Software Developer in Jamestown, ND

The Salary Picture: Where Jamestown Stands

If you're a software developer looking at Jamestown, you're not chasing Silicon Valley salaries. You're looking at a different equation: a strong wage with a cost of living that doesn't eat it alive. Let's get straight to the numbers.

The median salary for a Software Developer in Jamestown, ND, is $124,587/year. That breaks down to an hourly rate of $59.9/hour. For context, the national average for the same role sits at $127,260/year. Jamestown's tech talent is valued at nearly the national level, but the local economy allows that wage to stretch significantly further.

However, local salaries aren't one-size-fits-all. Experience and specialization heavily influence your earning potential. Here’s a realistic breakdown based on local hiring trends and regional data:

Experience Level	Typical Local Salary Range	Key Responsibilities in Jamestown
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$70,000 - $95,000	Basic web development, legacy system maintenance, QA support
Mid-Level (3-6 yrs)	$95,000 - $135,000	Full-stack development, cloud integration, database management for local clients
Senior (7-10 yrs)	$135,000 - $165,000	System architecture, leading small dev teams, specialized ERP/CRM work
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$165,000+	CTO-level roles, enterprise solution design, consulting for regional ag-tech firms

Compared to North Dakota's other major hubs, Jamestown offers a unique position. Fargo, the state's tech epicenter, has higher salaries (median around $130,000), but the cost of living is about 12% higher. Bismarck, the capital, offers similar pay but with more government contracting roles. Jamestown’s strength is its niche: ag-tech, healthcare IT, and specialized manufacturing software. You won't find the startup buzz here, but you'll find stable, high-value roles in companies that power the region's core industries.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the real purchasing power of that $124,587 median salary. We'll factor in North Dakota's state income tax (a flat 2.5% for most brackets) and federal taxes. This is an estimate, but it gives you a clear picture.

Monthly Take-Home Pay (After Taxes):

• Gross Monthly: $10,382
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State): ~$2,600
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$7,782

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Apt)	$837	The city average for a decent 1BR apartment.
Utilities (Electric/Heat/Internet)	$250	Winter heating costs can be significant.
Groceries & Household	$500	ND has reasonable grocery costs.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	A vehicle is essential in Jamestown.
Health Insurance	$300	Often employer-subsidized.
Entertainment/Dining	$400	Limited options, but growing craft beer/coffee scene.
Savings/Investment	$1,995	25% of take-home is a strong savings rate.
Miscellaneous	$300
Total	$7,082	Leaves a buffer for unexpected costs.

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Absolutely. The median home price in Jamestown is around $220,000. With your take-home pay and strong savings potential, a 20% down payment ($44,000) is achievable within 2-3 years of disciplined saving. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (~6.5%) would be roughly $1,100/month—only slightly more than the average rent. This is a key advantage: your paycheck builds equity instead of disappearing into a landlord's pocket.

Where the Jobs Are: Jamestown's Major Employers

Jamestown's tech job market is specialized. You won't find FAANG offices, but you will find critical roles in these organizations:

1. Jamestown Regional Medical Center (JRMC): The largest employer in the region. JRMC has a growing IT department focused on Epic EHR systems, network security, and patient portal development. Hiring is steady, with an emphasis on reliability over cutting-edge innovation.
2. North Dakota State College of Science (NDSCS) - Jamestown Campus: While primarily a teaching institution, NDSCS has IT needs for its campus systems. They also hire adjuncts and consultants for specific projects.
3. Precision Parts (and related manufacturers): Jamestown has a cluster of precision agriculture and manufacturing companies. These firms require software developers for internal ERP systems, IoT integration for equipment, and custom database development. This is a hidden gem for developers with an interest in hardware-software integration.
4. Jamestown Public Schools: The district's IT team manages everything from student information systems to network infrastructure for 8+ schools. It's a stable, pension-backed role with good work-life balance.
5. First Community Credit Union: Financial institutions in the region are modernizing their digital banking platforms. They need developers for mobile apps, secure transaction processing, and customer data management.
6. Local Agribusiness Co-ops (e.g., Dakota Growers Pasta, local John Deere dealerships): These entities are increasingly reliant on custom software for supply chain management, inventory tracking, and field data analysis. They often outsource to local dev shops or hire in-house.
7. State & Federal Government (USDA, ND Dept. of Transportation): Jamestown has a significant presence of government agencies that require software support for land management, transportation logistics, and administrative systems. These are often contract-based but can lead to permanent roles.

Hiring Trends: The 94 tech jobs in the Jamestown metro are stable but not explosive. The 10-year job growth of 17% is healthy, driven by digital transformation in healthcare and agriculture. Companies are hiring for specific needs, not just to grow teams. Remote work is accepted but less common than in major cities; local employers still value on-site collaboration.

Getting Licensed in ND

For software developers, "licensing" is more about professional certifications than state-issued licenses. However, there are important considerations for North Dakota.

Key Requirements & Costs:

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: Only relevant if you're working on critical infrastructure (e.g., power grid software for a utility). The state's Board of Professional Engineers handles this. Cost: ~$500 for exams and fees. Timeline: 4+ years with supervised experience.
• State Contracting Licenses: If you plan to freelance or start your own dev shop (e.g., "Jamestown Software Solutions"), you'll need a Contractor's License from the ND Secretary of State for any project over $2,000. Cost: $150-$300. Timeline: 1-2 weeks.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended): In Jamestown's market, certs in AWS, Microsoft Azure, or Epic EHR are more valuable than most. They signal specialized skills to local employers. Cost: $150-$400 per exam.
• Background Checks: Common for healthcare (JRMC) and financial (credit union) roles. Expect a clean background to be mandatory. Cost: $50-$100.

Timeline to Get Started: If you're moving for a job offer, you can start working immediately. For freelancing, budget 1 month to establish an LLC and secure a contractor's license. For specialized certs, you can study while working; most local employers support continued education.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Jamestown is a compact city. Commutes are short (under 15 minutes is typical), but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Here’s a local’s breakdown:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Insider Tip
Downtown	Historic core, walkable to cafes, the Arts Center, and the university. 5-10 min drive to most employers.	$900 - $1,100	The best food and coffee are here. Look for apartments in converted historic buildings. Parking can be tight.
North Hill	Quiet, residential, close to JRMC and schools. Families and professionals. 10 min drive to downtown.	$750 - $900	Great for a peaceful home base. Close to the Jamestown Reservoir for weekend runs.
Southside	Affordable, newer developments, easy highway access. Close to shopping centers (like the mall area). 10-12 min drive.	$700 - $850	Best value for modern amenities. You'll need a car, but everything is nearby.
University Area	Younger, slightly more transient vibe due to Jamestown College. Close to campus resources and libraries.	$800 - $950	Good for developers who want to be near the collegiate energy and networking events.
Westside	Established, family-oriented, with good schools. A bit farther from the main commercial drag. 15 min drive.	$750 - $900	Look here if you have or plan to have a family. Larger lots and quieter streets.

Commute Reality: There's no bad commute in Jamestown. Even living on the outskirts, you're never more than a 15-minute drive from work, groceries, or entertainment. The city is built for cars.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Jamestown won't mirror a Silicon Valley path, but it can be deeply rewarding and financially smart.

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Ag-Tech Specialization: Developers who understand farm management software, IoT sensors, or data analytics for agriculture can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. This is Jamestown's biggest niche.
• Healthcare IT (Epic EHR): JRMC and similar facilities desperately need certified Epic developers. This specialization is less common in the region and can lead to high-demand consulting work.
• Path to Leadership: The typical path is: Developer -> Senior Developer -> Team Lead/IT Manager. In companies like JRMC or a local manufacturer, you can reach the Director of IT level within 8-10 years, often with a salary over $140,000.
• The Consultant Route: Many senior developers in Jamestown eventually go freelance, serving multiple local clients. This can be highly lucrative, especially if you build relationships with agribusiness and healthcare.

10-Year Outlook: The 17% job growth is solid. Jamestown isn't going to become a tech hub, but its core industries—ag and healthcare—are increasingly tech-dependent. Developers who are adaptable and willing to learn the local business context will thrive. The rise of remote work also means you can take a local job while occasionally consulting for clients on the coasts, giving you the best of both worlds.

The Verdict: Is Jamestown Right for You?

Jamestown is a specific choice. It's not for everyone, but for the right person, it's an exceptional place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Incredible purchasing power. Your $124,587 salary feels like $160,000+ in a major city.	Limited tech community. Fewer meetups, hackathons, or conferences. Networking is more one-on-one.
No traffic. Your commute is measured in minutes, not hours.	Limited entertainment. Nightlife is quiet; you'll create your own fun.
High job security. Roles in healthcare and essential services are stable.	Harsh winters. Snow from late October to April can be a major adjustment.
Tight-knit professional network. You'll quickly know everyone in the local tech scene.	Less variety in roles. You can't bounce between startups or FAANG companies easily.
Easy path to homeownership. Building equity is realistic and fast.	Dependence on a car. Public transit is minimal.

Final Recommendation:
Jamestown is an ideal fit for a developer who prioritizes financial stability, work-life balance, and community over constant hustle. It's perfect for someone looking to buy a home, start a family, and build deep expertise in a stable field like healthcare or ag-tech. If you crave anonymity, cutting-edge tech stacks, and a vibrant social scene, it will feel isolating. If you value knowing your neighbors, having disposable income, and solving practical problems that impact your local community, it's a hidden treasure.

FAQs

1. Is Jamestown a good place for a junior developer?
Yes, but with caveats. You'll get broad experience wearing many hats, but mentorship can be less structured than in a large tech company. The best path is to join an organization like JRMC or a local dev shop that has a senior developer willing to mentor you.

2. How important is it to own a car?
Essential. Jamestown's public transit (Jamestown Transit) runs on fixed routes but is infrequent. For grocery runs, commuting in winter, and exploring the region, a vehicle is non-negotiable.

3. What's the winter really like?
It's serious. Expect temperatures to regularly drop below zero (F) with significant snowfall. A reliable vehicle with all-wheel drive and a good set of winter tires is a sound investment. Also, invest in quality winter gear.

4. Can I work remotely for a coastal company while living in Jamestown?
Absolutely. Many developers in Jamestown do this. Jamestown's internet infrastructure (primarily through Dakota Central or Midco) provides reliable high-speed service, which is sufficient for most remote work. This is a popular strategy to maximize salary while minimizing living costs.

5. What's the social scene like for young professionals?
It's growing but small. You'll find a community through work, Jamestown College events, and local breweries (like the Jamestown Brewing Co.). Socializing often involves house gatherings, outdoor activities (hunting, fishing, hiking), and community events. It's less about bars and clubs, more about shared interests and community gatherings.

Sources: Salary data based on BLS and regional job postings; cost of living from BestPlaces.net; rent data from local listings and Zillow; employer research from local business directories and company websites.