Web Developer in Edmond, OK

The Salary Picture: Where Edmond Stands

Edmond offers a compelling salary proposition for web developers, especially when stacked against the cost of living. The city's tech scene isn't a sprawling Silicon Valley clone; it's a pragmatic, growing ecosystem anchored by education, healthcare, and finance. For a web developer, this translates to steady demand for skills in modern frameworks, full-stack capabilities, and UX/UI design, often without the intense competition or astronomical housing costs of larger metros.

The median salary for a web developer in the Oklahoma City metro area, which includes Edmond, is $90,245 per year, or an hourly rate of $43.39. It's important to note that this is slightly below the national average for web developers, which sits at $92,750/year. However, this small differential is quickly erased by Edmond's lower cost of living. The job market itself is modest but stable, with approximately 196 jobs listed in the metro area at any given time. More importantly, the 10-year job growth projection for the broader "Web Developers and Digital Designers" category is a robust 16%, indicating sustained demand.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Edmond/OKC metro area. These figures are estimates based on local job postings and industry surveys, reflecting the median $90,245 anchor point.

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Edmond/OKC Metro)	Key Responsibilities & Skills
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$60,000 - $75,000	Front-end basics (HTML, CSS, JS), junior WordPress, basic CMS updates, QA testing.
Mid-Level (2-5 yrs)	$75,000 - $95,000	Full-stack proficiency (e.g., React, Node.js), API integration, database management (SQL), project ownership.
Senior-Level (5-8 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	System architecture, technical leadership, mentoring, complex problem-solving, DevOps familiarity.
Expert/Lead (8+ yrs)	$115,000+	Strategic planning, team management, niche specialization (e.g., e-commerce, enterprise SaaS), high-level client/stakeholder interaction.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many local employers, especially in finance and healthcare, offer strong benefits packages—often including 401(k) matches, premium health coverage (with networks like INTEGRIS or OU Health), and generous PTO. These can add 20-30% in total compensation value.

Compared to other Oklahoma cities, Edmond holds a strong position. Tulsa's tech scene is more mature with higher-paying roles at companies like Paycom and BOK Financial, but the cost of living is also higher. Oklahoma City's downtown core has more startup activity, but salaries can be more variable. Edmond provides a stable, family-friendly environment with competitive pay, making it ideal for developers seeking balance.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground the median salary in reality. The cost of living in Edmond is notably lower than the U.S. average, with an index of 91.0 (U.S. avg = 100). The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $773/month. For a web developer earning the median $90,245, here’s a realistic monthly budget breakdown.

Assuming a single filer with standard deductions (federal & state taxes, FICA), monthly take-home pay is approximately $5,300 - $5,500. This is a conservative estimate and can vary based on 401(k) contributions and health plan choices.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Post-Tax, Mid-Level Web Developer):

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,400	After federal, OK state (4.5% flat), and FICA taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$773	Can range from $650 (older complexes) to $950 (luxury new builds).
Utilities	$180	Electricity, water, internet (high-speed available from AT&T, Cox).
Groceries	$400	Based on USDA mid-range plan for one adult.
Transportation	$350	Gas, insurance, maintenance. Assumes a 20-minute commute.
Health Insurance	$250	Pre-tax premium (employer-subsidized).
Dining/Entertainment	$350	Edmond has a growing food scene; this covers local cafes and OKC excursions.
Miscellaneous/Debt	$500	Student loans, subscriptions, shopping, savings.
Remaining	$1,597	Can be allocated to savings, investments, or a mortgage.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,597 left after essential expenses, a web developer in Edmond is in an excellent position to save for a down payment. The median home price in Edmond is roughly $280,000. A 20% down payment is $56,000. At this income level, saving $2,000/month is feasible, allowing for a down payment in under 2.5 years. Monthly mortgage payments (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 - $1,600, which is manageable on a $90,245 salary.

Insider Tip: Many developers in Edmond live in nearby suburbs like Yukon or Mustang for even lower housing costs, accepting a 20-30 minute commute to Edmond or OKC offices. The traffic on I-35 and I-44 is manageable compared to larger cities.

Where the Jobs Are: Edmond's Major Employers

Edmond's job market for web developers is anchored by a mix of established corporations, healthcare systems, and educational institutions. While there are few "pure" tech startups, the demand for internal web teams, digital marketing, and e-commerce is strong.

1. Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores: Headquartered just south of Edmond in OKC, Love's is a massive employer with a significant need for web developers to manage their e-commerce platform, internal tools, and customer-facing digital experiences. They offer corporate-level benefits and a stable, growing environment.

2. INTEGRIS Health: Oklahoma's largest health system has a major presence in Edmond. Their IT department constantly needs developers for patient portals (MyINTEGRIS), internal applications, and public-facing websites. Working in healthcare tech offers unique challenges and high job security.

3. University of Central Oklahoma (UCO): Located in downtown Edmond, UCO employs web developers for its main site, student portals, and departmental sites. Academic jobs often come with excellent benefits, including tuition waivers for employees or family members.

4. Paycom: While headquartered in Oklahoma City, Paycom's massive campus is minutes from Edmond. They are a leader in HR/payroll software and have a deep need for full-stack developers to build and maintain their SaaS platform. This is the primary destination for developers seeking high-end tech challenges and compensation in the region.

5. Edmond Public Schools: The school district maintains a robust digital presence and internal systems. While not a traditional tech employer, it's a stable source of work for developers specializing in CMS, accessibility, and public-facing web services.

6. Local Digital Agencies: Firms like BigWing (based in OKC but serving Edmond clients) and LoudPlan often seek contract or full-time developers for client projects in marketing, e-commerce, and custom web apps. These roles offer project variety.

Hiring Trends: There's a noticeable shift from purely front-end roles to full-stack positions. Employers want developers who can own a feature from database to UI. Knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure) is becoming a premium skill. Remote work is common for hybrid roles, but local presence is valued for team culture and client meetings.

Getting Licensed in OK

For web development, there is no state-specific license required in Oklahoma. The field is based on skills, portfolio, and experience, not formal licensing. However, there are important steps and certifications that can boost your credibility and marketability.

• Formal Education: While not required, a degree in Computer Science, Web Development, or a related field from institutions like UCO or OSU-OKC can be advantageous. Many local employers filter for degrees. Bootcamps are also recognized, with Coding Dojo (which had an OKC campus) graduates being hired locally.
• Certifications (Highly Recommended):
  • AWS Certified Developer or Solutions Architect: Cloud skills are in high demand at companies like Paycom and Love's. Exams cost ~$150 each.
  • Google Analytics or Google Ads Certifications: Valuable for marketing-focused developer roles.
  • Project Management (PMP): For senior-level developers moving into leadership.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately with a strong portfolio. Upskilling with a certification like AWS can take 2-3 months of dedicated study. There is no "waiting period" or state board approval needed.

Insider Tip: Join the local OKC Tech Meetup or Women Who Code OKC groups. Networking here is less about schmoozing and more about genuine skill-sharing. A referral from a local developer is the fastest way to get an interview at a place like Paycom or INTEGRIS.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Edmond is known for its excellent public schools and family-friendly vibe, but neighborhoods vary. Commute times are generally short, but choosing the right area can affect your lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for a Web Developer
Downtown Edmond	Walkable, historic, cafes, UCO. 5-10 min to major employers.	$850 - $1,100	Perfect for those who want a vibrant, urban feel without leaving Edmond. Great for networking at local coffee shops.
North Edmond (Arcadia, Coffee Creek)	Upscale, quiet, larger homes. 10-20 min commute.	$750 - $950	Ideal for established developers or families. More space for a home office. Strong community feel.
South Edmond (near I-35)	Convenient, modern apartments, easy access to OKC. 10-15 min commute.	$700 - $900	Best for commuters working in south OKC or at Love's. Abundance of new apartment complexes.
The Village / Britton Area	Affordable, central location, mix of older and newer housing. 15-20 min to downtown OKC.	$650 - $800	A budget-friendly option that's still close to the action. Good starter area for new arrivals.
Deer Creek (West of I-35)	Master-planned, very suburban, top schools. 15-25 min commute.	$800 - $1,000	For developers prioritizing family life and top-rated schools. Less nightlife, more peace.

Insider Tip: The commute from any Edmond neighborhood to the Paycom campus or downtown OKC is surprisingly easy. The real bottleneck can be the I-235/I-44 interchange during rush hour. Test your commute at 8 AM and 5 PM during your interview process.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Edmond long-term is viable, but you must be proactive. The path isn't as linear as in a major tech hub, but the opportunities are there.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with niche skills command higher salaries. In Edmond's market, these include:

  • E-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce, custom): Driven by Love's and local retailers.
  • Healthcare IT (HL7, FHIR standards): Crucial for roles at INTEGRIS or Mercy.
  • FinTech (Payment processing, security): Relevant to Paycom and local financial institutions.
  • Full-Stack JavaScript (React/Node): The most versatile and in-demand stack locally.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Individual Contributor (IC): Master a tech stack, become a go-to expert, and move to a Senior or Staff Engineer role.
  2. Management: Transition to a Team Lead or Engineering Manager, overseeing projects and people at a company like Paycom.
  3. Consulting/Freelancing: Build a local client base after gaining experience. Many Edmond businesses need website maintenance and custom tools.
  4. Startup Founder: While riskier, the lower cost of living makes bootstrapping a viable option. The OKC-based The 46 incubator supports early-stage tech ventures.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth projection is promising. As Oklahoma's economy diversifies, the need for digital transformation in traditional industries (energy, agriculture, finance) will create more specialized web dev roles. Remote work will also allow Edmond-based developers to tap into national salary markets while living in a low-cost area, potentially increasing local earning power.

Insider Tip: After 5-7 years, consider a "tour of duty" at a larger company in a different city (e.g., Dallas, Austin) to accelerate your career and salary. You can then return to Edmond with a higher income and senior title, which is a powerful financial strategy.

The Verdict: Is Edmond Right for You?

Pros ✅	Cons ❌
Excellent cost of living vs. salary. You can save, invest, and buy a home.	Limited "pure" tech startup scene. Less ecosystem for venture capital and rapid job-hopping.
Stable, growing job market with major employers in resilient industries.	Salary ceiling is lower than in coastal tech hubs (though purchasing power is better).
Short, manageable commutes and no big-city traffic stress.	Cultural scene is smaller. You'll drive to OKC for major concerts, sports, and museums.
Top-rated public schools and family-friendly environment.	Can feel insular. Building a diverse professional network requires effort.
Strong sense of community within tech meetups and professional groups.	Less specialization. You may need to be a generalist; niche roles are fewer.

Final Recommendation:
Edmond is an ideal choice for web developers who prioritize quality of life, financial stability, and family over the high-octane, high-cost lifestyle of a major tech hub. It's perfect for mid-career developers looking to buy a home, raise a family, and enjoy a stress-free commute while still working on meaningful projects for large, stable companies. It's less suited for early-career developers seeking a hyper-competitive, fast-paced startup environment or those whose career goals demand the absolute highest salary brackets. For the right person, the trade-off is overwhelmingly positive.

FAQs

1. Is it easy to find a remote web developer job while living in Edmond?
Yes, it's increasingly common. Many Edmond-based developers work remotely for companies in Dallas, Austin, or even California, leveraging the low cost of living to their advantage. The key is building a strong portfolio and professional network online (GitHub, LinkedIn). Local internet infrastructure (AT&T Fiber, Cox) is reliable for remote work.

2. What's the tech community like in Edmond specifically?
The tech community is more concentrated in the broader OKC metro. However, Edmond has its own nodes: the UCO Computer Science department hosts events, and there are regular meetups at local coffee shops. Most developers in Edmond are active in the larger OKC Tech community, which meets at venues like The 46 or Starspace46.

3. Do I need a car in Edmond?
Yes, absolutely. Public transportation is limited. Edmond is a car-centric city designed around highways (I-35, Broadway Extension). Owning a reliable vehicle is a necessity for commuting, groceries, and exploring the region.

4. How does the salary compare if I have a family?
The $90,245 median goes further for a family in Edmond than in most U.S. cities. With a spouse's income, a household income of $130,000-$150,000 is very comfortable, allowing for a nice home, good schools, and vacations. Childcare costs are lower than national averages, and the public school system is a major financial benefit.

5. What's the best way to get my first web developer job in Edmond?

1. Build a Portfolio: Showcase 3-4 solid projects (not tutorials).
2. Network Locally: Attend OKC Tech Meetups. Connect with developers at UCO, Paycom, or INTEGRIS on LinkedIn.
3. Apply Broadly: Look at the major employers listed above, but also expand to OKC and remote postings.
4. Consider Contracting: Local digital agencies often hire contractors for projects. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and build local experience.

Sources: Salary data sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for the Oklahoma City metro area. Cost of living and rent data from BestPlaces.net and local market analyses. Job growth projections from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.