Web Developer in Hattiesburg, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Hattiesburg Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Hattiesburg offers a compelling value proposition for web developers. The city's cost of living is significantly lower than the national average, which means your salary goes further here. Let's look at the numbers.

The median salary for a Web Developer in Hattiesburg is $89,772 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.16. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750, but the lower cost of living more than compensates for the difference. The metro area contains approximately 97 jobs in this field, with a 10-year job growth projection of 16%, indicating a stable and growing market.

To give you a clearer picture of the local salary landscape, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings, industry reports, and conversations with professionals in the area.

Experience Level	Estimated Salary Range (Hattiesburg)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $78,000	Front-end basics, CMS maintenance, basic bug fixes
Mid-Level	$78,000 - $95,000	Full-stack development, API integration, project ownership
Senior-Level	$95,000 - $115,000	System architecture, team leads, complex problem-solving
Expert/Lead	$115,000+	CTO-track roles, specialized tech (e.g., enterprise SaaS)

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Hattiesburg holds its own. Jackson, the state capital, has a higher concentration of corporate and government jobs, which can push salaries slightly higher, but the cost of living in Jackson is also about 5-8% higher. Gulfport-Biloxi has a different economic base (tourism, logistics) with fewer pure web dev roles, and salaries there can be more variable. For the balance of pay and cost of living, Hattiesburg is a sweet spot.

Insider Tip: The $89,772 median is a strong baseline, but the local market has a "tech premium." If you have skills in high-demand areas like React, Node.js, or cloud platforms (AWS/Azure), you can command a salary in the top 25% of that range immediately. Local companies are hungry for developers who can build and maintain scalable web applications.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A $89,772 salary sounds great, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Hattiesburg?

First, let's estimate your take-home pay. After federal taxes, state tax (Mississippi has a progressive income tax, with a top rate of 5%), FICA, and local taxes (Hattiesburg has a 1% income tax), your monthly take-home pay will be approximately $5,400 - $5,600, depending on your filing status and deductions.

Now, let's build a monthly budget for a single professional. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Hattiesburg is $906/month.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost (Hattiesburg)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$906	Average across the metro; varies by neighborhood
Utilities	$150 - $200	Includes electricity, water, internet (~$60), trash
Groceries	$300 - $400	Based on local grocery store prices (e.g., Kroger, Publix)
Transportation	$200 - $350	Gas, insurance (low rates), occasional maintenance
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	Pre-tax; varies by employer plan
Discretionary	$500 - $800	Dining out, entertainment, savings, hobbies
Total	$2,206 - $2,956	Leaves $2,444 - $3,194 for savings/debt

Can you afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a take-home of ~$5,500 and a total budget of ~$2,600, you have a surplus of ~$2,900. The median home value in Hattiesburg is around $175,000. A 20% down payment ($35,000) is achievable for a mid-level developer within 2-3 years of aggressive saving. A 30-year mortgage at current rates (around 7%) on a $140,000 loan would be roughly $930/month, plus property taxes and insurance. You could comfortably own a home in a nice neighborhood on a $89,772 salary.

Insider Tip: Many local employers, especially the hospital systems and larger tech firms, offer 401(k) matches. Prioritize this. Getting the full match is free money and a critical part of your long-term financial picture in a low-cost city like Hattiesburg.

Where the Jobs Are: Hattiesburg's Major Employers

The Hattiesburg job market for web developers isn't dominated by Silicon Valley-style tech giants. Instead, it's a mix of healthcare, education, regional corporations, and innovative startups. Here are the key players:

1. Hattiesburg Clinic / Forrest General Hospital (Forrest Health): The largest private employer in the region. They have large in-house IT departments that manage patient portals, internal applications, and public-facing websites. They hire for both front-end and back-end roles to support their digital health initiatives.
2. The University of Southern Mississippi (USM): A major R1 university. Their IT department needs web developers for the main university site, departmental sites, and learning management systems. They also have research grants that sometimes fund software development positions.
3. Mississippi Power / Southern Company: This regional utility has a significant IT presence in Hattiesburg. They need developers to maintain customer portals, internal workflow applications, and data visualization tools. These are often stable, corporate-style roles with good benefits.
4. C Spire: A major telecommunications company headquartered in Ridgeland with a strong operational presence in Hattiesburg. They hire for web development roles to support their customer service platforms, business applications, and internal tools.
5. LaunchCode: A non-profit tech training and job placement organization. While not a direct employer, they are a vital pipeline. They partner with local companies to place graduates in apprenticeships and full-time roles. Their network is essential for newcomers.
6. Local Development Agencies & Startups: Firms like Tamko Building Products (corporate IT) and smaller digital marketing agencies (e.g., The Hattiesburg Post has a digital arm) and startups in the downtown incubator scene hire web developers. These roles often offer more variety and direct impact.

Hiring Trends: There's a growing demand for full-stack developers who can handle both front-end (React, Vue) and back-end (Python/Django, Node.js, .NET) technologies. Cloud skills (AWS, Azure) are becoming a differentiator, even in smaller companies. The market is not as frenetic as major metros, so hiring cycles can be slower, but turnover is also lower, meaning job security is often higher.

Getting Licensed in MS

For web developers, Mississippi has no state-specific professional license required to practice. You do not need a "web developer license" from the state board.

However, there is a relevant credential if you incorporate your business. If you plan to work as a freelancer or start your own LLC, you will need to register with the Mississippi Secretary of State. The process is straightforward and can be done online.

• Requirements: Choose a business name, designate a registered agent (can be yourself if you live in MS), and file your Articles of Organization.
• Cost: The filing fee for an LLC is $50. You must also file an Annual Report, which costs $50 each year.
• Timeline: Online filing is typically processed within 1-2 business days. You can receive your official formation documents in about a week.

For employment, you will need to provide standard identification (SSN, I-9 documents) and any certifications you may hold (e.g., AWS Certified Developer, Google Analytics). While not state-mandated, these certifications are highly valued by local employers.

Insider Tip: Even if you don't plan to freelance immediately, consider forming an LLC in your first year if you do side projects. It protects your personal assets and makes tax time much cleaner. The state's online portal is user-friendly.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Hattiesburg is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own vibe. Your choice will depend on your commute priorities, lifestyle, and budget.

1. Downtown / Historic District: The hub of tech and creative energy. Walking distance to cafes, breweries, and the University of Southern Mississippi. Commute to major employers like the hospital or university is under 10 minutes by car. Rent is at a premium here: $1,100 - $1,400 for a nice 1BR.
2. West Hattiesburg (Oak Grove / Turtle Creek): Primarily suburban, with excellent schools and family-friendly amenities. A longer commute to downtown (15-20 mins) but you get more space for your money. Rent for a 1BR is closer to the city average: $850 - $1,000. Popular with developers who work remotely for national companies.
3. Midtown / The Avenues: A mix of historic charm and affordability. It's centrally located, offering a 10-15 minute commute to most employers. The neighborhood is walkable with local shops and parks. Rent is very reasonable: $800 - $950 for a 1BR.
4. Near USM Campus: If you're a recent grad or love a college-town atmosphere, this is the place. You'll be near the university's tech resources and social scene. Commutes are short if you work at USM or nearby. Rent varies widely: $750 - $1,200 depending on proximity to campus.
5. The Quarter / Lakeview (East Hattiesburg): A newer, master-planned area with modern apartments and townhomes. It's a straight shot down Highway 49 to the hospital and downtown. Offers a clean, suburban feel with easy access to shopping. Rent: $950 - $1,200 for a modern 1BR.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Hattiesburg is minimal, but Highway 49 can get congested during rush hour. If you find a place in West Hattiesburg, ensure your route to work doesn't require a left turn across 49 during peak times. The "avoid the 49 crossing" rule is well-known among locals.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The career trajectory for a web developer in Hattiesburg is less about vertical climbs in a single company and more about strategic lateral moves and skill accumulation.

• Specialty Premiums: As mentioned, full-stack and cloud skills command a premium. A developer with 5+ years of experience and certs in AWS or Azure could push their salary from the $89,772 median to $100,000+. Specializing in a niche like healthcare IT (e.g., HL7/FHIR standards) or e-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce) also adds value.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is: Junior Dev -> Mid-Level/Full-Stack -> Senior Dev -> Tech Lead or Architect. Management tracks (Engineering Manager) exist but are less common in the smaller local market. Many successful developers in Hattiesburg supplement their income or find growth by taking on remote freelance projects from national clients, leveraging the low cost of living to compete on price.
• 10-Year Outlook: With a 16% job growth rate, the local market is expanding. The growth is likely to come from two areas: 1) Existing employers (hospitals, utilities) expanding their digital footprints, and 2) New startups and remote-work companies discovering Hattiesburg as a great place to hire affordable, skilled talent. The rise of remote work has been a game-changer, allowing local developers to access national salary scales while living in a low-cost city.

Insider Tip: Network at USM's computer science department events and local tech meetups (often organized through groups like the Hattiesburg Creatives or LaunchCode). The local tech community is tight-knit and supportive. Your next big job opportunity will likely come from a personal referral, not a job board.

The Verdict: Is Hattiesburg Right for You?

Hattiesburg isn't for everyone, but for the right person, it's an exceptional place to build a career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary stretches incredibly far, enabling homeownership and savings.	Limited Local Job Market: Only ~97 jobs; you must be strategic about employment.
Strong Community: The local tech scene is collaborative and less cutthroat.	Fewer "Big Tech" Names: Lacks the prestige of a Silicon Valley or Austin resume.
Quality of Life: Short commutes, plenty of green space, and a vibrant downtown.	Cultural Amenities: Fewer major concerts, sports, and international dining options.
Stable Growth: 16% job growth and major employers provide stability.	Travel Access: The airport (PIB) has limited direct flights; drives to MSY or JAN are common.
Outdoor Access: Pine forests, rivers, and parks are minutes away.	Social Scene: Can feel small; you'll see the same people often.

Final Recommendation: Hattiesburg is an ideal choice for web developers who are early to mid-career, value financial stability and homeownership, and prefer a close-knit community over a high-paced metropolitan scene. It's perfect for those who are self-motivated, may work remotely for a national company, or want to build a local business. If you crave the energy of a 24/7 city with endless networking events, you may find it limiting. But if you want a high quality of life, a manageable commute, and the power to build significant wealth on a developer's salary, Hattiesburg is a hidden gem.

FAQs

1. Is the tech scene in Hattiesburg growing?
Yes, but in a specific way. It's not exploding like a major tech hub, but it is steadily growing at a 16% rate. The growth is tied to the expansion of existing major employers (healthcare, utilities) and the increasing acceptance of remote work, which allows local developers to bring national salary dollars into the local economy.

2. What's the best way to find a web developer job in Hattiesburg?
A multi-pronged approach works best: 1) Check the career pages of the major employers listed above (Forrest Health, USM, Mississippi Power). 2) Engage with local staffing agencies that specialize in IT. 3) Network through LaunchCode and local tech meetups. 4) Use national job boards (LinkedIn, Indeed) with a location filter set to Hattiesburg, as remote-first companies sometimes hire locally.

3. How important is a degree vs. a portfolio?
For corporate employers like hospitals and utilities, a degree (in CS, IT, or a related field) is often a baseline requirement. However, for smaller agencies and startups, a strong portfolio with live projects is paramount. The local market is pragmatic—they want to see what you can build. Bootcamp graduates from programs like LaunchCode are widely accepted.

4. Can I work remotely for a company outside Hattiesburg while living here?
Absolutely, and many do. This is one of the biggest advantages of living in Hattiesburg. Your $89,772 local median salary can be matched or exceeded by a remote company based in a higher-cost city. You'll need reliable high-speed internet (providers like C Spire Fiber or AT&T are available in most areas) and a dedicated workspace.

5. What's the commute like?
Excellent. The average commute in Hattiesburg is under 20 minutes. Traffic is minimal outside of Highway 49 during peak hours (7-8 AM, 5-6 PM). Most developers live within a 10-15 minute drive of their office, whether in the hospital district, downtown, or near USM. This saves you both time and money compared to larger metros.