Web Developer in Bozeman, MT

The Salary Picture: Where Bozeman Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Bozeman is a town built on a dichotomy: world-class natural amenities and a surprisingly robust, though not massive, tech scene. For Web Developers, the salary data reflects this. The median salary for a Web Developer in the Bozeman metro area is $94,447/year, which translates to a very comfortable $45.41/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $92,750/year, but the real story is in the local cost of living and demand.

The job market here is tight but growing. Bozeman's metro area supports about 110 Web Developer positions, a small but concentrated pool. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection is a robust 16%, well above the national average for tech roles in smaller metros. This growth is driven by a mix of local startups, established tech companies, and remote workers who choose Bozeman for its quality of life.

Experience-Level Salary Breakdown (Bozeman Metro)

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Local Factors
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Often start at local agencies or small startups. Proficiency in modern JS frameworks is a must.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$85,000 - $105,000	This is where you'll find the bulk of the $94,447 median. Companies pay for full-stack skills.
Senior-Level (6-9 yrs)	$110,000 - $135,000	Leadership roles, specialized architecture. High demand for those who can mentor.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$140,000+	Often tied to directorial or principal engineer roles. Limited number of these positions locally.

Comparison to Other Montana Cities

Bozeman is not the cheapest place in Montana, but it's a premier tech hub. Bozeman's median salary ($94,447) surpasses Billings, the state's largest city, where Web Developer salaries hover around $85,000. It also outpaces Missoula ($88,000) and Great Falls ($82,000). However, Billings and Missoula have lower housing costs, which can affect take-home pay. The $94,447 figure is specific to the Bozeman metro (Gallatin County) and reflects the premium for the local ecosystem.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A $94,447 salary sounds great, but Bozeman's cost of living sits at an index of 106.1 (US avg = 100). The biggest factor is housing.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a single Web Developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$7,871	Based on $94,447/year / 12
Taxes & Deductions	~$1,900 - $2,200	Federal, state (Montana has a progressive income tax), FICA, health insurance.
Net Monthly Pay	~$5,671 - $5,971	This is your take-home.
Average 1BR Rent	$1,114/month	Statewide average. Bozeman proper is higher (~$1,300-$1,600).
Utilities	$200 - $300	Includes internet, which is decent in town.
Groceries & Essentials	$350 - $450	Bozeman has several grocery chains (Albertsons, Smith's, Whole Foods).
Transportation	$300 - $400	Car is essential. Gas prices are near national average.
Misc. & Savings	$2,500+	Leftover for savings, retirement, and recreation.

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the critical question. The median home price in Bozeman is currently over $525,000. For a single earner on $94,447, a 20% down payment ($105,000) is a significant hurdle. A mortgage payment (principal, interest, taxes, insurance) could exceed $2,500/month, which is over 40% of the gross salary. Insider Tip: Many developers buy in adjacent areas like Belgrade or Three Forks to lower costs, accepting a longer commute. Dual-income households are far more common for homeownership here.

Where the Jobs Are: Bozeman's Major Employers

The job market isn't defined by a single tech giant, but by a mix of local companies, remote-friendly roles, and specialized firms. Here are the key players:

1. Oracle: Yes, the giant. Their Bozeman campus (north of town) is a major employer, focusing on cloud infrastructure and development. They hire for front-end, back-end, and DevOps roles. Hiring is steady but competitive.
2. Workiva: A publicly traded SaaS company headquartered here. They are one of the largest local tech employers, offering a range of web development roles. They have a strong campus culture and are a primary driver of the local tech talent pool.
3. Avalara: A tax software company with a significant Bozeman presence. They hire full-stack developers, often with a focus on enterprise-level applications.
4. Local Agencies & Startups: Firms like Mighty (digital product studio) and Thinkroom are known for quality web work. The startup scene is active but small; check resources like the Frontier Angels (local VC group) for leads.
5. Montana State University (MSU): The university employs web developers for its IT department and various research labs. These roles offer stability and good benefits, though salaries may be slightly below the private sector median.
6. Remote-First Companies: A huge portion of Bozeman's tech workforce is remote. Companies like Buffer, Zapier, and GitLab have Bozeman-based employees. Insider Tip: Landing a remote job before moving is a popular strategy to secure a high salary and then enjoy Bozeman's lifestyle.

Hiring Trends: Demand is strongest for developers with experience in React, Node.js, and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure). The market has cooled slightly from the pandemic peak, but the 16% growth indicates long-term health. Networking is key—events at the Bozeman Innovation Campus or meetups on Meetup.com are essential.

Getting Licensed in MT

The good news for Web Developers: Montana has no state-specific licensing requirements for software developers, web developers, or related IT roles. Unlike fields like engineering or nursing, you don't need a state board certification.

What you do need:

• A strong portfolio and resume. This is your primary credential.
• Relevant work experience. Employers care far more about your GitHub and past projects than any state license.
• Possibly a business license if you plan to freelance as a sole proprietor. This is obtained through the City of Bozeman Clerk's office for a small fee (typically $50-$100).

Timeline to Get Started: There is no official timeline. If you have a solid portfolio and 1-2 years of experience, you can theoretically start applying the day you move. However, it's wise to budget 3-6 months for a job search, especially if you're relocating from out of state and need to establish local references.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Bozeman is divided by the "Bozeman Hill" and the "flatlands." Commutes are generally short (15-20 max), but lifestyle varies.

1. Downtown/Central: Walkable to restaurants, shops, and the downtown core where many agencies are located. Great for those who want a vibrant, social life. Commute: Easy to most offices, some might bike.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,700/month for a 1BR.
2. Southside (near MSU): Popular with younger professionals and academics. More affordable than downtown, with good access to the university's amenities and parks. Commute: Easy to Oracle, Workiva, and downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,400/month for a 1BR.
3. West End (near 19th Ave): Established, quiet residential area with single-family homes. Less nightlife, more space. Popular with professionals and families. Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,250 - $1,500/month for a 1BR (apartments are less common here).
4. Belgrade (Adjacent Town): The most affordable option for homeowners. A 15-20 minute commute to Bozeman. Growing quickly with its own amenities. Commute: 20-25 minutes to most Bozeman offices.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month for a 1BR.
5. Northwest (near Aspen Meadows/Trident Drive): Where many of the big tech campuses (Oracle, Workiva) are located. Newer apartments, very car-dependent. Commute: 10 minutes to work, but a drive to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,300 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Bozeman is a lifestyle choice, but your career can still thrive here if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• DevOps/SRE: High demand. Can command a 10-15% premium over the standard $94,447 median.
• Full-Stack (React/Node): The most common and valued skill set. Solid for hitting the median.
• Front-End Specialization (CSS/Design Systems): Valued at design-forward agencies like Mighty.
• Security/Compliance: Growing need, especially with companies like Avalara.

Advancement Paths:
The path is similar to larger markets but with fewer rungs. You might move from Developer -> Senior -> Lead -> Principal/CTO at a local company. Insider Tip: To reach a salary above $140,000, you may need to secure a remote principal-level role at a national company while living in Bozeman. Local companies simply don't have the same volume of executive-level tech roles.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 16% Growth):
Bozeman's tech scene is maturing. Expect more local startups, continued growth from existing employers, and an influx of remote workers. This will sustain demand but also increase competition for housing. The $94,447 median will likely rise, but it will be outpaced by housing costs. Long-term, Bozeman is best for those who value lifestyle and can either secure a high-paying remote role or climb to a senior position at a local firm.

The Verdict: Is Bozeman Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Natural Access: World-class skiing, hiking, and fishing minutes from your door.	High Cost of Living: A $94,447 salary doesn't go as far here due to housing.
Vibrant, Growing Community: A young, educated population with a strong tech and beverage (brewery) scene.	Limited Senior Roles: Fewer local jobs above the $135,000 mark.
Excellent Work-Life Balance: Outdoor culture prioritizes time outside the office.	Winters are Long & Dark: Snow from October-April can be challenging for some.
Safe & Clean: Bozeman is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the US.	Dependence on a Car: Public transit is limited; you'll need a vehicle.
Proximity to Yellowstone: A unique benefit for nature lovers.	Tourist Traffic: Summer and ski season congestion can be frustrating.

Final Recommendation:
Bozeman is an excellent choice for Web Developers who:

• Prioritize outdoor lifestyle over maximizing salary.
• Can secure a remote job or land a senior role locally.
• Are comfortable with renting or buying in a nearby town.
• Thrive in a smaller, community-oriented city.

It's a poor choice for those who:

• Need to climb a corporate ladder to a high six-figure salary quickly.
• Dislike cold, snowy winters.
• Expect a major metropolitan environment with extensive public transit.

FAQs

1. Is the $94,447 median salary enough to live comfortably in Bozeman?
Yes, but with caveats. A single person can live comfortably, especially if they split housing costs or live frugally. The $1,114/month average rent is a useful benchmark, but Bozeman proper is more expensive. Budget for a tighter margin than you would in a city like Billings.

2. Do I need to know how to ski or hike to get a job?
No, but it helps socially. The outdoor culture is a major part of the local identity. Being able to connect with colleagues over weekend trips is a social advantage, not a professional requirement.

3. What's the best way to find a web developer job in Bozeman if I'm not local?
Leverage LinkedIn and filter for "Bozeman, MT." Connect with recruiters at local companies (Workiva, Oracle). Also, consider remote roles from national companies. Insider Tip: Many local companies post on their own websites first, so check the "Careers" pages of the employers listed above.

4. Is the tech scene diverse?
It's improving but historically has lacked diversity. Efforts are being made through organizations like Women in Tech Bozeman and Code for America. The influx of remote workers is helping to broaden the community.

5. How competitive is the market for the ~110 jobs?
It's competitive for entry-level roles, as MSU grads are plentiful. For mid to senior levels with in-demand skills, it's a candidate's market. The key is demonstrating expertise in the specific stacks local companies use (React, Node, AWS). The 16% growth indicates there's room, but you must be a strong fit.