Software Developer in Hastings, NE

The Salary Picture: Where Hastings Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Hastings is a classic Nebraska town—stable, affordable, and built on a foundation of agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare. For a Software Developer, it’s not a tech hub like Omaha or Lincoln, but it’s a place where a skilled developer can command a strong salary relative to the low cost of living. The tech scene is small but growing, anchored by a few major employers and a strong community college system feeding talent into the local market.

Here’s how salaries break down by experience level. The median salary of $123,633/year is a solid benchmark, but your actual earnings will depend heavily on your niche and the company you work for. The hourly rate of $59.44 reflects the typical full-time, salaried position with benefits, common for larger local employers.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Hastings, NE)	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Often starts at local colleges or small businesses. Focus is on web development, basic database work.
Mid-Level (3-7 yrs)	$95,000 - $125,000	The sweet spot for many local employers. Leads teams on project work. Strong demand for full-stack and cloud skills.
Senior-Level (8-15 yrs)	$125,000 - $155,000	Architects, lead developers. Often at the larger healthcare or manufacturing firms. High impact on business systems.
Expert/Principal (15+ yrs)	$155,000+	Niche experts in legacy systems (common in manufacturing), specialized healthcare IT, or management.

Comparison to Other NE Cities: Hastings is a mid-tier market in Nebraska. It pays well above the national average of $127,260/year, which is notable for a town of 25,000 people. However, it lags behind the major metro areas.

• Omaha/Lincoln: Salaries can be 15-25% higher, with jobs in the metro numbering in the thousands. The tech ecosystem is far more diverse (fintech, ag-tech, SaaS).
• Grand Island: Very comparable to Hastings, with similar employer types (healthcare, manufacturing).
• Smaller Towns (e.g., Kearney): Hastings tends to be slightly higher due to the presence of larger employers like Mary Lanning Healthcare.

Insider Tip: The 10-year job growth of 17% is a key metric. It’s driven not by explosive startup culture, but by the digital transformation of traditional industries. Local companies are desperately seeking developers to modernize their operations, from farm equipment data systems to hospital patient portals. This creates a steady, stable demand for your skills.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The number one question I get from developers considering Hastings is, "Can I actually live well here?" The answer is a resounding yes. The Cost of Living Index of 90.5 (US avg = 100) means your paycheck goes significantly further than in a coastal city or even Omaha.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a developer earning the median salary of $123,633/year. This assumes a single filer taking the standard deduction and standard Nebraska state taxes (approx. 5-7% for this income level).

• Gross Annual Salary: $123,633
• Estimated Monthly Gross: $10,303
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home (after taxes & FICA): ~$7,900 (This is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for precise numbers. NE has a progressive income tax.)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Housing (1BR): $859
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $200
• Groceries: $400
• Transportation (Car Payment, Insurance, Gas): $600
• Health Insurance (Employer-Subsidized): $300
• Student Loans/Savings/Retirement (401k): $1,200
• Discretionary (Dining, Entertainment, Shopping): $1,200
• Remaining Buffer: $3,141

This budget shows a developer can live comfortably, save aggressively, and still have significant disposable income. The biggest expense is housing, but even with a $859 average rent, it’s manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Adams County (where Hastings is located) hovers around $180,000 - $220,000. With a strong income and the low cost of living, a down payment is achievable within a few years. A 20% down payment on a $200,000 home is $40,000. Given the budget surplus above, this is a realistic goal, making homeownership far more accessible than in larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Hastings's Major Employers

The job market for software developers in Hastings is not vast, but it’s deep. There are an estimated 150 software developer jobs in the immediate metro area, concentrated at a handful of key employers. Hiring is consistent, and turnover is lower than in big cities, meaning you need to be strategic about finding openings.

Here are the major local employers and their tech focus:

1. Mary Lanning Healthcare: The largest employer in the region. Their IT department is constantly hiring for developers to work on their Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, patient portals, and internal data analytics. They need developers comfortable with both modern stacks and legacy systems. Hiring is steady, with a focus on stability and reliability.
2. Hastings College: While a smaller employer, the college’s IT and marketing departments need developers for learning management systems (LMS), student portals, and website development. It’s a great environment for a developer who enjoys the academic pace and benefits of working for an educational institution.
3. Merkle: A global data-driven marketing company with a significant operational hub in Hastings. This is one of the more tech-forward local employers. They hire for roles in software engineering, data engineering, and cloud infrastructure. This is your best bet for working with large datasets and modern, scalable tech stacks in Hastings.
4. Agronomy & Ag-Tech Companies (e.g., Farmers Cooperative, regional seed/chemical firms): Many of the area’s agribusinesses are investing in internal software for supply chain management, field data analysis, and customer portals. These roles often require a blend of software development and domain knowledge in agriculture.
5. Manufacturing Companies (e.g., McDonald’s Equipment, regional manufacturing plants): Manufacturers are increasingly relying on custom software for production line monitoring, inventory management, and IoT integration. These jobs often involve working with embedded systems and legacy software, offering unique challenges.
6. Local Government & City of Hastings: The city’s IT department manages everything from public safety software (police/fire) to utility billing and public websites. Jobs here are stable and come with excellent benefits, but the tech stack may be older.
7. Berkshire Hathaway: While not a tech company per se, Berkshire Hathaway's utilities division (Nebraska Energy) has a significant presence and requires software support for their billing and customer service systems.

Insider Tip: Hiring trends here are driven by retirement and digital modernization. The local workforce is aging, and companies are under pressure to update their systems. This creates a demand for developers who can bridge the gap between old and new technologies. Networking is key—join the local chapter of the Nebraska Technology and Communications Association or attend events at the Hastings College Innovation Hub.

Getting Licensed in NE

For software developers, there is no state-specific license required to practice in Nebraska. Unlike fields like architecture or nursing, software development is considered a trade skill, and licensure is not mandated by the state.

However, there are important certifications and business registrations to be aware of:

• Business Registration (if freelancing/contracting): If you plan to work as a sole proprietor or form an LLC, you must register with the Nebraska Secretary of State. The filing fee for an LLC is $100 (plus a $5 annual report fee). It’s a straightforward online process.
• Professional Certifications: While not state-mandated, certifications can boost your salary and employability. For Hastings' market, certifications from Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or CompTIA Security+ are highly valuable, especially for roles at Merkle or Mary Lanning.
• Timeline to Get Started: There is no licensure timeline. You can start applying for jobs immediately. The only "timeline" is for your job search and relocation, which typically takes 1-3 months.
• Cost of Certification: Exam costs range from $150 - $350 per certification. Many local employers offer reimbursement for relevant certs after a probationary period.

Resource: For any formal business registration, the Nebraska Secretary of State website is the primary resource.
Resource: For general professional development, the Nebraska Department of Labor website provides data on job outlooks and training grants.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Hastings is a compact city, so commute times are generally short (under 15 minutes from most neighborhoods). The choice comes down to lifestyle, housing style, and proximity to key employers.

1. Downtown Hastings: The most walkable and vibrant area. You’re close to local restaurants, coffee shops, and the city’s cultural events. Mostly older homes and some modern loft-style apartments. Ideal for a developer who values a short commute to the City of Hastings or Mary Lanning (both central) and wants a more urban vibe.
   • Estimated Rent (1BR): $900 - $1,200
2. South Hastings: This area features newer developments (post-2000), larger single-family homes, and is very family-friendly. It’s a straight shot down Burlington Avenue to the major employers. Commute is easy, and you get more square footage for your money.
   • Estimated Rent (1BR): $800 - $950 (older stock); $1,100+ (newer apartments)
3. West Hastings/North of 12th Street: A mix of older, established homes and some apartment complexes. It’s quieter, more residential, and offers excellent value. A good compromise between downtown and the suburbs. Close to the Hastings College campus.
   • Estimated Rent (1BR): $750 - $900
4. East Hastings (near the Hospital): Primarily residential, with a mix of older and mid-century homes. The main draw is proximity to Mary Lanning Healthcare, making it a top choice for IT employees at the hospital. Very quiet, safe, and with easy access to shopping centers.
   • Estimated Rent (1BR): $800 - $1,000
5. Rural Outskirts (e.g., near the Westmark Business Park): If you prefer a bit more space and don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive, living on the outskirts can be very affordable. You might get a small house with a yard for the price of a 1BR apartment downtown. Ideal for those who work remotely or for companies in the business parks.
   • Estimated Rent (House): $1,000 - $1,300 for a 2-3 bedroom

Insider Tip: The rental market can be tight, especially for quality 1BR apartments. Start your search at least 60 days before your move. The best deals are often found through local property management companies rather than national websites.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Career growth in Hastings is less about jumping companies every 18 months and more about deepening your expertise and taking on leadership within a stable, long-term employer. The 10-year job growth of 17% suggests a market that is expanding steadily, not exploding, which translates to sustainable career paths.

Specialty Premiums:

• Cloud/DevOps Expertise: With companies like Merkle and the larger healthcare systems moving to the cloud, developers with AWS/Azure certs can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary.
• Healthcare IT (FHIR, EHR): Deep knowledge of healthcare data standards (like HL7, FHIR) and experience with major EHR systems (Epic, Cerner) is golden at Mary Lanning and can push a developer into the senior tier quickly.
• Full-Stack with Legacy Integration: The unique challenge in Hastings is modernizing legacy systems. A developer who can work in Python/React but also understand COBOL or old SQL Server systems is incredibly valuable and can negotiate a higher salary.

Advancement Paths:
The typical path isn't a fast-paced ladder at a startup but a steady climb at a major employer.

1. Junior Developer -> Mid-Level: 2-3 years, focusing on mastering the core tech stack of your employer.
2. Mid-Level -> Senior Developer/Team Lead: 3-7 years, taking ownership of projects and mentoring junior staff. This is where you become indispensable.
3. Senior -> Principal/Architect or IT Manager: 8-15 years, focusing on system architecture, strategic planning, or managing a team. This is the ceiling for most, but it’s a high-quality, well-paid ceiling.

10-Year Outlook: The outlook is stable and positive. As long as agriculture, healthcare, and education remain the pillars of the local economy, they will need software developers to keep them running and modernizing. The growth won’t be in flashy new startups but in the steady digital evolution of these core industries. A developer who plants roots in Hastings can expect a long, rewarding career with low risk of job loss and a high quality of life.

The Verdict: Is Hastings Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Exceptional Cost of Living: Your salary stretches incredibly far, allowing for homeownership and substantial savings.	Limited Tech Community: You won’t find the same density of meetups, conferences, or tech events as in Omaha.
Stable Job Market: Demand is tied to essential industries (healthcare, education, ag), making jobs relatively recession-resistant.	Fewer "Cutting-Edge" Roles: Most work is in legacy modernization, not building the next TikTok.
Short Commutes & Low Stress: A 10-minute commute is the norm. The pace of life is slower and less frantic.	Social/Cultural Scene: Limited nightlife, major concerts, or diverse dining. You trade excitement for space and quiet.
Strong Sense of Community: It’s easier to know your neighbors and build a network outside of tech.	Salary Ceiling: While high for the region, your top earnings potential is lower than in a major tech hub.
Access to Nature: Close to outdoor trails, lakes, and hunting grounds. A great place if you love the outdoors.	Travel Logistics: The nearest major airport (Central Nebraska Regional) is a 1.5-hour drive. International travel can be cumbersome.

Final Recommendation:
Hastings is an outstanding choice for a software developer who prioritizes quality of life, financial stability, and a balanced lifestyle over the high-growth, high-stress environment of a major tech hub. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals looking to buy a home, start a family, or simply enjoy a slower pace without sacrificing a professional salary. It may not be the best fit for a recent graduate seeking a vibrant, youthful tech scene or someone who wants to work on the absolute cutting edge of technology. For the right person, however, Hastings offers a rare and valuable combination: a median salary of $123,633 in a town where an average 1BR rent is $859. In today’s economy, that’s a powerful proposition.

FAQs

Q: What is the tech scene actually like in Hastings?
A: Think of it as a "professional network" rather than a "scene." It’s small and collaborative. Key players are the IT departments at the major employers, a few consulting shops, and the computer science program at Hastings College. There are occasional tech meetups, but most community-building happens through professional associations or personal networks. It’s not a place for hackathons, but you will find colleagues who are deeply knowledgeable and committed.

Q: Is it possible to work remotely from Hastings for a company based elsewhere?
A: Absolutely, and it’s increasingly common. Hastings has reliable broadband (check specific addresses, but fiber is available in many areas). A remote developer earning a Omaha or national salary while living on Hastings’ cost of living can achieve financial independence very quickly. The main challenge is the lack of in-person networking with your local tech community.

Q: How long does it take to get a job after moving to Hastings?
A: The job search can be slower than in a big city due to fewer openings. Plan for a 2-4 month search if you’re relocating without a job lined up. It’s highly recommended to start applying and networking before you move. Having 3-6 months of living expenses saved is prudent.

Q: What certifications are most valued by local employers?
A: For the healthcare sector (Mary Lanning), certifications in EHR systems or data privacy (like a CISSP) are valuable. For Merkle and larger employers, cloud certifications (AWS Solutions Architect, Azure Developer) are key. For manufacturing/ag, experience with specific ERP systems (like SAP or Oracle) or PLC programming can be a huge advantage.

Q: What’s the best way to break into the local market?
A: 1) Tailor your resume to highlight experience with the industries present here (healthcare, agriculture, education). 2) Reach out directly to the IT managers or recruiters at the major employers listed above, even if no job is posted. 3) Connect with alumni from Hastings