Software Developer in Jackson, WY

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

As a local who’s watched the tech scene in Jackson evolve from a few scattered startups to a more diversified market, I can tell you that salaries here are a unique mix. You’re not pulling Silicon Valley numbers, but the cost of living is a fraction of what it is on the coasts. The median salary for a Software Developer in the Jackson, WY metro area is $126,114/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.63/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $127,260/year, a difference that becomes less significant when you factor in the local economy.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect based on experience level. These figures are based on local job postings, conversations with hiring managers, and BLS data, adjusted for the Jackson market.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$85,000 - $105,000	Often found at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) in digital roles or at local tech consultancies. A strong portfolio in web or app development is key.
Mid-Level	3-6 years	$110,000 - $140,000	This is where most developers land. Companies like Teton Gravity Research or the growing number of fintech-adjacent firms are active here.
Senior-Level	7-10 years	$145,000 - $175,000	Leadership roles, especially at established local firms or remote senior positions with national companies that have a Jackson presence.
Expert/Architect	10+ years	$175,000+	Limited local openings, but possible. Often involves niche expertise (e.g., geospatial software for local conservation work) or a senior remote role with a high COLA.

How Jackson Compares to Other Wyoming Cities:
Jackson is an outlier in Wyoming. While the state's median salary for software developers is closer to $110,000, Jackson's proximity to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Park, coupled with a high concentration of wealthy residents and businesses, drives salaries up. For comparison, a developer in Cheyenne or Casper might see a 5-10% lower median salary, but the housing market in those cities is also significantly more affordable. The 64 jobs currently listed in the metro area indicate a tight, competitive market where specialized skills command a premium.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. You’ve landed a job at the median salary of $126,114. What does your monthly budget look like? This is where Jackson's value proposition becomes clear.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Taxes: Federal, State (WY has no state income tax), FICA (7.65%). Effective tax rate estimated at ~22%.
• Rent: Using the average 1BR rent of $921/month. (Note: This is a city-wide average; downtown will be higher, outlying areas lower).
• Other living expenses: Healthcare, groceries, utilities, transportation, and a 10% retirement contribution.

Monthly Budget Item	Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$10,509	$126,114 / 12
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	~$2,312	~22% effective rate
Net (Take-Home) Pay	$8,197	After taxes & deductions
Rent (1BR Avg.)	$921	Leaves $7,276 for everything else
Utilities/Internet	$200	Varies by season (heating costs in winter)
Groceries & Household	$500	Jackson prices are high; a 10-mile drive to Victor, ID can save 20%.
Health Insurance	$350	Employer-sponsored is common, but check premiums.
Transportation	$350	Gas is cheaper than coastal states, but you'll drive more.
Retirement (10%)	$1,051	Post-tax contribution, crucial for this high-earning phase.
Remaining for Discretionary	$4,825	This is where you can save aggressively or enjoy the lifestyle.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
This is the biggest hurdle in Jackson. The median home price is over $1.2 million. With a $126,114 salary, even with a significant down payment, most developers would be priced out of the primary housing market. A $1M mortgage at 7% would have a monthly payment of ~$6,600, which is unsustainable. However, the $4,825 in discretionary income allows for aggressive saving. Many local developers buy in more affordable neighboring towns like Victor or Driggs, ID (a 45-minute commute), or purchase smaller condos/townhomes within Jackson's corporate limits, which start around $500,000.

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The job market here is not a traditional tech hub. You won't find Google or Meta offices. Instead, it's a mix of tourism-driven tech, outdoor industry companies, and remote workers for national firms. The 64 open jobs in the metro are a mix of these.

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR): The largest employer in the valley. They have a dedicated IT and digital services team managing everything from the website and ticketing systems to on-mountain Wi-Fi and digital signage. Hiring often peaks in late summer for winter season support.
2. Teton Gravity Research (TGR): A globally recognized media company born in Jackson. They need developers for their streaming platform, e-commerce site, and content management systems. It's a creative, fast-paced environment.
3. JH Equity Partners / Local Real Estate Tech: The booming real estate market has spawned several tech-enabled firms. These roles often involve building MLS tools, CRM integrations for luxury brokers, and custom data dashboards for property analytics.
4. The Nature Conservancy (Wyoming Chapter): Based in Jackson, they occasionally hire for geospatial and data science roles to support conservation work. This is a niche but impactful area.
5. Remote-First Companies with Local Presence: Many developers here work fully remote for companies based in Denver, Seattle, or the Bay Area. The advantage is a Bay Area salary with Jackson's lower cost of living. Insider Tip: Having "Jackson, WY" on your LinkedIn can sometimes attract recruiters looking for talent in a unique, desirable location.
6. Jackson Hole Community Hospital (now St. John's Health): Like any hospital, they have an IT department managing electronic health records (EHR), cybersecurity, and internal systems. Stable, with good benefits.
7. Startups & Small Consultancies: Keep an eye on the Jackson Hole Center for the Arts and local incubators. Small firms building apps for tourism, conservation, or local businesses are always emerging.

Hiring Trends: The market is stable but small. Upskilling in cloud (AWS/Azure), cybersecurity, and full-stack development (especially with a focus on e-commerce and data visualization) makes you highly competitive. Many local employers are hesitant to sponsor visas, so permanent residency is often a prerequisite.

Getting Licensed in WY

For software developers, "licensing" isn't like being a doctor or lawyer. Wyoming has no state-specific licensing board for software development. However, there are professional certifications that hold weight locally, especially for government-contracted work or in specialized fields.

• State-Specific Requirements: None. A degree in computer science or a proven portfolio of work is the primary credential. However, if you're working on projects for the Wyoming Department of Transportation or University of Wyoming, they may require background checks or specific security clearances.
• Key Certifications for Jackson: While not mandatory, these are highly valued:
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect: Crucial for roles at JHMR or any company using cloud infrastructure.
  • CompTIA Security+: Important for any role touching sensitive data (healthcare at St. John's, financial data at real estate firms).
  • Project Management Professional (PMP): Useful for senior or lead developer roles.
• Costs: Exam fees range from $300-$500 per certification. Study materials can add another $200-$500. Many employers will reimburse these costs.
• Timeline to Get Started: There is no "licensing" timeline. You can apply for jobs immediately. However, if you need to relocate, budget 3-6 months for job searching, interviewing, and the physical move. The small market means fewer openings, so patience is key.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Choosing where to live in Jackson is about balancing commute, cost, and lifestyle. The valley is split by the Snake River, creating distinct areas.

1. Downtown Jackson: The core of the action. You'll find most local tech offices and co-working spaces here. Commute: Walk or bike (in summer). Lifestyle: Walkable to restaurants, shops, and the town square. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800/month for a 1BR. Insider Tip: Parking is a nightmare in winter. If you can find a place with a garage, take it.
2. East Jackson (Rendezvous Mountain, etc.): More residential, quieter. Close to the ski slopes and hiking trails. Commute: 5-15 minutes to downtown. Lifestyle: Family-friendly, more space. Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. You'll need a car.
3. West Jackson (South Park, etc.): Similar to East Jackson but on the other side of town. Slightly more affordable and closer to the Albertsons grocery store. Commute: 10-20 minutes to downtown. Lifestyle: Great for outdoor access directly from your door. Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
4. Victor, ID (15-20 min commute): This isn't Jackson, but it's a critical part of the ecosystem. Significantly more affordable housing, with a growing young professional community. Commute: 30-45 minutes in winter traffic. Lifestyle: More "small town" feel, less tourist-heavy. Rent Estimate: $650 - $1,000/month for a 1BR. This is the best option for buying a home on a developer's salary.
5. Tetons West (Kelly, Moran): Very remote, scenic. Not practical for daily commuting to Jackson. Mostly used for vacation homes.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Jackson, career growth is less about climbing a corporate ladder and more about building a niche or going remote.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Geospatial/GIS Developers: Can command a 10-15% premium due to work with conservation groups and land management.
  • Cybersecurity Specialists: With increased digital threats to local businesses, these skills are in short supply and can add $15,000-$20,000 to your base salary.
  • Full-Stack Developers with E-commerce Experience: Critical for the tourism and retail sectors.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is to move from a local firm to a senior remote role, or to start your own consultancy serving the specific needs of the Jackson market (e.g., building software for property management companies or tour operators).
• 10-Year Outlook (with 17% Job Growth): The projected 17% growth over 10 years is strong, but from a small base. This growth will likely come from two sources:
  1. Remote Work Expansion: More companies will establish "hub" offices or allow employees to live in desirable locations like Jackson.
  2. Niche Local Tech: The outdoor and tourism industries will continue to digitize, creating new, specialized roles.
     Your long-term earning potential will be highest if you maintain a remote role with a national company while living in Jackson or the surrounding area.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unbeatable Lifestyle: Direct access to world-class skiing, hiking, and climbing.	Extremely High Housing Costs: Homeownership is a major challenge.
High Disposable Income: A $126k salary goes much further here than in a major metro.	Limited Local Job Market: Only 64 jobs means less choice and competition.
No State Income Tax: Keeps more of your paycheck.	Isolation & Seasonality: Can feel remote, and the economy is tied to tourism.
Strong Community: Small, tight-knit tech and outdoor community.	Traffic & Tourists: Summer and winter bring significant congestion.
Safe & Clean: Very low crime rates and pristine environment.	Limited Diversity: The population is not as diverse as large cities.

Final Recommendation:
Jackson, WY is an exceptional place for a Software Developer who prioritizes an active, outdoor lifestyle over traditional urban amenities and career climbing. If you can secure a remote job with a national salary (or a local job at the $126,114 median), you can live very comfortably. It’s ideal for mid-career professionals who are financially stable and looking to "trade" square footage in a city for square miles of wilderness. It is not recommended for those looking to buy a first home quickly, build a large professional network, or who rely on a vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. For the right person, it’s a dream. For others, it’s a beautiful place to visit, but a difficult place to live.

FAQs

Q: How competitive is the job market for a mid-level developer?
A: It's a small, niche market. While there are only 64 jobs, the competition is also limited. Being a strong, well-rounded developer with experience in relevant tech stacks (cloud, e-commerce, data) makes you a top candidate. Networking locally at events or co-working spaces is highly effective.

Q: Is remote work common for software developers in Jackson?
A: Extremely common. A significant portion of the tech community here works remotely for companies in Denver, Salt Lake City, or the West Coast. This is often the most viable path to a high salary. Local employers also increasingly offer hybrid or remote options to attract talent.

Q: What's the real cost of living beyond rent?
A: Groceries, dining out, and gas are 10-20% higher than the national average. However, with no state income tax and lower entertainment costs (the mountains are free), your overall cost of living index is 97.0 (US avg = 100). Budgeting for a car is non-negotiable.

Q: Can I get a job offer without visiting first?
A: It's possible, especially for remote roles. However, for local positions, many employers will want you to visit or interview in person to gauge cultural fit. The small community relies heavily on reputation and personality.

Q: What's the biggest surprise for new tech workers moving to Jackson?
A: The social and professional scene. It’s not a tech-centric city. You’ll be mixing with guides, artists, and hospitality workers. Your best friends might not be in tech. This can be a refreshing change or a challenge, depending on your expectations. Insider Tip: Join the "Jackson Hole Tech" or "Wyoming Remote Workers" Facebook groups before you move to start connecting.