleston (ports, tourism tech), but it often outpaces smaller markets like Spartanburg. The key differentiator for Florence is its role as a regional medical hub, which creates a unique niche for health IT and data management roles that can pay a premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. Earning the median salary of $122,678 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Here’s a realistic breakdown for a single Software Developer in Florence.

First, taxes. In South Carolina, you’ll pay federal taxes, state income tax (which ranges from 0% to 7%), and FICA (7.65%). For an annual salary of $122,678, your estimated take-home pay after taxes is approximately $87,000 - $92,000 per year, or about $7,250 - $7,650 per month.

Now, housing. The average 1-bedroom rent is a very reasonable $792/month. This is a huge advantage. Let’s build a monthly budget.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$792	This is an average; newer buildings in prime areas cost more.
Utilities (Elec, Water, Gas, Internet)	$180	Florence’s climate can lead to higher AC/heating bills.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in Florence; public transit is limited.
Groceries & Dining	$450	Comparable to national averages.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-based, but plan costs vary.
Entertainment & Misc.	$400	Movies, hobbies, etc.
Savings/Investment	$2,000+	Highly achievable with this salary.
Total Monthly Expenses	~$4,622	Leaves ~$2,600 - $3,000 for additional savings or debt.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home value in Florence around $180,000 - $220,000, a 20% down payment is $36,000 - $44,000. Given the potential savings in the budget above, a developer could save for a down payment in 1.5 - 2 years. The mortgage payment on a $200,000 home (with a 30-year fixed rate at ~6.5%) would be roughly $1,265/month, plus taxes and insurance. This is often comparable to or only slightly more than renting a nicer place, making home ownership a very viable long-term goal.

The Major Employers: Where the Jobs Are

Florence is not Silicon Valley, but it has a stable base of employers who need reliable software developers. The jobs are concentrated in healthcare, finance, and local government. Here are the key players:

1. MUSC Health Florence Medical Center: As the region's largest medical complex, MUSC is a major employer of clinical and IT staff. They need developers for electronic health record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and data analytics. Hiring is steady, and roles often require some familiarity with healthcare IT standards (like HIPAA).
2. McLeod Health: Another huge healthcare system in Florence. They have in-house IT teams and partner with vendors. Their focus is on systems integration, telehealth platforms, and cybersecurity, creating demand for backend and security-focused developers.
3. First Citizens Bank: While headquartered in Raleigh, NC, Florence is a significant operational hub. They maintain IT teams for their regional operations, focusing on internal applications, customer-facing financial tools, and data security. This is a more traditional corporate IT environment.
4. South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce (SCDEW): Has a regional office in Florence. They rely on software for processing claims, managing databases, and public-facing portals. State jobs offer stability and good benefits, though salaries may be slightly below private sector medians.
5. Local Government & Schools: The City of Florence, Florence County, and Florence School District 1 have IT departments for their internal systems, public safety networks, and educational technology. These roles are often more focused on network administration and support, but they occasionally hire developers for custom applications.
6. Florence-Darlington Technical College: The college employs developers and IT staff to manage their learning management systems (LMS), student information systems, and campus infrastructure. It's a solid option for those interested in education technology.

Insider Tip: Many developers here find the best opportunities by starting with a local staffing firm like Kelly Services or Manpower, which have contracts with the major employers. It’s a way to get your foot in the door and prove your value, often leading to full-time offers.

Getting Licensed in SC

Unlike fields like law or medicine, there is no state-specific license required to work as a Software Developer in South Carolina. The industry is based on skills, experience, and portfolio. However, there are professional certifications that can boost your competitiveness, especially in Florence's niche markets.

• Key Certifications: For healthcare roles (MUSC, McLeod), certifications in HIPAA compliance or specific EHR platforms (like Epic or Cerner) are highly valued. For First Citizens, certifications in cybersecurity (CISSP, Security+) or cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) can set you apart.
• Costs: Certification exams range from $300 - $600 per test. Training courses can add another $500 - $2,000 depending on the provider. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement for relevant certifications.
• Timeline: If you have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, you can start applying to jobs immediately. Building certifications can take an additional 3-6 months of part-time study. For those transitioning from another field, a coding bootcamp (online or in-person) can take 6-12 months to complete, followed by a job search.

Local Insight: The Florence tech community is small. People know people. Attending local tech meetups (check Meetup.com for "Florence Tech" or "Palmetto Coders") or volunteering with organizations like Tech Florence can be as valuable as a formal certification for making connections.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Location in Florence is less about tech campuses and more about commute, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a local’s guide to neighborhoods:

1. West Florence (Near McLeod/US-52): This is where most of the commercial growth is. You’ll find newer apartment complexes, shopping, and easy access to both McLeod and MUSC. The commute to most major employers is under 15 minutes. Rent for a 1BR is around $850 - $1,100. It’s convenient but can feel a bit suburban-sprawling.
2. Downtown Florence (Historic District): The heart of the city, with revitalized buildings, local restaurants, and a walkable vibe. It’s home to First Citizens Bank’s offices and is close to government buildings. Commute is minimal if you work downtown. Finding a 1BR here is harder; you might look for a studio or shared house. Rent can range from $700 - $1,000. It’s great for those who want a more urban, community feel.
3. Magnolia/Plantersville: A quiet, residential area east of downtown. It’s affordable and has a more established, rural feel. Commutes to MUSC or First Citizens are about 15-20 minutes. You can find older apartments or small houses for rent. A 1BR might cost $650 - $850. Ideal for those who prioritize space and quiet over nightlife.
4. Timmonsville (Outskirts): About 15 minutes east of Florence, this area offers significantly lower rent and more land. It’s a long commute for daily office work, but with remote/hybrid roles becoming more common, it’s a viable option. Rent for a 1BR or small house can be as low as $600 - $800. You sacrifice convenience for affordability and space.
5. Johnsonville (20 mins north): Another small town within commuting distance. Similar to Timmonsville, it offers a lower cost of living in exchange for a longer drive. The drive along I-95 or US-52 is straightforward, but it's not a walkable community. Rent is comparable to Timmonsville.

Neighborhood Verdict: For a mid-career developer, West Florence offers the best balance of job proximity and modern amenities. For a first-time renter or someone on a tighter budget, Magnolia or Plantersville provide value.

The Long Game: Career Growth

What does your career trajectory look like in Florence over 10 years? It’s less about explosive startup growth and more about specialization and deep institutional knowledge.

• Specialty Premiums: In Florence, the highest premiums are for healthcare IT and financial data security. A developer who becomes an expert in Epic EHR implementation or holds a CISSP can command a salary 10-20% above the median. Full-stack developers with cloud experience (AWS/Azure) are also in high demand across all sectors.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path isn't a sudden jump to a FAANG company. Instead, it’s about moving from a developer role to a Technical Lead, Systems Architect, or IT Manager within the same large employer (like MUSC or First Citizens). From there, you might move into a Director of IT role. There are few true "principal engineer" roles in Florence; advancement often means taking on more project management and people leadership.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 17% growth suggests a positive trend. As Florence’s healthcare and financial sectors continue to digitally transform, demand will remain steady. Remote work has also opened doors; many Florence-based developers now work remotely for national companies, adding a new layer to the local market. In 10 years, expect Florence to have a slightly larger, more specialized tech scene, particularly in health tech and fintech.

Insider Tip: Long-term growth in Florence requires a mindset of "deepening roots." Building a reputation for reliability and expertise at a major local employer is often the most stable path to a six-figure salary and leadership roles.

The Verdict: Is Florence Right for You?

To make the final call, weigh these pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $122,678 salary goes much further than in a major city.	Limited Job Market: Only 241 jobs means fewer opportunities and longer searches.
High Quality of Life: Short commutes, easy access to outdoor activities (lake, parks).	Lower Ceiling for Tech: Fewer high-profile companies, less networking with top industry talent.
Stable Employers: Hospitals and banks are recession-resilient.	Quiet Nightlife: Limited scene for young, single professionals compared to larger cities.
Strong Community: Small-town feel with the amenities of a regional hub.	Reliance on a Few Major Players: Layoffs at one large employer can impact the local market.
Home Ownership is Achievable: A major financial milestone that's difficult in many tech hubs.	Slower Pace of Innovation: Tech adoption can be more conservative in established institutions.

Final Recommendation:
Florence is an excellent choice for a mid-career software developer seeking stability, affordability, and a high quality of life. If your goal is to buy a home, build long-term savings, and work on meaningful projects within healthcare or finance, Florence offers a compelling package. It’s less ideal for a fresh graduate seeking a fast-paced, startup-heavy environment or for those whose career goals are tied to the cutting edge of Silicon Valley tech. For the right person—someone who values community and financial freedom over relentless career velocity—Florence is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is the tech scene in Florence collaborative or competitive?
It’s more collaborative than competitive. The small pool of developers means people tend to know each other and share knowledge. You’re more likely to find a mentor than a cutthroat rival. Local meetups are supportive, not salesy.

2. How important is a degree vs. a portfolio in Florence?
For corporate employers like First Citizens or the hospital systems, a bachelor's degree is often a checkbox. However, a strong portfolio and demonstrable skills can overcome a lack of a degree, especially with smaller local agencies or in a developer shortage. For state or government jobs, a degree is typically required.

3. Can I work fully remotely from Florence?
Yes, and it’s becoming more common. The low cost of living makes Florence attractive for remote workers earning a national salary. You’d need to ensure you have reliable high-speed internet (look for fiber availability in your chosen neighborhood). This lets you access higher-paying jobs while enjoying Florence’s affordability.

4. What are the biggest challenges for new residents?
Building a professional network takes time because the community is small. The pace is slower, which can be a shock if you’re used to a big city. You’ll also need a car; public transit is not a reliable primary option.

5. How do I start my job search from out of state?
Target the major employers listed above. Use LinkedIn to filter for jobs in Florence, SC. Connect with recruiters at local staffing firms. Be upfront about your relocation timeline. In your cover letter, express a genuine interest in Florence’s community and quality of life—local employers value candidates who are likely to stay long-term.