Here is a comprehensive career guide for Web Developers considering a move to Jackson, Wyoming.

---

Web Developer Career Guide: Jackson, Wyoming

If you're a web developer looking to trade the hustle of a major metro for a life where your commute is a scenic drive through the Tetons, Jackson, Wyoming, might be on your radar. But as a local who's seen the tech scene evolve here, I can tell you it's not a typical market. Jackson is a resort town with a unique economic engine—think tourism, luxury real estate, and outdoor retailers, not Silicon Valley.

This guide cuts through the noise. We'll look at the real numbers, the actual employers, and the lifestyle trade-offs to help you decide if Jackson is the right place to build your career.

The Salary Picture: Where Jackson Stands

Let's get straight to the data. The salary landscape for web developers in the Jackson metro area is a mixed bag. It’s slightly below the national average, but the cost of living helps balance that equation.

• Median Salary: $91,915/year
• Hourly Rate: $44.19/hour
• National Average: $92,750/year
• Jobs in Metro: 21
• 10-Year Job Growth: 16%

While the median salary is just shy of the national figure, the local market is small. With only 21 jobs in the metro area, competition for full-time, local tech roles can be fierce. However, the 10-year job growth of 16% is promising, indicating a steady, if not explosive, demand for digital skills in the region.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Local salaries are heavily influenced by experience. Given the small market, senior roles are less common and often filled by locals or remote workers.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level	$65,000 - $78,000	Often found at marketing agencies or small local businesses. Remote work is common here.
Mid-Level	$80,000 - $95,000	This is the sweet spot. You'll find roles in digital marketing, real estate tech, and outdoor retail.
Senior	$100,000 - $120,000	These roles are rare. Usually, they're with specialized firms or require managing a small team.
Expert/Lead	$125,000+	Typically with large national companies with a local presence (e.g., a tech arm of a resort).

Compare to Other WY Cities

Jackson is the most expensive market in Wyoming, but it's not where you'll find the highest tech salaries. Cheyenne and Casper, with larger corporate bases and government work, often edge out Jackson in pure salary data.

• Jackson: Median $91,915
• Cheyenne: Median ~$94,000 (higher due to state government & larger corps)
• Casper: Median ~$88,000 (energy sector drives demand)

The key difference? Jackson's salary goes further due to a lower cost of living index compared to national hubs, but housing remains a significant challenge.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A median salary of $91,915 looks different after Wyoming's taxes and housing costs. Wyoming is tax-friendly: no state income tax and a low 4% sales tax. However, Jackson's housing market is notoriously tight and expensive.

Let's break down a monthly budget for a single web developer earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Earning $91,915/year / ~$7,660/month gross)

• Gross Monthly Income: $7,660
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + FICA): ~$1,650
• Net Monthly Income: ~$6,010
• Average 1BR Rent: $921/month (Note: This is a market average; in Jackson's Town Square core, it can be $1,500+ for a 1BR)
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150 - $250
• Groceries: $400 - $500 (Higher due to transport costs)
• Transportation (Car is a must): $300 (Gas + Insurance)
• Health Insurance (if not covered): $300 - $500
• Discretionary/Savings: $1,500 - $2,000

Can they afford to buy a home? This is the biggest hurdle. The median home price in Jackson is well over $1 million. A web developer earning the median salary would not be able to qualify for a mortgage on a single-family home in Jackson proper without a significant down payment or dual income. Many professionals in this bracket rent or look to neighboring towns like Wilson or Teton County, WY (outside the immediate town of Jackson).

Where the Jobs Are: Jackson's Major Employers

The job market here is not dominated by tech giants. It's a mosaic of tourism, real estate, and retail. A web developer's role is to support these core industries. Here are the primary local employers for tech talent:

1. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR): The largest employer. Their tech needs revolve around e-commerce (ski passes, rentals), digital marketing, and guest-facing web apps. They have a small in-house IT team.
2. Teton County Government: Based in Jackson, the county needs developers for public-facing websites, internal portals, and GIS systems. Stable work with good benefits.
3. St. John's Health (Hospital): Like any modern hospital, they require web developers for their patient portal, intranet, and public site. It's a niche but consistent source of work.
4. Real Estate Brokerages: Firms like Jackson Hole Sotheby's International Realty and Teton County Realty have high-end marketing needs. They often hire freelance or contract web developers for property sites and digital brochures.
5. Outdoor Retailers & Manufacturers: Companies like Skinny Skis or Teton Village Sports need e-commerce and web support. Exum Mountain Guides also has a digital presence.
6. Digital Marketing Agencies: Small, local agencies (e.g., Jackson Hole Marketing, Peak Web Consulting) serve the tourism and real estate sectors. These are the most likely employers to hire full-time local developers.
7. National Companies with Local Hubs: Gore-Tex has a significant R&D and marketing presence. Vail Resorts (owns JHMR) has regional tech teams.

Hiring Trends: Most hiring is for full-stack developers comfortable with WordPress, Shopify, and standard e-commerce platforms. Knowledge of SEO and digital marketing is a huge plus. Remote work is also prevalent; many Jackson-based developers work for companies outside the area.

Getting Licensed in WY

Wyoming is a "right-to-work" state with minimal professional licensing for web developers. There is no state-mandated license to practice web development or software engineering.

• State-Specific Requirements: None. You do not need a state license to call yourself a web developer or build websites.
• Costs: The only costs are for certifications you may choose to pursue (e.g., AWS, Google Analytics) or business licenses if you go freelance.
• Timeline to Get Started: Immediate. You can start looking for jobs or freelance clients the day you arrive. If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor, you may need to register a DBA ("Doing Business As") with the county clerk for ~$25.

The barrier to entry isn't legal; it's the small, competitive market and the need to network locally.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Where you live in Jackson depends on your budget and lifestyle. Commutes are short by big-city standards, but winter driving is a real factor.

1. Town of Jackson (Core): Walkable to Town Square, restaurants, and bars. Highest rent, but zero commute. Best for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $2,000+
2. East Jackson: More residential, slightly more affordable than the core. A 5-10 minute drive to Town Square. Mix of single-family homes and apartments.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,500
3. Teton County (Outside Town): Areas like Wilson and Kelly. More space, quieter, but a 15-25 minute commute. Popular with remote workers and families.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR/Cabin): $900 - $1,300 (but inventory is very low)
4. Jackson Hole Valley (Outer Areas): Further out towards Moran or Moose. Very rural, stunning scenery, but long drives for groceries and social life. Not ideal unless you're fully remote.
   • Rent Estimate (Varies Widely): $800 - $1,200 (mostly shared housing or seasonal rentals)

Insider Tip: The rental market is uncompetitive. Most leases are signed in the fall for the winter season. If you're moving in summer, start looking 3-4 months in advance.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In a small town, career growth isn't about climbing a corporate ladder; it's about diversifying your skills and building a reputation.

• Specialty Premiums: Developers with expertise in e-commerce (Shopify, WooCommerce), SEO technical implementation, and mobile-responsive design command the highest rates. Knowledge of the tourism or real estate vertical is invaluable.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Freelance/Consultant: Many successful developers in Jackson work for themselves, serving multiple local clients. This offers flexibility and higher earning potential but requires hustling for business.
  2. Agency Leadership: Move from a developer to a project manager or lead at a local marketing agency.
  3. Go Remote: Use Jackson as a base while working for a higher-paying tech company elsewhere. This is the most common path for long-term financial growth.
• 10-Year Outlook: With 16% projected growth, the demand for digital skills will increase. However, the local market will likely remain small. Remote work will be the critical enabler for sustainable, high-growth careers for most developers in Jackson.

The Verdict: Is Jackson Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unmatched Outdoor Access: Skiing, hiking, climbing minutes from your door.	Extremely High Housing Costs: Rent and home prices are prohibitive.
Low Taxes: No state income tax, low sales tax.	Very Small Job Market: Only 21 local tech jobs; networking is essential.
Unique Local Economy: Interesting projects in tourism, real estate, and outdoor retail.	Seasonal Economy: Some jobs are tied to tourist seasons (winter/summer).
Tight-Knit Community: Easy to meet people and build a professional network.	Remote Work Dependency: To earn a top-tier salary, you'll likely need a remote job.
Slower Pace of Life: Less stress, more work-life balance.	Limited Amenities: Fewer networking events, tech meetups, or career fairs.

Final Recommendation

Jackson is not for a web developer fresh out of school looking to make a national-average salary and buy a home. The math doesn't work.

It is a fantastic option for:

• A mid-to-senior level developer with a remote job (earning a national salary).
• A freelancer with a portable client base.
• Someone prioritizing lifestyle over maximum earning potential.
• A couples/families where one partner has a high-earning remote job, or where both have solid local jobs.

FAQs

1. Can I really live in Jackson on a local web developer's salary?
Yes, but you'll need roommates, a very frugal budget, or a remote job. The median $91,915 is comfortable for renting a 1BR if you're careful, but saving for a home is a major challenge.

2. How do I find a tech job in Jackson before moving?
Use LinkedIn and filter for Jackson, WY. Contact local marketing agencies and the employers listed above directly. Also, join the "Jackson Hole Tech" or "Remote Workers of Jackson Hole" Facebook groups—jobs are often posted there.

3. What's the internet like? Is it good for remote work?
Yes. Fiber optic internet (from providers like Silver Star) is available in most of Jackson and the valley. It's reliable and fast enough for video calls and large file transfers.

4. Is the job market only seasonal?
For local employers, yes, there can be a seasonal rhythm (busier in summer and winter). However, most professional web developer roles are year-round. The bigger factor is the potential for remote work, which is not seasonal.

5. What's the best way to network locally?
Attend Chamber of Commerce events, join the Jackson Hole Business Association, and frequent co-working spaces like The Hub in Jackson. The community is small; showing up consistently matters more than any online portfolio.

Sources: Data compiled from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, local real estate market reports, and Jackson Hole Chamber of Commerce.