Web Developer in Belgrade, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Belgrade Stands

Belgrade offers a competitive salary landscape for web developers, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. The median salary for a web developer in the Belgrade metro area is $93,584/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.99/hour. This figure sits just slightly above the national average for web developers, which is $92,750/year. For a small mountain town, this is a strong position. It signals that local employers—many of whom are serving national or global clients—value technical talent and are willing to pay for it. The 10-year job growth projection for the region is a robust 16%, a figure that outpaces many larger, more saturated tech hubs. This growth is driven by the area's burgeoning tech scene, remote work trends, and the presence of companies that cater to the tourism, outdoor recreation, and agricultural sectors, all of which require a digital presence.

The local job market, while small, is active. There are currently 22 listed jobs for web developers in the metro area. This isn't a massive pool, but it's a consistent one. You won't find the volume of a Denver or Seattle, but the competition is also lower. The key here is specialization. Companies in Belgrade aren't just looking for generalists; they need developers who can build robust e-commerce platforms for local retailers, create engaging experiences for tourism websites, or maintain complex data dashboards for agricultural tech firms.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salary expectations will vary significantly based on your experience and the specific technologies you master. Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Belgrade market:

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Salary Range (Belgrade)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$80,000 - $105,000
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$105,000 - $130,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$130,000+

Note: These ranges are estimates based on the median salary and local market dynamics. Expert-level roles often include equity or bonuses, especially in smaller, growth-stage companies.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

Belgrade holds its own against other Montana tech hubs, offering a unique blend of salary and lifestyle.

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index	Key Industries
Belgrade	$93,584	103.0	Aerospace, Tourism, Remote Tech
Bozeman	$95,120	110.5	Tech, Education (MSU), Biotech
Missoula	$88,450	105.8	Healthcare, Education, Outdoor Gear
Billings	$82,300	98.5	Energy, Healthcare, Finance

Bozeman, just 15 minutes away, has a slightly higher median salary but a significantly higher cost of living (110.5 vs. 103.0). Missoula offers a vibrant cultural scene but lower pay. Billings is more affordable but has a less dynamic tech scene. For many, Belgrade hits the sweet spot: proximity to the Bozeman job market without the Bozeman price tag, especially for housing.

Insider Tip: Many developers live in Belgrade and commute to Bozeman for higher-salary roles at companies like Oracle or Workiva. The 30-minute drive on US-191 is a common trade-off for a lower mortgage payment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's break down the reality of living on a $93,584 salary in Belgrade. This is a crucial step—what looks good on paper must survive monthly budgeting.

First, taxes. We'll use a standard estimator for a single filer with no dependents, filing in Montana (with a progressive income tax) and federally.

• Federal Taxes (est.): ~$14,200 (includes standard deduction)
• Montana State Taxes (est.): ~$4,800
• FICA (7.65%): ~$7,160
• Total Annual Tax Burden: ~$26,160
• Annual Take-Home Pay (Net): $67,424
• Monthly Take-Home Pay: $5,619

Now, let's build a sample monthly budget for a single person living in Belgrade.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Web Developer, $93,584 Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,081	Average for Belgrade. Can be lower in older complexes.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Internet)	$250	Varies by season; internet is critical for a developer.
Groceries	$450	Groceries are slightly above national average.
Car Payment/Insurance	$500	Assumes a modest car loan + insurance.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Commuting to Bozeman adds cost.
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-subsidized is common; this is a net estimate.
Dining/Entertainment	$400	Bozeman's food scene is a weekend draw.
Savings/Investments	$1,000	17-18% of take-home pay—very healthy.
Miscellaneous	$488	Everything else (clothing, hobbies, etc.).
Total Expenses	$3,619
Remaining Buffer	$2,000	For travel, emergency fund, or accelerated savings.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, but with caveats. The median home price in the Belgrade area is approximately $450,000. With a $67,424 net annual income ($5,619/month), a standard 20% down payment ($90,000) is a significant hurdle for many. However, using an FHA loan (3.5% down, ~$15,750) is feasible. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes, insurance, and potential HOA) could range from $2,200 to $2,700. This would eat up about 40-50% of your take-home pay, which is high but not impossible, especially if you have a partner with dual income. Many local developers opt to rent and invest aggressively in stocks or retirement accounts until they're ready for the financial commitment.

Where the Jobs Are: Belgrade's Major Employers

The job market here is a mix of local businesses, remote-first companies, and branches of larger corporations. Networking is key; many jobs are filled through referrals.

1. Oracle (at the Bozeman Tech Hub): While physically located in Bozeman, Oracle is the largest tech employer in the region and a major draw for talent. They hire for a wide range of web and software development roles. Commuting from Belgrade is standard for their workforce.
2. Workiva (Wyoming office, 30 mins away): Another major tech player. Workiva is a cloud-based platform for financial reporting. They have a large presence in nearby Wyoming (Cheyenne, Laramie) but employ many in the Bozeman area as well.
3. Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Companies like Sierra Nevada Corporation and CPI International have facilities in the region (often in Bozeman or Butte, but with a strong Belgrade presence). They need web developers for internal tools, data visualization, and customer portals. Security clearance can be a plus.
4. Montana State University (MSU) - In Bozeman: The university's IT department and various research centers hire web developers for educational platforms, research data management, and public-facing websites. It offers excellent benefits and a stable work environment.
5. Local Tourism & Outdoor Industry: Companies like Sportsman's Warehouse (corporate HQ in nearby Wilson, WY) and local adventure outfitters need e-commerce and web developers. The work is often focused on user experience and sales platforms.
6. Remote-First Startups: A growing number of tech founders choose Belgrade for its lifestyle. You'll find them by networking at the Bozeman Tech Meetup or co-working spaces like The Local in Bozeman. They offer competitive salaries and the ability to work from home.
7. Belgrade's Own Small Businesses & Agencies: There are several local marketing and web design agencies serving the community. While salaries may be lower ($65k-$85k), the work-life balance and community impact are significant.

Hiring Trends: The trend is strongly toward remote work. Even local employers often offer hybrid schedules. The most in-demand skills are React, Node.js, Python (for backend/data roles), and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure). Full-stack capabilities are highly valued.

Getting Licensed in MT

One of the best aspects of a tech career in Montana is the lack of red tape. There is no state-specific license required to practice as a web developer. Montana does not have a licensing board for software or web developers, unlike fields like engineering, law, or medicine.

Requirements & Costs:

• State License: Not required.
• Professional Certifications: While optional, certifications from platforms like AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft can boost your resume. Costs range from $100 - $300 for exam fees.
• Business Registration: If you plan to freelance or start your own LLC, you'll need to register with the Montana Secretary of State. The filing fee for an LLC is $70. You may also need a local business license from the City of Belgrade, which costs around $50 annually.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately. The only "timeline" is building your portfolio and gaining experience. If you're starting a business, the registration process can be completed in a few days online.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Belgrade is small, but each area offers a different vibe. Commute to Bozeman is a key factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Belgrade	Walkable, historic, local shops & cafes. 25-min drive to Bozeman.	$950 - $1,200	Those who want a small-town feel with easy access to amenities.
North Belgrade (Near I-90)	Newer subdivisions, quieter, family-oriented. 20-min drive to Bozeman.	$1,050 - $1,300	Remote workers who want space, or families commuting to MSU/Oracle.
Bridger View (East Side)	Modern, planned community with parks and trails. 25-min drive to Bozeman.	$1,100 - $1,400	Active professionals who prioritize outdoor access and new construction.
Bozeman Commuter (Living in Belgrade)	This is the strategy. Live in Belgrade for affordability, work in Bozeman.	$1,000 - $1,300	The most common choice for maximizing salary and minimizing housing costs.

Insider Tip: The "East Side" of Belgrade (along 7th Ave) is seeing the most growth. It's closer to the interstate, making the Bozeman commute slightly faster, and has newer housing stock. If you see a listing in the "Belgrade Tech Corridor," it's likely referring to this area.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career trajectory in Belgrade will be shaped by specialization and networking.

Specialty Premiums:

• Full-Stack Development: The most valuable skill set in a small market. Can command a 10-15% premium over a specialized front-end or back-end role.
• DevOps/Cloud Engineering: With the move to cloud infrastructure, developers who can manage deployments (AWS, Azure, Docker) are in high demand and can push salaries toward the $120k+ range.
• Security Clearance: For aerospace/defense contractors, having a clearance (or the ability to obtain one) can add $10k-$20k to your base salary.
• Niche Frameworks: Expertise in a high-demand but less common stack (e.g., Elixir/Phoenix, Go) can make you a sought-after consultant for remote work.

Advancement Paths:

1. Technical Track: Junior → Mid → Senior → Staff/Principal Engineer. Focus on deep technical expertise.
2. Management Track: Senior → Tech Lead → Engineering Manager. Requires soft skills and mentoring ability.
3. Consulting/Freelancing: Build a client base locally and remotely. High risk, high reward. The local network is crucial here.

10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth projection is realistic. As remote work becomes permanent and Montana's quality of life attracts more tech talent, the local ecosystem will expand. Expect to see more venture-backed startups choosing the Bozeman-Belgrade corridor as their base. The key to long-term growth will be maintaining a hybrid skill set: deep technical chops combined with the ability to collaborate in a remote-first world.

The Verdict: Is Belgrade Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Quality of Life: Unparalleled access to hiking, skiing, fishing, and Big Sky culture.	Limited Local Job Market: Only 22 jobs means you may need to commute or work remotely.
Strong Salary vs. Cost of Living: $93,584 median goes further here than in major metros.	High Housing Costs Relative to Region: Rent is $1,081/month—affordable for a developer, but high for Montana.
Proximity to Bozeman's Tech Scene: 30 mins to MSU, Oracle, and a vibrant startup community.	Seasonal Economy: Tourism drives some jobs, which can be less stable in winter.
Low Competition: Fewer developers than in major hubs, making it easier to stand out.	Isolation: You're far from major airports and cultural events. The nearest real city is Billings (2 hrs) or Salt Lake (5 hrs).
No Licensing Hurdles: Start your career without state-mandated certifications.	Limited Diversity & Amenities: The food, arts, and shopping scene is smaller than in a large city.

Final Recommendation: Belgrade is an excellent choice for mid-career to senior web developers who prioritize outdoor lifestyle and financial stability over urban density and hyper-competitive job markets. It's perfect for those who value a strong community, can commute to Bozeman for a wider range of employers, or have secured a solid remote position. For entry-level developers, the limited local job pool can be a challenge, making networking and a strong portfolio even more critical. If you're looking for a place where your salary affords you a life of adventure right outside your door, Belgrade is a compelling bet.

FAQs

1. Can I really find a job in Belgrade without living in Bozeman?
Yes, but it requires effort. The 22 listed jobs are a starting point. Many are with local agencies or small businesses. The key is to connect with the Bozeman tech community (meetups, online groups) and position yourself for remote roles with companies based elsewhere. Living in Belgrade while working remotely for a national company is a very common and successful strategy.

2. How does the winter affect a developer's work life?
For remote workers, it's minimal—you might just deal with slower internet during snowstorms (get a backup LTE hotspot). For commuters, it adds 10-15 minutes to the Bozeman drive and requires a reliable AWD vehicle. The bigger impact is on lifestyle; you'll trade summer hiking for winter skiing, which is a major perk for many.

3. What's the tech community like? Is it easy to network?
The community is small but tight-knit and welcoming. The best way in is through the Bozeman Tech Meetup and events at MSU. Online, the "Bozeman Coders" and "Montana Developers" Slack or Discord groups are active. It's not as anonymous as a big city; your reputation matters, but that can work in your favor.

4. Is the cost of living really only 3% above the national average?
The 103.0 index is accurate for the overall basket of goods and services. However, the outlier is housing. While rent is $1,081/month, home prices are steep. Other costs like groceries, utilities, and gas are closer to the national average, and some services (like childcare) can be more expensive due to scarcity. Your overall budget will feel tighter than the index suggests if you plan to buy a home.

5. What's the best way to find housing in Belgrade?
Start with Facebook Marketplace and local property management companies like Belgrade Property Management or Bozeman Property Management (which serve the area). The rental market is competitive but not as brutal as Bozeman's. Be prepared to apply quickly. For buying, work with a realtor who understands the local tech commuter market—prices can vary drastically