Web Developer in Longview, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Longview Stands

Longview offers a compelling salary proposition for web developers, especially when you factor in the low cost of living. The median salary for a web developer in the Longview metro area is $89,522/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $43.04/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the lower cost of living in East Texas makes every dollar go further. The metro area has a healthy ecosystem of 168 jobs for web developers, with a robust 10-year job growth of 16%, indicating a stable and expanding market.

When comparing to other Texas cities, Longview is positioned as a high-value market. While it doesn't command the tech salaries of Austin or Dallas, it offers a significantly better quality of life for the cost.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Here’s a realistic look at what you can expect to earn at different stages of your career in Longview. These figures are based on local job postings and regional data.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $75,000
Mid-Level	3-5 years	$80,000 - $95,000
Senior-Level	6-9 years	$95,000 - $115,000
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$110,000 - $130,000+

Comparison to Other Texas Cities

Longview isn't the highest-paying city in Texas for tech, but its affordability creates a unique advantage.

City	Median Web Developer Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	Relative Value
Longview	$89,522	88.4	High
Austin	$105,000	112.5	Medium
Dallas	$98,000	103.2	Medium
Houston	$95,000	98.7	Medium-High
San Antonio	$90,000	94.5	Medium-High
Waco	$85,000	90.1	High

Insider Tip: The salary data is pulled from BLS and local job postings, but it's crucial to note that many Longview-based companies have remote positions that pay big-city salaries while allowing you to live in Longview. This is a key strategy for maximizing local purchasing power.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A web developer earning the median salary of $89,522 has a strong financial foundation in Longview. Here’s a monthly breakdown based on real local costs.

Assumptions: Filing as Single, no dependents, using 2024 tax brackets (approx. 24% effective rate for Federal + State + FICA). Rent is for a quality 1BR in a decent neighborhood.

Income/Expense	Monthly Amount	Annual Amount
Gross Salary	$7,460	$89,522
Estimated Taxes (24%)	($1,790)	($21,485)
Net Take-Home Pay	$5,670	$68,037
Rent (1BR Average)	($930)	($11,160)
Utilities & Internet	($180)	($2,160)
Groceries	($400)	($4,800)
Car Payment/Insurance	($450)	($5,400)
Health Insurance	($300)	($3,600)
Remaining for Everything Else	$3,410	$40,920

This remaining $3,410 per month covers dining out, entertainment, retirement savings (401k/IRA), student loans, travel, and a social life. This is a very comfortable margin for a single person in Longview.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. With $3,410 in discretionary monthly income, a web developer is in an excellent position to purchase a home. The median home price in Longview is approximately $230,000.

• Down Payment (10%): $23,000
• Estimated Monthly Mortgage (P&I, 6.5%): ~$1,300

After a mortgage payment, you'd still have $2,110 left for utilities, taxes, insurance, and savings. It's highly advisable to save for a 20% down payment to avoid PMI, but with a $89,522 salary, this is achievable within a few years of disciplined saving.

Where the Jobs Are: Longview's Major Employers

Longview’s tech scene is tied to its major industries: energy, healthcare, and logistics. The jobs are often in-house or for local service firms.

1. Christus Health: One of the largest healthcare systems in the region. They have a significant digital presence, hiring web developers for patient portals, internal tools, and marketing sites. They're a stable employer with good benefits.
2. Longview Regional Medical Center: Another major healthcare provider. As healthcare digitization accelerates, their need for web developers for HIPAA-compliant systems and patient-facing apps is growing.
3. Eastman Chemical Company: A global specialty materials company with a major facility in Longview. They have a large IT department that hires developers for internal applications, data portals, and R&D software.
4. Gulf Interstate Engineering: A pipeline and energy services company. They require developers for project management tools, client portals, and technical documentation systems.
5. Gregg County/City of Longview: Local government entities often have IT departments that manage municipal websites, GIS applications, and public service portals. These are public-sector jobs with excellent job security.
6. Local Marketing & Design Agencies: Firms like Tyler Technologies (a major player with offices in East Texas) and smaller local agencies (e.g., Insite Creative Group) hire web developers to serve local and regional clients.
7. Longview Economic Development Corporation: While not a direct employer, they are a key resource. They often have listings for tech companies looking to expand into the region.

Hiring Trend: The trend is toward hybrid roles. Many employers are not "tech-first" companies, so they look for developers who are generalists—full-stack developers who can handle the full lifecycle from database to UI. Specific knowledge of .NET, Java, and React is highly valued.

Getting Licensed in TX

This is a key point: You do not need a state license to be a web developer in Texas. Unlike professions like law or medicine, software development is not a licensed field in any state.

What You Do Need:

• A solid portfolio: This is your most important credential. Show live projects, GitHub repositories, and code samples.
• Relevant education or certifications: A CS degree, bootcamp certificate, or certifications in cloud (AWS/Azure), frameworks (React, .NET), or databases (SQL) are standard.
• No state-specific exams or fees: The cost is simply your time and any educational investment.

Timeline to Get Started: If you have a relevant portfolio and resume, you can start applying to Longview jobs immediately. The average hiring process for a developer is 3-6 weeks from application to offer.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Longview is a car-centric city with distinct neighborhoods. Proximity to major employers is a key factor.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
North Longview (Greggton)	Older, established, tree-lined streets. 10-15 min drive to most employers.	$800 - $950	Budget-conscious; quiet, family-friendly.
South Longview (near I-20)	Newer developments, retail-heavy, easy highway access. 15-20 min commute.	$1,000 - $1,200	Young professionals who want modern amenities.
East Longview (near Lakeview)	Near Lake Cherokee; more suburban, scenic. 15-25 min commute to downtown.	$950 - $1,100	Those who enjoy outdoor recreation.
Downtown/Loop 281	The "heart" of the city. Walkable to some restaurants/bars. 5-15 min commute.	$900 - $1,050	Urban dwellers who want a mix of old and new.

Insider Tip: Traffic in Longview is minimal. A "bad" commute is 20 minutes. Living near Loop 281 gives you the best balance of access to employers, dining, and entertainment. Look for apartments or homes in the Summerhill area for a great blend.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your career in Longview will be defined by specialization and building a strong local network.

• Specialty Premiums: Certain skills command a premium due to local industry needs.
  • .NET/C# Developers: Heavily used in healthcare and enterprise (Christus, Eastman). Can earn 10-15% above median.
  • Full-Stack JavaScript (React/Node.js): In demand at marketing agencies and startups. Pay is near median.
  • Cloud/DevOps Skills: As companies move to the cloud, developers with AWS/Azure and CI/CD experience are highly sought after. This can push salaries into the $100,000+ range.
• Advancement Paths: The typical path is from Junior Developer to Mid-Level, then to either a Senior Developer/Team Lead (technical track) or a Project Manager/Technical Manager (management track). Since many Longview employers are not pure tech companies, moving into product management or business analysis is a viable path.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is strong. Longview will continue to need developers for digital transformation in healthcare, energy, and local government. While remote work may offer more salary potential, the local scene provides stability and a lower cost of living. The key is to avoid siloing yourself in a single local company; maintain a network across the 168+ jobs in the metro.

The Verdict: Is Longview Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $89,522 salary goes much further than in Austin or Dallas.	Limited Tech Scene: Fewer startups and tech networking events compared to major metros.
Affordable Home Ownership: Easily within reach on a developer's salary.	Salaries are Lower: The $89,522 median is below the national average.
Stable Job Market: Strong employers in healthcare, energy, and government.	Limited Cultural/Entertainment: Far fewer concerts, museums, and diverse dining options.
Easy Commutes: Traffic is virtually non-existent.	Remote Work Culture: While growing, it's not as pervasive as in tech hubs.
Family-Friendly: Good schools, safe neighborhoods, and a slower pace of life.	Networking is Local: You must be intentional about building a professional network.

Final Recommendation:
Longview is an excellent choice for web developers who prioritize quality of life and financial stability over salary chasing. It is ideal for:

• Mid-career developers looking to buy a home and start a family.
• Developers who work remotely for a national company and want to minimize living expenses.
• Those who value a slower pace, safe communities, and easy access to nature (Lake Cherokee is minutes away).

If you are early in your career and crave the energy of a major tech hub, you might feel isolated. But if you want a balanced life where a $89,522 salary affords you comfort, community, and a mortgage payment, Longview is a hidden gem in Texas.

FAQs

1. Is it hard to find a web developer job in Longview with no Texas experience?
It's not hard, but you need to tailor your application. Highlight any experience with the industries that dominate Longview (healthcare, energy, logistics). A strong portfolio that shows you can solve business problems is more important than a specific tech stack.

2. How does the tech community in Longview work?
It's smaller and more informal than in big cities. Key groups include the Longview Chamber of Commerce (which has tech committees), local Meetup.com groups for developers, and annual events like the Longview Tech Summit. You'll need to be proactive in attending these events to build your network.

3. What's the remote work scene like?
Growing, but not dominant. Many local employers offer hybrid models (2-3 days in office). Fully remote roles are more common with companies based outside Longview. This can be a great way to get a big-city salary while enjoying Longview's cost of living.

4. Do I need to know anything specific about Texas business culture?
Texas business culture is generally direct and friendly. In Longview, it's especially relationship-driven. Building trust with local managers and colleagues can be just as important as technical skill. Punctuality and reliability are highly valued.

5. What's the best way to build a portfolio for the Longview market?
Create projects that solve problems relevant to local employers. For example, a demo of a patient scheduling app, a pipeline monitoring dashboard, or a logistics tracking tool. Show that you understand the business context, not just the code. Host it on a clean, professional site using a domain like yourname.dev.