Software Developer in Plymouth, MN

The Salary Picture: Where Plymouth Stands

Plymouth, Minnesota, isn't the first city that comes to mind when discussing major tech hubs, but it's a stealth player with a surprisingly robust market for software developers. Situated in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities, Plymouth offers a strategic balance of suburban comfort and proximity to the downtown Minneapolis tech corridor. For a software developer, the financial picture here is solid, though nuanced by experience level.

The median salary for a software developer in the Plymouth area is $128,978/year, translating to an hourly rate of $62.01/hour. This figure sits just above the national average of $127,260/year, indicating a competitive local market. The metro area contains approximately 465 software developer jobs, and the 10-year job growth projection is a healthy 17%, suggesting sustained demand.

To break this down, here’s a look at what you can expect at different stages of your career. These figures are extrapolated from the median and industry-standard progression models, factoring in local company structures.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Employers Seeking This Level
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	General Mills, smaller agencies, entry roles at Optum
Mid-Level (3-6 yrs)	$110,000 - $145,000	Target, UnitedHealth Group, regional tech firms
Senior-Level (7-10 yrs)	$135,000 - $170,000	Medtronic, Cargill, leadership at any major local employer
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$160,000 - $210,000+	Principal roles at Medtronic, Architect roles at Target, consulting

When comparing Plymouth to other Minnesota cities, the context is critical. While Minneapolis and St. Paul core salaries can be slightly higher (often 5-10% more for comparable roles), Plymouth’s cost of living is notably lower. Cities like Edina or Minnetonka might offer similar salaries but with a higher cost of living, while more distant suburbs like Maple Grove or Woodbury have comparable job markets but different lifestyle trade-offs. Plymouth’s value proposition is its central location in the western suburbs, providing easy access to multiple employment centers without the premium price tag of living in the immediate downtown corridor.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Plymouth-based employers, particularly in the healthcare and retail tech sectors, offer significant bonus structures and strong 401(k) matches. At companies like Target or UnitedHealth Group, total compensation can be 15-20% higher than the base when factoring in annual bonuses and stock grants.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $128,978 sounds substantial, but the real question is what remains after Minnesota’s state taxes and housing costs. Minnesota has a progressive income tax system, with rates ranging from 5.35% to 9.85% for high earners. For a single filer earning this median salary, estimated take-home pay after federal and state taxes (approx. 25-30% total effective rate) would be roughly $90,000 - $97,000 annually, or about $7,500 - $8,083 per month.

Let’s map out a monthly budget for a software developer earning the median salary, living in Plymouth:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$10,748
• Estimated Deductions (Taxes, Insurance, 401k): ~$3,200
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$7,548
• Rent (1BR Average in Plymouth): $1,201
• Utilities & Internet: $180
• Transportation (Car Payment, Gas, Insurance): $500
• Groceries & household: $400
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $300 (co-pay/oop)
• Misc. & Leisure: $800
• Savings/Investment: $4,167

This budget leaves a healthy surplus for savings and investment, which is a significant advantage. The cost of living index for Plymouth is 104.5, meaning it's 4.5% more expensive than the U.S. average, but this is heavily driven by housing. The local market is generally more affordable than the national average for software developer salaries.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. The median home price in Plymouth is around $350,000 - $400,000. With a strong down payment (20% = $70k - $80k), a monthly mortgage (including taxes and insurance) could range from $1,800 to $2,200. Given the budget surplus above, this is very manageable. Many developers in the area live in Plymouth and commute to Minneapolis, St. Louis Park, or Edina—though traffic on Highway 55 and I-494 can be a factor.

Insider Tip: The rental market in Plymouth is competitive but reasonable. Many newer developments in areas like Plymouth Creek or near the Arbor Lakes shopping district offer modern amenities at a price point well below downtown Minneapolis. Buying a home in the older, established neighborhoods like Sundberg or East Medicine Lake often means better value and larger lots.

Where the Jobs Are: Plymouth's Major Employers

Plymouth’s job market is a mix of corporate headquarters, healthcare tech, and retail giants. The city is a major employment hub in its own right, not just a bedroom community.

1. Target Corporation: While their headquarters is in Minneapolis, their Technology & Product division is massive, with significant office space in the nearby Minneapolis suburbs (including some roles based in Plymouth). They hire for software engineering, data science, and product management. Hiring is steady, with a focus on agile development and cloud technologies (AWS).
2. UnitedHealth Group (Optum): Optum has a huge presence in the western suburbs, including Plymouth and nearby Eden Prairie. They are one of the largest employers of software developers in the region, working on health tech platforms, data analytics, and enterprise software. Demand is consistently high for Java, .NET, and cloud engineers.
3. General Mills: Headquartered in Golden Valley (minutes from Plymouth), General Mills has a growing tech arm focused on digital marketing, supply chain software, and e-commerce platforms. They look for developers skilled in modern web stacks and data engineering.
4. Medtronic: The medical device giant has a major campus in Fridley (north of Minneapolis), but their software teams for embedded systems, regulatory software, and connected health devices are often based in the western suburbs or work hybrid models. This is a prime spot for developers interested in the medical device and regulated software space.
5. Cargill: Headquartered in Wayzata (a short drive from Plymouth), Cargill is a global agricultural and food conglomerate with a large IT division. They have opportunities in enterprise software, supply chain logistics, and data science. They often seek developers with experience in large-scale, legacy system modernization.
6. Regional Tech Agencies & Startups: Plymouth itself is home to numerous smaller tech firms and digital agencies serving local businesses. Companies like Spyder Trap (digital marketing & web development) or The Nerdery (though based in Bloomington) have a strong presence in the western suburbs. These offer a more agile, project-based environment.
7. HealthPartners: With a major clinic in nearby Bloomington and operations throughout the metro, HealthPartners employs software developers for patient portal systems, internal applications, and data integration.

Hiring Trends: There's a strong shift toward cloud-native development (AWS, Azure), DevOps practices, and data engineering skills. Companies like Optum and Target are heavily investing in digital transformation. The demand for full-stack developers (especially with React/Node.js or .NET/ Angular stacks) is particularly high. Security and compliance-focused roles are growing, especially in healthcare (HIPAA) and finance.

Getting Licensed in MN

For software developers, there is no state-mandated "license" in the traditional sense like for lawyers or engineers. However, there are specific certifications and regulatory knowledge that can be crucial, especially in certain sectors.

• Professional Engineer (PE) License: This is generally not required for most software developers. However, if you are working on safety-critical systems (e.g., medical devices at Medtronic, aviation software, or autonomous vehicles), you may need to work under a licensed Professional Engineer. The path involves a degree from an ABET-accredited program, passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, gaining 4 years of experience, and passing the PE exam. The cost is a few hundred dollars for exams and fees.
• Certifications (The Real "Licenses"): In Minnesota, the most valuable "licenses" are industry certifications:
  • Cloud Certifications (AWS/Azure/GCP): Essential for most modern roles. Cost: ~$150-$300 per exam.
  • Security Certifications (CISSP, CISM): Critical for roles in healthcare and finance. CISSP requires 5 years of experience. Exam cost: ~$749.
  • Agile Certifications (CSM, PSM): Widely valued for project-based roles. Cost: ~$1,000 for training + exam.
• Timeline to Get Started: You don't need a special state license to apply for jobs. You can start applying immediately. If you need to bolster your credentials, a 3-6 month period of focused study for a key certification (like AWS Solutions Architect) can significantly boost your competitiveness.
• State-Specific Requirements: Minnesota follows the Uniform Computer Information Transactions Act (UCITA), which has implications for software licensing agreements. For most developers, this is more relevant for contract work and intellectual property management than daily coding tasks.

Insider Tip: For developers targeting Medtronic or other heavily regulated industries, understanding FDA regulations for software as a medical device (SaMD) is a huge advantage. Taking an online course on FDA 21 CFR Part 820 can set you apart from other candidates.

Best Neighborhoods for Software Developers

Plymouth is a sprawling suburb with distinct neighborhoods, each offering a different lifestyle and commute profile. Here are the top picks for software developers.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Lifestyle	Commute to Major Tech Hubs	Estimated 1BR Rent
Arbor Lakes / Downtown Plymouth	Urban-suburban mix. Walkable to shopping, dining, parks. Modern apartments and townhomes. Young professional vibe.	20-25 min to Minneapolis, 15 min to St. Louis Park. Easy access to I-494.	$1,300 - $1,500
Plymouth Creek / Northwest Plymouth	Family-oriented, quiet, with excellent parks and trails. Newer developments and single-family homes.	25-30 min to Minneapolis. A bit further from core employers but more space.	$1,150 - $1,350
East Medicine Lake	Established, wooded area with larger homes and lots. More private, with lake access and a suburban feel.	25-30 min to Minneapolis. Scenic but less central.	$1,200 - $1,400 (for a 1BR in a complex)
Sundberg	Classic suburban neighborhood with mid-century homes, mature trees, and a strong community feel.	20-25 min to Minneapolis. Close to Highway 55 for a direct route.	$1,000 - $1,250 (for a smaller apartment or shared space)
Near 394 & I-94 (West Plymouth)	Very convenient for commuting to both downtown and the western suburbs (Eden Prairie, Minnetonka). More commercial, less residential charm.	15-20 min to Minneapolis, 10-15 min to Edina/Minnetonka.	$1,200 - $1,400

Insider Tip: If you work from home or have a hybrid schedule, Arbor Lakes is the prime choice for its walkability and amenities. If you’re commuting daily to downtown Minneapolis, Sundberg or the East Medicine Lake area offers a slightly quicker route via Highway 55, avoiding the worst of I-494 traffic.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Plymouth is an excellent launchpad for a long-term career, but you may need to consider the broader Twin Cities market for the highest levels of specialization and compensation.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers who specialize in high-demand areas can command significant premiums:
  • Data Engineering & Analytics: +15-25% over base. Critical at Optum and Cargill.
  • Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure): +20-30%. In high demand across all major employers.
  • Medical Device Software (Regulatory): +15-20%. A niche but valuable skill set for Medtronic and other MedTech firms.
  • Cybersecurity: +10-20%. Growing rapidly due to data privacy concerns in healthcare and retail.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is Junior → Mid-Level → Senior → Lead/Principal → Manager. In Plymouth, you can reach Senior and Lead levels within local companies. To move into executive roles (Director, VP of Engineering), you often need to transition to a larger Twin Cities-based company or a corporate HQ. The management track is well-established at all major employers listed.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 17% projected job growth, the market is expanding. The trend is toward more specialized, product-focused roles rather than generic coding. Developers who build domain expertise in Plymouth’s key industries—healthcare, retail tech, and food/agriculture tech—will be most resilient. The rise of remote work has also opened opportunities, allowing Plymouth-based developers to work for national companies while enjoying the local cost of living.

Insider Tip: The secret to long-term growth in the Twin Cities is networking. Join groups like Minneapolis DevOps or Product Twin Cities. Attend events at the TechdotMN hub or local meetups. The connections you make in Plymouth can lead to opportunities across the entire metro.

The Verdict: Is Plymouth Right for You?

Plymouth offers a compelling package for software developers seeking stability, a good salary, and a high quality of life outside of work. It’s not a gritty, high-energy tech city, but a well-organized, affluent suburb with strong career fundamentals.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Salary ($128,978 median) with a 17% job growth outlook.	Lacks the density of startups and venture capital of Minneapolis proper.
Manageable Cost of Living – particularly housing. You can afford a home.	Commute times can be significant if you work in downtown Minneapolis (especially in winter).
World-Class Healthcare & Schools – Plymouth schools are excellent, and you're near top-tier hospitals.	Social scene is quieter; nightlife is more family-oriented.
Strategic Location – Easy access to multiple employment centers without paying a premium.	The tech community is more dispersed; you have to be proactive to network.
Quality of Life – Abundant parks, lakes, and trails. Safe and family-friendly.	Winters are long and harsh; a car is a necessity.

Final Recommendation: Plymouth is an excellent choice for mid-career software developers, especially those with families or who prioritize work-life balance. It's a financially savvy move that allows you to build wealth and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. For early-career developers in their 20s, it might feel a bit quiet, but the proximity to Minneapolis means you can still access that scene. For experts, it’s a great place to settle down and command a strong salary without the chaos of a major city core. If you value stability, good schools, and a comfortable commute over the raw energy of a downtown tech hub, Plymouth is a nearly perfect fit.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to live in Plymouth as a software developer?
Yes, a car is essential. While some areas are walkable to parks and shops, the major employers and the commute to Minneapolis are not reliably served by public transit. Plymouth is a car-centric suburb.

2. Is the job market competitive?
Yes, but it's a healthy competition. With 465 open positions and 17% growth, there are ample opportunities. The key is tailoring your resume to the local employers' tech stacks (e.g., AWS for Target, .NET for Optum) and networking.

3. What’s the winter commute like?
It can be challenging. A 20-minute drive in summer can become 45 minutes in a snowstorm. Most employers in the area are very understanding and often have flexible work-from-home policies during severe weather. Investing in a good winter vehicle (AWD/4WD) is a smart move.

4. How does the cost of living index affect me?
The index of 104.5 means Plymouth is slightly above average, but for a software developer earning the median salary, this is easily manageable. The main driver is housing, which is still more affordable than in Minneapolis or Edina. You'll find groceries, utilities, and transportation to be comparable to the national average.

5. What's the best way to break into the market from outside Minnesota?
Leverage your existing experience and target companies that hire nationally, like Optum or Target. Be prepared to discuss your interest in the long-term lifestyle of the Twin Cities. Temporarily relocating for an interview can also signal serious commitment. The hiring process is typically standard (technical screens, whiteboarding, behavioral interviews), but local knowledge of