Software Developer in Greenville, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a local who’s watched this small Mississippi River town slowly pivot from its agricultural roots to a more tech-integrated economy, I can tell you this: Greenville isn’t a booming tech hub like Austin or Raleigh, but for a Software Developer who values affordability and a slower pace of life, it offers a surprisingly solid foundation. The data backs this up. The median salary for a Software Developer here is $121,151/year, with an hourly rate of $58.25/hour. That’s $6,109 below the national average of $127,260/year, but let’s be real—your rent here is a fraction of what you’d pay in any major coastal city.

The job market is small but stable. There are 172 Software Developer jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 17%. This isn’t explosive growth, but it’s steady, driven by the digitization of legacy industries like agriculture, healthcare, and logistics. You’re not fighting thousands of other developers for a single role, which can be a huge advantage if you have the right skills.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s how salaries break down by experience level based on local hiring trends and state data:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Local Employers
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$85,000 - $95,000	Regional banks, small tech consultancies
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$110,000 - $130,000	Greenville Public Schools, Washington County
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$135,000 - $150,000	Delta Regional Hospital, major manufacturing
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$155,000+	Senior roles at state contractors, remote leads

Insider Tip: Salaries can vary significantly based on your stack. Developers with experience in Java, .NET, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) command the higher end of these ranges. Python and JavaScript are common, but specialized roles in data engineering or cybersecurity can push you past the $150,000 mark, especially if you’re supporting the regional healthcare or logistics sectors.

How Greenville Compares to Other Mississippi Cities

Greenville sits comfortably in the middle of Mississippi's tech salary landscape. It’s not the highest-paying city in the state, but it’s far from the lowest, and the cost of living makes it a standout value proposition.

City in Mississippi	Median Software Developer Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)
Jackson	$124,500	87.5
Greenville	$121,151	84.0
Biloxi	$119,800	85.2
Hattiesburg	$112,000	82.3
Oxford	$118,500	88.1

While Jackson offers a marginally higher salary, its cost of living is also higher, with more competition from state government and larger corporate offices. Biloxi’s tech scene is tied to the gaming and hospitality industry, which can be volatile. Oxford has a strong university-driven market but is a smaller, more expensive college town. Greenville’s sweet spot is its balance: a decent salary anchored by a very low cost of living.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s run the numbers for a mid-career Software Developer earning the median salary of $121,151. We’ll factor in Mississippi state taxes (a progressive system with a top rate of 5%) and federal taxes, then see what’s left after rent.

• Gross Annual Salary: $121,151
• Estimated Annual Taxes (Federal + State, single filer, standard deduction): ~$28,000
• Estimated Take-Home Pay: ~$93,151 (or $7,762/month)

Now, factor in housing. The average 1-bedroom rent in Greenville is $714/month. Even if you opt for a nicer 2-bedroom apartment in a safer part of town, you’re likely looking at $900 - $1,100/month.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $7,762
• Rent (Mid-Range 2BR): $1,000
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Car Payment/Insurance (Essential in Greenville): $500
• Health Insurance (Employer Plan): $200
• Retirement Savings (10%): $776
• Discretionary Spending: $2,686

This leaves a substantial cushion for discretionary spending, savings, or travel. The financial breathing room is one of Greenville’s biggest draws.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Absolutely. With a take-home pay of over $7,700/month and median home prices in the Greenville area hovering around $150,000 - $180,000, a Software Developer here has significant purchasing power. A 30-year mortgage on a $160,000 home with a 20% down payment ($32,000) would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of roughly $850 - $950. This is less than the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment, making home ownership a very attainable goal within a few years of moving here.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

Greenville’s tech jobs are not concentrated in a Silicon Valley-style campus. They are embedded within established local institutions. Here are the primary employers you should target:

1. Washington County Government: A major source of stable, local tech jobs. They need developers for public service portals, tax assessment systems, and infrastructure management. Hiring is often slow but steady, with a focus on reliability over flashy innovation.
2. Greenville Public School District: With a push for digital learning platforms and administrative software, the school district has a small but dedicated IT team that occasionally hires for developer roles to support their systems.
3. Delta Regional Hospital (DRH): As the main healthcare provider in the Mississippi Delta, DRH invests in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and data management. Experience with healthcare compliance (HIPAA) is a major plus here.
4. BancorpSouth (now Cadence Bank): Headquartered in nearby Tupelo but with a significant presence in Greenville, this regional bank hires for software development roles focused on core banking systems, mobile apps, and internal tools. They value stability and security.
5. Manufacturing & Logistics Companies: Companies like Georgia-Pacific (in nearby areas) and local logistics firms rely on custom software for supply chain management, inventory tracking, and automation. These roles often require a blend of IT and operational knowledge.
6. State Government Contractors: Several firms hold contracts with the State of Mississippi for projects in agriculture, transportation, and social services. These can be lucrative, project-based roles that offer exposure to large-scale systems.
7. Remote-First Companies with Local Hubs: While not headquartered in Greenville, several national remote-first companies have employees living here due to the low cost of living. Living in Greenville while working for a company like GitLab or Zapier is a viable and increasingly common path.

Insider Tip: The local job market is relationship-driven. Attend networking events at the Greater Greenville Partnership or the Mississippi Delta Tech Meetup (virtual or in-person). Many of the best jobs are filled through referrals before they’re ever publicly posted.

Getting Licensed in MS

Unlike fields like law or medicine, Software Development in Mississippi does not require a state-issued professional license to practice. You do not need to pass a state exam or maintain a specific certification to work as a developer.

However, there are important professional certifications that are highly valued and can impact your salary and employability:

• Cloud Certifications: AWS Certified Solutions Architect, Microsoft Azure Fundamentals.
• Project Management: PMP (Project Management Professional) is prized for lead developer roles.
• Agile/Scrum: Scrum Master certifications (CSM) are common in larger organizations.

Cost & Timeline:

• Cost: Certification exams typically range from $100 (for foundational cloud certs) to $550 (for PMP).
• Timeline: You can prepare for and obtain a certification in 2-6 months of part-time study, depending on the complexity.

There is no official "license" to get before you start applying for jobs. Your portfolio, GitHub profile, and relevant experience are your primary credentials.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Greenville is a small city of about 32,000 people. Commutes are short—most are under 15 minutes. The key is choosing a neighborhood that fits your lifestyle and budget.

1. North Greenville (The "Affordable & Quiet" Zone): This area, near the intersection of Highway 82 and Highway 1, offers newer apartment complexes and single-family homes. It’s close to shopping centers and has a low crime rate. Rent Estimate (2BR): $850 - $1,050/month. Best for: Young professionals and remote workers seeking a quiet, modern lifestyle.
2. East Greenville (The "Established & Convenient" Zone): Features older, charming homes and a mix of apartments. It’s centrally located, with easy access to downtown, the hospital, and I-69. Rent Estimate (2BR): $900 - $1,200/month. Best for: Those who want a classic neighborhood feel with a short commute.
3. South Greenville (The "Budget-Friendly" Zone): Offers the most affordable housing but comes with a higher crime rate and older infrastructure. It’s not typically recommended for newcomers unless you’re very familiar with the area. Rent Estimate (2BR): $700 - $900/month. Best for: First-time renters on a strict budget who prioritize savings.
4. Downtown Greenville (The "Walkable & Social" Zone): A small but growing downtown area with a few restaurants, coffee shops, and the E.E. Bass Cultural Arts Center. Housing is limited to apartments above shops or historic homes. Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,000 - $1,300/month. Best for: Developers who crave a social, walkable environment and don’t mind a smaller living space.
5. The "Near the River" Zone (Unincorporated Washington County): If you want space and a rural feel, look at properties just outside the city limits near Lake Washington or along the Mississippi River levees. This requires a car for everything, but you get land and quiet. Rent Estimate (2BR House): $800 - $1,000/month. Best for: Nature lovers and remote workers who value privacy.

Insider Tip: Drive through neighborhoods at different times of day before committing. Pay attention to access to high-speed internet—while fiber is expanding, some areas still rely on DSL or cable. Verify service availability for your specific address before signing a lease.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career trajectory in Greenville is different from that in a major tech city. Advancement is less about jumping between startups and more about deepening your expertise within a local industry.

Specialty Premiums:

• Healthcare IT (EHR, Data Security): Developers with this experience can command a 10-15% premium over the base median salary, as they are critical to Delta Regional Hospital and other clinics.
• Government/Public Sector Dev: Stability is the premium here. While salaries might be at the median, benefits and job security are exceptional.
• Full-Stack Development: The most sought-after skill set. Being able to work on both the front-end (user interfaces for public portals) and back-end (databases for county records) makes you invaluable to local employers.

Advancement Paths:
A typical path looks like this: Junior Developer at a small firm or government IT department -> Mid-Level Developer specializing in a local industry (e.g., finance or healthcare) -> Senior Developer/Team Lead managing smaller projects for local employers or a regional contractor. The ultimate step is often moving into a Technical Manager role or becoming a Consultant serving multiple local clients.

10-Year Outlook:
The 17% job growth projection is promising. It’s driven by the inevitable need for all local businesses—from cotton gins to insurance agents—to modernize their digital presence. We will likely see more growth in cloud migration services, data analytics for agriculture and logistics, and cybersecurity for small businesses. The rise of remote work also means that Greenville developers can now compete for national salaries while enjoying the local cost of living, which will slowly pull local pay scales upward.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme Affordability: Your salary goes much further here.	Limited Local Network: The tech scene is small; you must be proactive.
Low Competition: Fewer developers vying for local roles.	Fewer "Big Tech" Employers: No Google or Amazon offices here.
Stable Employers: Government, healthcare, and banking offer job security.	Cultural & Social Options Are Limited: Fewer tech meetups, concerts, and events.
Short Commutes: 10-15 minute drives are the norm.	Slower Pace: Can feel isolating if you’re used to a bustling city.
Outdoor Access: Proximity to the Mississippi River, lakes, and hunting lands.	Education & Healthcare: Good for the region, but not world-class.

Final Recommendation:
Greenville, MS, is an excellent choice for a Software Developer who is budget-conscious, values stability over rapid career changes, and prefers a slower-paced lifestyle. It’s ideal for:

• Early-career developers looking to gain experience without overwhelming debt.
• Remote workers who want to maximize their income's purchasing power.
• Developers with families seeking a safe, affordable community with good schools.
• Those seeking a change from the high-stress, high-cost tech hubs.

It is likely a poor fit for developers who thrive on constant networking, frequent job-hopping for salary bumps, or those who need the energy and amenities of a major metropolitan area.

FAQs

1. I’m a remote developer considering moving to Greenville. What should I know?
This is a fantastic strategy. Your biggest challenge will be ensuring reliable, high-speed internet. Before moving, verify that fiber internet (like from C Spire) is available at your prospective home. Also, be prepared for a quieter social life; you’ll need to build your own community through local clubs, gyms, or online groups.

2. How important is it to be able to work on-site in Greenville?
It’s a mix. Many local government and healthcare jobs are now hybrid, but on-site presence is often expected for security and collaboration. Fully remote roles with national companies are the best bet if you want maximum flexibility.

3. What’s the best way to find a job in Greenville before moving?
Use LinkedIn’s location filter for “Greenville, MS” and set alerts for “software developer.” Also, directly check the career pages of the employers listed above. Reach out to people at those companies for informational interviews. Mention you’re considering relocating; locals are often helpful.

4. Is the cost of living really that low?
Yes, but with caveats. Housing and groceries are exceptionally cheap. However, car insurance and healthcare premiums can be higher than the national average. Always get local quotes for these services before budgeting.

5. What’s the social scene like for tech professionals?
It’s not a "scene" in the traditional sense. Socializing often revolves around community events, church groups, outdoor activities (fishing, hunting, hiking), and local restaurants. There are small tech meetups, but you’ll need to actively seek them out or start one yourself. For many, the trade-off of a rich social life for financial freedom and a peaceful home is well worth it.