The Ultimate Career Guide for Software Developers in Hattiesburg, MS

If you're a software developer considering a move to southern Mississippi, Hattiesburg offers a unique blend of low living costs, a growing tech scene, and a laid-back lifestyle. This guide provides a data-driven look at the career landscape, grounded in local realities. I’ve lived in and around the Hub City for years, and I’ll share insider perspectives you won’t find on generic job boards. Let’s get into the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

Let's be direct: Hattiesburg is not a tech salary powerhouse like Austin or Seattle. However, the cost of living is dramatically lower, which can stretch your dollar further. The median salary for a Software Developer in Hattiesburg is $123,174/year, with an hourly rate of $59.22/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, but the gap is narrow. The real story is the local job market, which has seen significant growth.

The metro area, with a population of 48,507, currently supports about 291 software developer jobs. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 17%, a rate that outpaces many similar-sized Southern cities. This suggests a stable, expanding market for developers willing to blend technical skill with a community-focused mindset.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect based on experience:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Hattiesburg, MS)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$75,000 - $95,000	Junior developer roles, front-end/back-end support, learning codebases.
Mid-Level	$95,000 - $125,000	Independent feature development, minor system design, mentoring junior devs.
Senior-Level	$125,000 - $150,000+	Leading projects, architectural decisions, significant impact on product direction.
Expert/Lead	$150,000+	Strategic planning, cross-team leadership, high-level system optimization.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities:
Hattiesburg’s salary is competitive within the state. Jackson, the state capital and largest metro, has a higher salary ceiling due to state government and larger corporate presence, but also a higher cost of living. Gulfport-Biloxi, reliant on tourism and gaming, has a similar salary range but a different industry focus. Oxford (home to Ole Miss) has a strong academic and startup scene but fewer large employers. Hattiesburg hits a sweet spot with its medical and educational anchors providing stable tech jobs.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $123,174 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your daily life in Hattiesburg? The city’s cost of living index is 89.3, compared to the US average of 100. This means you're already saving roughly 10.7% on everyday expenses.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a single software developer earning the median salary. (Note: This is an estimate; your take-home pay will vary based on benefits, 401k contributions, and exact tax withholdings).

• Gross Monthly Income: $123,174 / 12 = $10,264.50
• Est. Take-Home (after ~25% taxes/benefits): ~$7,700/month
• Average 1BR Rent (City-Wide): $906/month
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): ~$200/month
• Groceries: ~$400/month
• Car Payment/Insurance (average for MS): ~$450/month (MS has high car insurance rates)
• Health Insurance (employer-sponsored): ~$300/month
• Miscellaneous (Dining, Entertainment, Savings): ~$1,500/month

Monthly Budget Snapshot:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$906	Can vary by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities & Internet	$200	Southern humidity means A/C costs can spike in summer.
Transportation	$450	High insurance; gas is relatively cheap.
Groceries	$400	Publix, Kroger, and local markets.
Health Insurance	$300	Varies by employer plan.
Discretionary/Savings	$1,500	This is where your salary shines in Hattiesburg.
Total Monthly Outlay	~$3,756	Leaves ~$3,944 for savings, investments, or debt payoff.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in the Hattiesburg metro is around $175,000. With a 20% down payment ($35,000), a mortgage would be roughly $1,000-$1,100/month (including taxes/insurance). This is only slightly more than the average rent. A software developer’s salary here provides strong purchasing power. Many developers in their early 30s buy homes, often in neighborhoods like West Hattiesburg or near the University of Southern Mississippi (USM).

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The Hattiesburg tech scene isn't dominated by FAANG companies. Instead, it’s anchored by a mix of healthcare, higher education, and a surprising number of successful tech startups and established firms that have built remote-friendly cultures. Here are the key players:

1. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): A massive employer. The College of Nursing and Health Sciences, along with the university's central IT department, constantly needs developers for internal systems, online learning platforms, and research applications. Hiring is steady, with good benefits.
2. Forrest General Hospital / Hattiesburg Clinic (now part of USA Health): The healthcare sector is the region's economic engine. They employ developers for electronic health record (EHR) customization, patient portals, data analytics, and biomedical device integration. This is a reliable source of mid-to-senior level jobs.
3. Morton-based Companies (via Remote Work): While not headquartered in Hattiesburg, several tech professionals here work remotely for companies based in nearby cities like Jackson or even nationally. The local fiber internet infrastructure in parts of the city makes this viable.
4. Local Digital Agencies & Startups: Firms like The Delta Group (a long-standing web development and marketing agency) and newer SaaS startups born from USM's entrepreneurship programs. These roles often offer more variety but can be less structured.
5. Banking and Financial Services: Institutions like Cadence Bank and First Bank have significant IT operations in the region, focusing on security, core banking systems, and mobile app development.
6. Manufacturing & Logistics Tech: While not pure software, companies like Gulf Coast Yacht Group or various manufacturing plants in the area need developers for ERP systems, supply chain software, and automation. These are often "hidden" tech jobs with excellent stability.

Hiring Trend: There's a growing demand for developers with full-stack JavaScript (React/Node) and Python skills, particularly in healthcare and education. Cloud experience (AWS/Azure) is becoming a differentiator, even in local roles. The market is not flooded with applicants, so a well-crafted portfolio and local networking (see the FAQs) can land you interviews quickly.

Getting Licensed in MS

Unlike fields like law or medicine, software development in Mississippi has no state-specific licensing requirements. You do not need a state license to practice as a software developer. This is a significant advantage for mobility.

However, there are costs and steps to consider for professional credibility:

• Certifications (Optional but Recommended): While not mandated, certificates from AWS (Certified Developer), Google (Professional Cloud Developer), or Microsoft (Azure Developer) are highly valued by local employers, especially in healthcare and banking. Costs range from $150 - $300 per exam.
• Professional Memberships: Joining groups like the Mississippi Technology Alliance or local USM alumni tech networks is crucial for networking. Membership fees are typically $50-$150/year.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately. If you're relocating, you can secure a job offer first and then establish residency. There's no mandatory waiting period or state board approval needed. The main "timeline" is building your local network, which can take 3-6 months of active effort through meetups and professional events.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Where you live will impact your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Hattiesburg is a driving city, but traffic is minimal compared to larger metros.

1. West Hattiesburg (and "The Avenues"): This is the epicenter for young professionals and families. It's close to USM, has the best public schools in the area (Oak Grove), and features a mix of historic homes and new developments. Commute to most employers is 10-20 minutes. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200/month.
2. Midtown / Historic District: Charming, walkable (for Hattiesburg), and filled with cafes and local boutiques. You're closer to the downtown core, Forrest General Hospital, and USA Health. Older homes and apartments, with a vibrant community feel. Rent for a 1BR: $850 - $1,100/month.
3. Hattiesburg Proper (Near USM): Affordable apartments and townhomes catering to students and young professionals. Very close to campus jobs and the "Southern Miss" energy. Can be noisy during football seasons. Rent for a 1BR: $750 - $950/month.
4. Lakeview / Petal: Just across the river, Petal offers a slightly more suburban, family-oriented vibe with excellent schools. Lakeview is a quiet, affordable neighborhood with good value. Commute is still easy (15-25 mins). Rent for a 1BR: $800 - $1,100/month.
5. Downtown Hattiesburg: A revitalizing area with loft apartments above restaurants and shops. Ideal for those who want a short walk to breweries and events. Limited inventory, but growing. Rent for a 1BR: $900 - $1,300/month.

Insider Tip: The best value for a single developer is often a renovated apartment in the Midtown or Hattiesburg Proper areas. You get character and proximity to work without the premium price of West Hattiesburg.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Hattiesburg, career advancement often means becoming a broader expert rather than climbing a deep corporate ladder. The specialty premiums are less about niche technologies and more about domain knowledge.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with healthcare IT experience (HIPAA compliance, EHR systems) command a 10-15% salary premium. Full-stack developers who can also manage infrastructure (DevOps) are highly sought after. Data analysts/developers with Python and SQL skills are in demand for the region's growing healthcare analytics sector.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from a development role to a Tech Lead or Solutions Architect within your organization. Many senior developers eventually move into IT management at local hospitals or the university. Another common path is to leverage local experience to secure a high-paying remote role with a national company while enjoying Hattiesburg's low cost of living.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 17% job growth projection, the market will remain healthy. The influx of remote work has also allowed local developers to access national salary scales while staying in Hattiesburg. The city's focus on healthcare and education ensures a stable demand for developers who can solve real-world operational problems, not just code in a silo.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes much further; home ownership is very attainable.	Limited Local Tech Scene: Few major tech companies; networking is essential.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by healthcare, education, and banking. 17% growth is solid.	Salary Ceiling: Median of $123,174 is good for the area but below national tech hubs.
Short Commutes & Easy Lifestyle: Minimal traffic, plenty of parks, and a relaxed pace.	Reliance on Car: Public transit is limited; you'll need a vehicle.
Strong Community for Families: Excellent public schools in West Hattiesburg, safe neighborhoods.	Cultural & Dining Scene: Improving but limited compared to larger cities.
Gateway to Remote Work: A perfect base to work for a national company remotely.	Weather: Hot, humid summers and occasional severe storms.

Final Recommendation:
Hattiesburg is an ideal choice for software developers who prioritize quality of life and financial stability over the high-intensity, high-cost tech hub experience. It's especially well-suited for:

• Early-career developers looking to save money and build experience without crushing debt.
• Mid-career developers with families seeking excellent schools and a safe community.
• Senior developers who want a lower-stress environment but can leverage remote work for top-tier salaries.

If you crave the constant buzz of startup events and frequent tech conferences, you might find it limiting. But if you value a strong community, affordability, and the ability to own a home on a developer's salary, Hattiesburg is a surprisingly compelling destination.

FAQs

1. Is the tech scene in Hattiesburg growing or shrinking?
It's steadily growing, especially post-pandemic. The 17% 10-year job growth reflects this. The growth isn't in flashy startups but in the digital transformation of existing institutions (hospitals, universities) and the rise of remote work, which makes Hattiesburg an attractive base for national talent.

2. How important is networking to find a job here?
Critically important. Many jobs at USM, Forrest General, and local agencies are filled through referrals. Attend USM's College of Business & Economic Development events, join the Mississippi Technology Alliance, and use LinkedIn to connect with IT managers at local hospitals. A personal introduction can fast-track your application.

3. What's the best way to find housing?
Use local realtors and Facebook groups like "Hattiesburg Rentals" or "West Hattiesburg Community." Zillow and Apartments.com have listings, but local property managers often post directly in social groups. Be prepared for a quick decision; the best rentals go fast.

4. Should I get a certification before moving?
It's not required, but it helps. If you're targeting healthcare tech, a HIPAA awareness certification (online, ~$50) is a plus. For cloud roles, an AWS or Azure certification will make you stand out. Focus on one relevant to your target industry.

5. What's the community like for developers?
It's tight-knit. There are informal meetups, often organized via LinkedIn or through USM's computer science department. The vibe is collaborative rather than competitive. Many developers also participate in local hackathons or volunteer to teach coding at youth programs, which is a great way to network and give back.