Web Developer in Everett, WA

For Web Developers considering a move to Everett, WA, this guide provides a data-driven look at the local job market, costs, and lifestyle. As a local, I've seen the tech scene evolve from a Boeing-dependent town to a more diversified hub with strong ties to Seattle but a distinct, more affordable character. Let's break down what your career and life would look like here.

The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The Web Developer salary landscape in Everett is solid, especially when you factor in the local cost of living. According to the most recent data, the median salary for a Web Developer in Everett is $96,367 per year, or an hourly rate of $46.33. This slightly edges out the national average of $92,750, which is a good sign for local purchasing power. The metro area currently has 222 jobs listed, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 16%, indicating a healthy, expanding market.

Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range (Everett)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$70,000 - $85,000	Front-end development, basic CMS work, junior support, learning stacks.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$85,000 - $110,000	Full-stack capabilities, independent project work, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level (5-8 years)	$110,000 - $140,000+	Technical leadership, architecture decisions, complex system design.
Expert/Lead (8+ years)	$135,000 - $165,000+	Strategic planning, cross-team collaboration, specialized tech stacks.

How Everett Compares to Other WA Cities:

• Seattle/Bellevue: Salaries are typically 10-20% higher ($105k-$180k for mid-to-senior roles), but the cost of living, particularly rent and home prices, is drastically higher. The commute from Everett to Seattle via I-5 or Sounder train is a significant factor (45-90 mins).
• Tacoma: Salaries are very similar to Everett, often within $5,000 of the median. Tacoma's scene is growing, with a slightly more artsy, urban vibe. The cost of living is also comparable.
• Bellingham: Salaries trend 5-10% lower ($90k-$100k median), but the lifestyle is more college-town/outdoors-focused. The tech scene is smaller and more niche.
• Spokane: Median salaries are notably lower, around $85,000, with a much lower cost of living. The tech scene is growing but isn't as deeply integrated with major corporate hubs.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the base salary. Many Everett-based companies offer competitive benefits packages (health, 401k matching) that can add 15-20% to your total compensation. Since many Everett developers commute to Seattle for higher pay, remote or hybrid roles are becoming more common, allowing you to live in Everett and work for a Seattle company without the daily commute.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. With a median salary of $96,367, here's what your monthly budget might look like after taxes and rent. (Note: This is a simplified estimate. Actual take-home will vary based on filing status, pre-tax deductions, and local taxes.)

Assumptions:

• Gross Monthly Income: $8,030
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~28% | Monthly Take-Home: ~$5,780
• Average 1BR Rent (Everett Metro): $1,864/month

Monthly Budget Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,780	After ~28% estimated taxes
Rent (1BR)	($1,864)	Average for Everett metro (see neighborhood breakdown later)
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	($150 - $250)	Varies by season and building
Groceries & Household	($500 - $600)	Based on USDA Low-Cost Food Plan for a single adult
Transportation	($200 - $400)	Gas, insurance, OR transit pass (Community Transit/Sounder)
Health Insurance (if not employer-paid)	($200 - $400)	Varies widely; many employers cover most or all
Entertainment/Dining Out	($300 - $500)	Movies, coffee, occasional meals
Debt/Student Loans/Savings	($500 - $1,000)	Highly variable
Remaining Buffer	$266 - $1,770	This is your flexibility fund

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
The median home price in Everett is approximately $550,000 - $600,000. Using a standard 20% down payment ($110,000 - $120,000) and a 7% mortgage rate, your monthly payment (including taxes/insurance) would be roughly $3,500 - $3,800.

With a take-home of $5,780, a housing payment over 60% of your income is not advisable. However, there is a path:

1. Dual Income: With a partner earning a similar salary, buying becomes very feasible.
2. Condos/Townhomes: More affordable options exist in the $350k-$450k range, reducing the payment to ~$2,200-$2,800.
3. First-Time Buyer Programs: Washington State offers down payment assistance programs (like the Home Advantage program) that can help.

Verdict: As a single earner, buying a single-family home on the median salary is a stretch. Renting comfortably is very doable, and with smart budgeting and potential salary growth, you can build savings for a future purchase.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

Everett's tech scene is anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and a growing number of mid-sized software firms. Unlike Seattle's tech giants, Everett's employers are more diverse in industry.

1. Boeing: While manufacturing is core, Boeing's Everett facility has a massive internal IT and software development division for flight systems, logistics, and enterprise applications. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a shift towards modern web stacks for internal tools and supplier portals. They're a major employer of local developers.
2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Everett & Colby Campuses): As a large hospital system, Providence has a significant IT department focused on patient portals, electronic health records (EHR) integration, and internal web applications. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for developers who can handle security (HIPAA) and work with complex data systems.
3. Fluke Corporation (Parent: Fortive): This Everett-based precision test tools company has a growing digital team for e-commerce, product configurators, and customer portals. Hiring Trend: They're actively modernizing their digital presence, looking for front-end and full-stack developers.
4. Fishermen's Terminal / Port of Everett: The Port is investing in digital transformation for logistics and tenant management. Hiring Trend: Periodic contracts for web developers to build and maintain public-facing and internal business platforms.
5. Everett Community College (EvCC): The college's IT and continuing education departments hire developers for their learning management systems (LMS) and public websites. Hiring Trend: Stable, with opportunities for those interested in educational technology.
6. Local Agencies & Startups: Firms like Mighty Oak Creative or North Coast Media (based in nearby Edmonds) serve local businesses. The startup scene is smaller but exists, often in biotech or SaaS niches connected to the aerospace/medical corridors. Hiring Trend: These are more opportunity-based; networking is key here.

Insider Tip: The "hidden" job market is strong here. Many roles, especially at Boeing and Providence, are filled through internal postings or referrals. Attend events hosted by South Snohomish County Tech Meetup or Everett Startup Week to connect with hiring managers.

Getting Licensed in WA

For Web Developers, Washington State does not require a state-issued license to practice, unlike professions such as engineering or nursing. Your credentials are your portfolio, resume, and certifications.

However, there are important business and professional considerations:

• State Business License: If you plan to work as a freelancer or start your own LLC, you must register with the Washington State Department of Revenue and obtain a Unified Business Identifier (UBI) number. This is a straightforward online process (cost: $20 initially, plus annual renewal fees).
• Professional Certifications: While not a license, certifications from AWS, Google Cloud, or Microsoft Azure are highly valued by local employers like Boeing and Fortive, who rely on these cloud platforms. A Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) can also be beneficial for roles in larger, agile environments.
• Timeline & Cost: There is no formal timeline or exam for a developer license. You can start applying for jobs immediately. The cost for a business license is minimal (<$50/year). The real "cost" is in continuous learning—budget for courses (Udemy, Coursera) or conferences (like DevCon NW in Seattle) to keep your skills sharp.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Your neighborhood choice in Everett balances commute, lifestyle, and rent. Here’s a local perspective:

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Devs
Downtown Everett	Urban, walkable, historic. 10-min drive to I-5. Home to the Port, Providence, and cafes.	$1,600 - $1,900	Central to local employers. Great for networking. Younger, professional crowd. Easy access to the Sounder train for Seattle commutes.
Northwest Everett / Silver Lake	Quiet, residential, lake-focused. 15-min drive to I-5. More single-family homes.	$1,500 - $1,750	More space for a home office. Good value. Close to Silver Lake Park for outdoor breaks. Commute to Boeing is easy.
South Everett (Airport Way)	Practical, commuter-focused. Direct I-5 access. Mix of apartments and older homes.	$1,400 - $1,650	Best for Seattle commuters. Close to the I-5/I-525 interchange. You'll find newer apartment complexes here.
Mill Creek	Suburban, family-friendly, planned community. 15-20 min to I-5.	$1,700 - $2,000	Excellent schools, safe, with a "town center" feel. Great for those looking to settle down. A longer commute but a higher quality of life.
Brier / Mountlake Terrace	Border towns, more suburban, close to shopping (Alderwood Mall).	$1,650 - $1,950	Very convenient for commuting to Seattle or Bellevue via I-5 or I-405. More options for newer condos.

Insider Tip: If you rely on the Sounder Train (the commuter rail to Seattle), prioritize Downtown Everett or South Everett (near the station). The train run is 45-50 minutes to King Street Station, and you can work during the commute. It's a game-changer for keeping a Seattle salary while living in Everett.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Everett offers a stable career path with opportunities for specialization and advancement, though the ceiling may be lower than in Seattle's pure-tech giants.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with expertise in enterprise systems (SAP, Oracle), cybersecurity (especially for aerospace/healthcare), or cloud architecture (AWS/Azure) can command a 10-15% premium over the median salary. Full-stack developers with a strong DevOps understanding are also highly sought after.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior to Senior Developer within a company like Boeing or Providence. From there, you can move into Engineering Management (leading teams) or Technical Architecture (leading systems). Another path is to specialize and consult, working for multiple local clients.
• 10-Year Outlook (16% Growth): This growth is positive but likely driven by digital transformation in traditional industries (manufacturing, healthcare, logistics) rather than a Silicon Valley-style tech explosion. This means more stable, long-term roles within established companies, with a steady demand for developers who can modernize legacy systems. The rise of remote work also means you can tap into the broader Seattle market without leaving Everett.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Cost-Effective: Lower rent and home prices than Seattle/Bellevue. A median salary of $96,367 goes further here.	Smaller Tech Community: Fewer meetups, conferences, and pure-tech companies than Seattle. Networking requires more effort.
Stable Job Market: Anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and government—industries less prone to boom/bust cycles than VC-funded startups.	Lower Ceiling: Top-tier salaries, especially in the $200k+ range, are less common than in Seattle.
Strategic Location: Easy access to Seattle jobs (via I-5 or Sounder train) while enjoying Everett's lower costs.	Commute is a Factor: If you work in Seattle, you must factor in 60-90 minutes of daily travel time.
Quality of Life: Access to Puget Sound, hiking (Centennial Trail), and Mount Baker without the city congestion.	Cultural Scene: While improving, Everett's arts and dining scene is more limited than Seattle's.
Growing Diversification: The economy is less reliant on Boeing than it was 20 years ago, creating more varied opportunities.	Traffic Bottlenecks: I-5 through Everett and the Marysville area can be a significant traffic chokepoint during rush hour.

Final Recommendation: Everett is an excellent choice for Web Developers who prioritize affordability and work-life balance over being in the heart of the tech scene. It's ideal for mid-career professionals, those with families, or anyone who wants a home base that offers outdoor access and a quieter pace while still being connected to Seattle's job market. If you're a new grad seeking a vibrant, high-energy tech environment, you might feel isolated. But if you value stability, community, and getting more square footage for your dollar, Everett is a smart, strategic move.

FAQs

1. I'm a junior developer. Will I find a job in Everett?
Yes, but it may take more persistence. Focus on larger employers like Boeing, Providence, and Fluke, who have training programs for juniors. Also, consider applying to Seattle-based companies that offer remote/hybrid roles. Build a strong portfolio with local projects (e.g., a site for a Everett small business) to stand out.

2. How bad is the commute to Seattle really?
It's manageable but requires planning. The Sounder Train is highly recommended—it's reliable, has Wi-Fi, and lets you reclaim your time. Driving can be unpredictable; a 45-minute trip can easily become 90 minutes with an accident or heavy rain. Many locals who work in Seattle opt for a hybrid schedule (2-3 days in-office).

3. Is the tech scene in Everett growing or stagnant?
It's growing, but slowly and in a specific direction. The growth is tied to digital transformation in legacy industries (aerospace, healthcare, manufacturing), not flashy consumer apps. This creates stable, well-paying jobs for developers who can work with enterprise systems, secure data, and complex integrations.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the South Snohomish County Tech Meetup on Meetup.com. Attend Everett Startup Week events (if running). Connect with professionals on LinkedIn who work at Boeing, Providence, or Fortive. The community is smaller, so a genuine connection can go a long way.

5. Are there opportunities for remote work from Everett?
Absolutely. Many Everett-based developers work remotely for companies in Seattle, Bellevue, or even out-of-state. The key is having a strong portfolio and in-demand skills. Everett's reliable internet infrastructure (with providers like Comcast and CenturyLink) supports remote work well. Living in Everett while drawing a Seattle salary is one of the best financial strategies available.