Web Developer in Alexandria, VA

The Salary Picture: Where Alexandria Stands

As a local, I can tell you straight up: Alexandria pays well for web development, but it’s not the highest-paying city in the DMV. The tech scene here is more about stability and government-adjacent opportunities than the high-risk, high-reward startup culture you’d find in Arlington or D.C. proper.

The median salary for a Web Developer in Alexandria is $95,142/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.74/hour. This is slightly above the national average for the role, which sits at $92,750/year. It’s a solid benchmark, but remember, this is a median—meaning half of the developers here earn more, and half earn less.

To give you a realistic picture of what to expect based on experience, here’s a breakdown. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and industry chatter:

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Alexandria)
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $85,000
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$90,000 - $115,000
Senior-Level (5-8 years)	$115,000 - $135,000
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$135,000 - $160,000+

When you compare Alexandria to other Virginia cities, the context matters. The Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV Metro Area is one of the most expensive in the country. While Alexandria’s median salary of $95,142 is competitive within the state, it’s often outpaced by developers in Arlington or Fairfax, where proximity to major federal contractors and Fortune 500 headquarters can push salaries higher. However, Alexandria offers a unique balance—slightly less congestion than D.C., fantastic historic charm, and a more manageable commute for those working in the city.

Insider Tip: Don’t just look at the base number. Many local employers, especially in the government contracting space, offer robust benefits packages (health insurance, 401k matching, PTO) that can add the equivalent of 10-15% to your total compensation.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. The cost of living in Alexandria is 108.6, meaning it’s 8.6% above the national average. Housing is the biggest driver of this.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a Web Developer earning the median salary of $95,142/year. (Note: This is a pre-tax estimate; actual take-home pay will vary based on deductions for health insurance, retirement contributions, etc.)

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$7,928	($95,142 / 12)
Estimated Take-Home (after ~28% taxes)	$5,720	Federal, state (VA: 5.75%), FICA
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,803	City average (Zillow, RentCafe)
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$180	Varies by season & building
Groceries	$400	Alexandria has higher grocery costs
Transportation (Metro/Car)	$150 - $300	Depends on commute method
Health Insurance (employer portion)	$200	Individual plan estimate
Savings/Discretionary	$1,837	Left for savings, dining out, etc.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the big question. The median home price in Alexandria is around $650,000. With your estimated take-home of $5,720, a typical mortgage (including property taxes and insurance) would consume 40-50% of your monthly income—well above the recommended 28%. For most developers at the median salary, buying a single-family home in Alexandria proper is a stretch without a significant down payment or a dual-income household. Condos and townhomes in the suburbs (like Del Ray or Old Town North) are more attainable but still require careful financial planning.

Insider Tip: Many developers in Alexandria opt for a "starter home" in nearby suburbs like Springfield or Annandale (Fairfax County) where prices are lower, and then commute via the Metro (Yellow Line). The commute is manageable, and you get more square footage for your money.

Where the Jobs Are: Alexandria's Major Employers

Alexandria’s job market is a unique blend of government, defense, healthcare, and a growing tech sector. The 10-year job growth for Web Developers in the metro area is a healthy 16%, which is above the national average for many professions. Here are the key players you should be targeting:

1. Government & Defense Contractors: This is the bedrock of the local economy. Companies like CACI International, Leidos, and Booz Allen Hamilton have major offices or headquarters in the area. They hire web developers for internal tools, client portals, and public-facing websites that must meet strict federal security standards (think FedRAMP). Hiring is steady, driven by long-term government contracts.

2. Healthcare & Insurance: Inova Health System (a massive regional provider with multiple facilities in Alexandria) and Kaiser Permanente are constantly updating their patient portals, internal systems, and public websites. They need developers skilled in UX/UI for non-technical users and secure data handling (HIPAA compliance).

3. E-commerce & Retail: Alexandria is home to Navy Exchange (NEX) headquarters, serving military families worldwide. Their e-commerce platform requires robust, reliable web developers. Additionally, national retailers with large footprints in the area (like Amazon, which has a significant presence in nearby Arlington) often hire for local retail tech support.

4. Professional Services & Consulting: Firms like Deloitte and Accenture have substantial offices in the nearby Tysons and Arlington corridors, but they frequently recruit from the Alexandria talent pool. These roles often involve client-facing projects for large corporations.

5. Local Tech & Startups: While smaller than D.C., Alexandria has a budding scene. Look for companies in the Alexandria Innovation Center or those clustered around the Virginia Tech National Security Institute. Startups here often focus on gov-tech, ed-tech, or health-tech.

Hiring Trend: There’s a growing demand for developers who understand accessibility (WCAG standards) and security. This is non-negotiable for government and healthcare employers. Full-stack developers with experience in React, Node.js, and cloud platforms (AWS/Azure) are particularly sought after.

Getting Licensed in VA

Here’s the straight truth: Virginia does not require a state license to practice as a web developer. The field is largely credential- and experience-based. However, there are key certifications and steps that will dramatically boost your employability, especially with the large number of government contractors.

• Certifications: For federal work, certifications can be more valuable than a state license. The most relevant are:
  • Security+ (CompTIA): Often a baseline requirement for jobs involving any government data.
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect / Google Cloud Professional: Cloud skills are in high demand.
  • Certified Professional in Accessibility Core Competencies (CPACC): Critical for healthcare and government roles.
• Costs: Exam fees range from $350 - $500 per certification. Study materials can add another $100 - $300.
• Timeline: If you start studying now, you can be exam-ready in 2-4 months per certification. There’s no formal state board to deal with, so you can schedule exams directly through the testing providers (Pearson VUE, etc.).
• Business Licensing: If you plan to freelance or start your own LLC, you’ll need a Business License from the City of Alexandria. It’s a straightforward process, costing around $50 initially, with annual renewals based on your estimated revenue.

Insider Tip: For government-related jobs, having an active Security Clearance (even a basic Public Trust) can be a golden ticket. Some employers will sponsor you for it, but it’s a lengthy process (6-12 months). If you already have one, highlight it prominently on your resume.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Choosing where to live in Alexandria is a balance of commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are four solid options, all with a distinct vibe:

1. Old Town:

   • Vibe: Historic cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and waterfront parks. The postcard-perfect heart of the city.
   • Commute: Excellent. Walking distance to the King St-Old Town Metro (Blue/Yellow Lines). Easy access to D.C. and the Pentagon.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $2,000 - $2,500+. Premium for location and charm.
   • Best For: Developers who value walkability, nightlife, and don’t mind a higher rent.

2. Del Ray:

   • Vibe: Quirky, artistic, and community-focused. The "Austin of the East Coast" with a main street (Mount Vernon Ave) full of independent cafes, breweries, and shops.
   • Commute: Good. A short bike or bus ride to the Braddock Road or King St Metro stations (10-15 mins).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,700 - $2,100.
   • Best For: Creatives and tech workers who want a strong neighborhood feel and local flavor.

3. Carlyle / Eisenhower Valley:

   • Vibe: Modern, urban, and corporate. High-rise apartments, parks, and proximity to the new Virginia Tech campus. Home to the St. Alexandria Town Center.
   • Commute: Excellent. Direct access to the Eisenhower Ave Metro (Yellow Line) and a quick shot to the Capital Beltway (I-495).
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,900 - $2,300.
   • Best For: Professionals who want a sleek, modern apartment with easy highway and Metro access.

4. West End (near Seminary Rd):

   • Vibe: Suburban, spacious, and family-friendly. More residential with larger apartment complexes and townhomes.
   • Commute: Fair. Requires a bus or a longer drive to the Metro (Van Dorn St station is the closest). Ideal if you work remotely or have a car.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,800.
   • Best For: Those seeking more space and a quieter environment on a tighter budget.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career trajectory for a web developer in Alexandria is stable and has clear advancement paths, especially if you lean into the local economy's strengths.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing can add 10-25% to your base salary. The highest premiums are for:

  • Security-Focused Development: (+15-25%) Essential for government/defense.
  • Accessibility (a11y) Expertise: (+10-20%) Critical for public sector and healthcare.
  • Cloud Architecture (AWS/Azure): (+15-20%) A universal high-demand skill.
  • Full-Stack with DevOps: (+10-15%) Valued for smaller teams and startups.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Track: Junior Dev → Mid-Level → Senior Developer → Staff/Principal Engineer (focusing on complex system architecture) → CTO (for smaller local companies).
  2. Management Track: Developer → Tech Lead → Engineering Manager → Director of Engineering. This path is common in larger contractors like CACI or Booz Allen.
  3. Consulting/Freelance: Build a portfolio and network with local businesses (from Del Ray shops to government consultants). This path offers flexibility but requires strong business acumen.

• 10-Year Outlook (16% Growth): The outlook is strong, but the nature of the work may shift. Expect more government-mandated projects (accessibility, security, cloud migration). Remote work is here to stay, but hybrid models are more common in Alexandria than fully remote. The key to longevity is continuous learning—staying on top of frameworks and, crucially, the evolving landscape of federal tech regulations.

The Verdict: Is Alexandria Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, diversified job market (gov, healthcare, tech).	High cost of living, especially housing.
Strong 10-year job growth (16%).	Competitive; you’re up against a highly educated talent pool.
Excellent public transit (Metro) to D.C. and beyond.	Specialization is often required (security, accessibility).
Charming, livable city with great food and parks.	Can feel "corporate" compared to pure tech hubs.
Median salary ($95,142) is above the national average.	Buying a home is a significant challenge at the median salary.

Final Recommendation:
Alexandria is an excellent choice for web developers who value stability, work-life balance, and a high quality of life over the chaotic, high-growth startup scene. It’s ideal if you’re interested in government-adjacent tech, healthcare, or e-commerce. Move here if: You have 3+ years of experience, are targeting a hybrid role, and are prepared for the high cost of living. Consider other cities if: You’re an entry-level developer seeking a pure startup incubator, or your primary goal is to maximize salary-to-cost ratio for home ownership (you’d look further west in Virginia).

FAQs

1. What’s the commute like from Alexandria to D.C. or Arlington?
It’s very manageable. From Old Town or Carlyle, the Metro (Yellow/Blue Lines) gets you to the D.C. core (e.g., L’Enfant Plaza, Smithsonian) in 20-30 minutes. Driving to Arlington (e.g., Ballston) can take 20-40 minutes, heavily dependent on Beltway traffic. Most developers in the area prefer Metro to avoid the notorious D.C. congestion.

2. Do I need to know someone to get a job here?
While the "who you know" factor is strong in any market, Alexandria’s tech jobs are widely posted on LinkedIn, Indeed, and company career pages. For government contractor roles, having a network on platforms like LinkedIn and attending local tech meetups (like those hosted by the Alexandria Tech Council) can be a significant advantage.

3. Is it feasible to work remotely from Alexandria?
Absolutely. Many developers in Alexandria work for companies based in D.C., Arlington, or even fully remote for national firms. The city’s fiber internet infrastructure is good, especially in newer developments. The main cost consideration is ensuring your home internet is reliable for video calls and large file transfers.

4. What’s the tech community like outside of work?
It’s growing but quieter than D.C. or Arlington. Look for events at The Lab @ OCA (Old Town) or meetups at local co-working spaces like WeWork in Carlyle. The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) hosts events that are easily accessible from Alexandria. It’s more professional and networking-focused than purely social.

5. How does the cost of living in Alexandria compare to other DMV cities?
Alexandria is high, but not the highest. It’s generally more expensive than Annandale or Springfield (the suburbs) but slightly less expensive than trendy, urban areas like Arlington’s Clarendon or D.C.’s Logan Circle. The trade-off is you get more historic charm and community feel than in a purely corporate corridor.