Evanston Web Developer Career Guide: Salary, Jobs, and Local Insights

As a career analyst who’s spent years mapping the tech landscape across small-town America, I can tell you Evanston, Wyoming, is a unique market. It’s not a tech hub like Denver or even Cheyenne, but it offers a quiet, affordable lifestyle with a surprising number of opportunities for a skilled web developer. This guide is built on hard data and local knowledge to help you decide if this corner of the Mountain West is your next career move.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

Let’s cut right to the data. Web development salaries in Evanston are competitive for Wyoming, slightly edging out the national average for the profession. The median salary for a web developer in Evanston sits at $91,915 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.19 per hour. This is a solid figure, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. For context, the national average for web developers is $92,750 per year—Evanston is virtually neck-and-neck.

However, the local job market is small. There are only 23 jobs available in the metro area at any given time. The 10-year job growth for this region is projected at 16%, which is promising for a rural area, suggesting a steady, if not explosive, demand for tech talent.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Evanston area:

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary Range (Evanston)
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $78,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$80,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	6-10 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$115,000+

Compared to other Wyoming cities, Evanston holds a unique position. It’s more affordable than Jackson (where salaries are higher but cost of living is astronomical) and has a more diverse economy than smaller mining towns. Cheyenne, the state capital, has a larger tech scene and more state/government jobs, but Evanston’s proximity to Salt Lake City (a 1.5-hour drive) offers opportunities for remote work with Utah-based companies, which can boost earning potential.

Insider Tip: Don’t be surprised if a local Evanston job posting lists a salary range of $70k-$100k. This is common. To hit the $91,915 median, you’ll need to position yourself as a mid-to-senior level developer with full-stack skills, particularly in frameworks like React or Vue, which are in demand for both local businesses and remote employers.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $91,915 sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget? Let’s break it down for a single person claiming the standard deduction (using 2023 tax brackets for illustration).

• Gross Monthly Income: $91,915 / 12 = $7,659.58
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~22% = ~$1,685 (This can vary based on deductions, retirement contributions, etc.)
• Net Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,974

Now, let’s factor in the average 1BR rent of $921/month.

Expense Category	Monthly Cost (Estimate)	Notes
Net Salary	$5,974	After estimated taxes
Rent (1BR)	$921	Average for the metro area
Utilities (Elec/Heat/Water)	$180	Wyoming winters can be cold; heating costs are a factor
Groceries	$400	Comparable to national averages
Auto (Payment/Ins/Gas)	$550	A near necessity in Evanston; car insurance is lower than national avg
Internet/Phone	$120	Crucial for remote work
Health Insurance	$300	Varies wildly; this is a rough employer-employee split estimate
Misc/Entertainment	$500	Dining out, hobbies, etc.
Total Estimated Expenses	$2,971
Monthly Savings/Discretionary	$3,003

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With over $3,000 in disposable income after all core expenses, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Evanston is approximately $250,000, though you can find homes in the low $200s and fixer-uppers for less. A 20% down payment is $50,000. At your savings rate, you could save that in about 16-17 months. The cost of living index of 97.0 (US avg = 100) means your money goes slightly further here than the national average.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

The 23 jobs in the metro aren’t all at one company. The tech roles are scattered across several key sectors. You’re not going to find a Google campus, but you will find meaningful work with local impact.

1. Evanston Regional Hospital (Part of Intermountain Health): This is the largest employer in Uinta County. The hospital needs web developers and IT professionals for their internal systems, patient portals, and public-facing websites. Hiring is steady but competitive for the few positions that open.
2. Uinta County School District #1: Manages multiple schools. They often have openings for IT support and web developers to maintain district websites, learning management systems, and internal platforms. These are stable, government-adjacent jobs with good benefits.
3. Local Government (City of Evanston & Uinta County): The city and county governments maintain their own websites and digital services. While many IT functions are outsourced, there are occasional contract-to-hire opportunities for developers familiar with civic tech.
4. Energy & Industrial Sector (Peabody Energy, Others): While mining has declined, related industrial companies and service providers still need web services for logistics, inventory, and B2B marketing. These are often hidden jobs not posted on major boards.
5. Tourism & Hospitality: Evanston is a stop on the Union Pacific Railroad and near Flaming Gorge. Hotels, restaurants, and tour operators need websites, booking systems, and digital marketing. This is a source of freelance and contract work.
6. Remote-First Companies (Based in SLC or National): This is a critical category. Many Evanston residents work remotely for companies in Salt Lake City, Denver, or across the US. The 16% job growth is partly driven by this trend. Local coffee shops (like the popular Coffree by the railroad) are often dotted with remote workers.

Hiring Trends: There’s a slow but definite shift. Local employers are increasingly looking for developers who can handle a full stack on their own (often solo or in a small team). Knowledge of WordPress, React, and basic DevOps (like using Netlify or Vercel) is highly valued. LinkedIn and local government job boards are more useful here than Indeed.

Getting Licensed in WY

Unlike fields like nursing or law, web development in Wyoming has no state-specific licensing requirements. You do not need a license from the Wyoming Board of Professional Engineers or any similar body to write code or build websites.

• State-Specific Requirements: None. Your qualifications are your portfolio, resume, and certifications.
• Costs: The main cost is your own education and tooling (computer, software subscriptions). No state fees.
• Timeline to Get Started: You can start applying for jobs immediately. There’s no waiting period.

Insider Tip: While a state license isn't needed, joining a professional organization like the Wyoming Technology Business Center or attending meetups (which are sparse but exist) can help with networking. For contract work, you may need to register a business with the Wyoming Secretary of State, which costs about $100 for an LLC filing.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Evanston is a compact city, but neighborhoods have distinct vibes. Commute times are minimal (under 15 minutes city-wide), so your choice is more about lifestyle and budget.

1. Downtown / Historic District: Walkable to local cafes, the railroad museum, and shops. Ideal for the remote worker who wants a vibrant small-town feel. You’ll find older apartments and townhomes.
   • Rent Estimate: $850 - $1,100/month
2. East Side: Primarily residential, with newer housing developments. Quieter, more family-oriented. Easy access to the hospital and schools. Good for developers with families.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,200/month (for a 1BR or small 2BR)
3. West End: Older, more affordable housing stock. A mix of blue-collar and student populations (near the community college). Can be a good spot to save money.
   • Rent Estimate: $700 - $900/month
4. Lakeside / Near Flaming Gorge: This is a bit of a misnomer, as Flaming Gorge is a 45-minute drive. However, areas near the reservoir are popular with outdoor enthusiasts. This is for those working remotely and valuing a weekend lifestyle.
   • Rent Estimate: Harder to find long-term rentals; more likely to find a short-term or seasonal property.

Insider Tip: The railroad tracks divide the city east and west. East of the tracks is generally the more developed side, with the hospital, schools, and the main grocery stores (Smith's and Walmart). West is more industrial and residential. If you can bike or walk to work (rare for a tech job, but possible for a remote worker), being east of the tracks is convenient.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small market, career growth is less about vertical promotion and more about skill diversification and location flexibility.

• Specialty Premiums: Full-stack developers earn the most. Specializing in a high-demand niche like React or Vue.js can command a premium. Knowledge of Python (Django/Flask) is valuable for backend roles. SEO and digital marketing skills are a huge plus for local businesses.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path isn't from Junior to Senior at the same company. It's often:
  1. Start with a local job (hospital, school district) for stability.
  2. Build a portfolio and take on freelance/remote contracts.
  3. Transition to a fully remote, higher-paying role with a company in a larger market (Salt Lake City, Denver, or nationally), while living in Evanston.
  4. Advance to a Lead or Architect role remotely.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is a positive sign. As more of the economy digitizes, even small towns need web developers. However, the absolute number of jobs will remain small. The key to long-term growth here is remote work. The developer who lives in Evanston but works for a Salt Lake City or Seattle company will see their career and salary grow much faster than one who only looks locally.

Insider Tip: Don’t get stagnant. Use the low cost of living and quiet environment to upskill. Take online courses, earn certifications (like AWS or Google Cloud), and build a standout personal project. This positions you for the lucrative remote jobs that provide the real career acceleration.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Evanston is a trade-off. You exchange the buzz of a tech hub for affordability, peace, and a tight-knit community. It’s a fantastic base for a remote worker or someone seeking stability in a local institution.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living (Rent $921, COL index 97.0)	Very small local job market (23 jobs)
High salary-to-cost ratio (Median $91,915)	Limited networking & tech community
Proximity to Salt Lake City for remote work/in-person events	Isolation; significant travel for major conferences or shopping
Outdoor access (Flaming Gorge, mountains, trails)	Slower pace of life may not suit everyone
Stable employers (Hospital, School District)	Fewer local advancement opportunities

Final Recommendation: Evanston is right for you if you are a mid-to-senior level developer who lands a remote job or a stable local role, and you value affordability, outdoor recreation, and a quiet lifestyle over the amenities of a large city. It is not right for you if you are an entry-level developer looking for a dense tech scene with frequent job-hopping opportunities, or if you require diverse cultural amenities and nightlife.

FAQs

1. Is the internet reliable enough for remote work in Evanston?
Yes, generally. Major fiber providers like AllWest and CenturyLink offer high-speed internet in most of the city. It's not ubiquitous, but you can find gigabit service in many neighborhoods. Always verify with the specific address before signing a lease. Satellite internet (Starlink) is a viable backup option for areas with less coverage.

2. How competitive is the job market for a web developer?
For the 23 local jobs, it can be competitive, as they are highly sought-after for their stability. For remote jobs, you are competing with a national pool, but your location gives you a unique advantage in the Mountain West time zone. Networking is harder, so your portfolio must be exceptionally strong.

3. What is the typical interview process like for a local Evanston job?
It’s often less formal than in major tech hubs. Expect 1-2 interviews, potentially a take-home coding challenge or a discussion about your portfolio. The focus is often on cultural fit and practical skills over algorithmic whiteboard tests. Be prepared to discuss how you can solve specific problems for a hospital, school, or local business.

4. Are there opportunities for freelance or contract work?
Yes, but you need to be proactive. Local businesses often don't know they need a web developer until their site breaks. Building relationships with local marketing agencies, printers, and business groups (like the Chamber of Commerce) can uncover contract work. Platforms like Upwork can also provide supplemental income.

5. What’s the cost of living really like compared to a major city?
Dramatically lower. For example, the median home price in Evanston is about $250,000, compared to over $500,000 in Salt Lake City and $1.2 million in San Francisco. A $91,915 salary provides a comfortable middle-class lifestyle here, whereas it would be middle-to-upper in SLC and barely livable in SF. The trade-off is access to entertainment and specialized services.

Data Sources: Salary and job growth data are based on projections from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local economic reports. Cost of living and rent figures are from public housing market data and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) Cost of Living Index. Employer information is compiled from local business listings and public records.