Web Developer in Madison, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Madison Stands

As a local, I can tell you that Madison isn't trying to be the next tech hub, and that's its strength. It's a bedroom community with a strong professional class, and Web Developers here enjoy a solid, stable income relative to the local cost of living. The median salary for a Web Developer in Madison is $90,162/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.35/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the trade-off is a significantly lower cost of living.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the local market:

Experience Level	Typical Salary Range (Madison, MS)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	$65,000 - $78,000	Front-end development, basic CMS work, maintaining existing sites
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	$80,000 - $95,000	Full-stack capabilities, API integration, project ownership
Senior (6-10 yrs)	$95,000 - $115,000	System design, mentoring, complex feature development
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	$115,000 - $135,000+	Architecture, tech leadership, client-facing strategy

When compared to other Mississippi cities, Madison's offer is competitive. Jackson, the state capital, has higher nominal salaries but also a higher cost of living. Gulf Coast cities like Biloxi have specialized tech roles in gaming and hospitality, which can pay more but are more volatile. Oxford (home to Ole Miss) has a growing tech scene but is smaller and more academic. For a balanced lifestyle—proximity to a major airport (Jackson-Medgar Wiley Evers International is 20 minutes away), good schools, and suburban peace—Madison's salary package is hard to beat for the region.

Insider Tip: The 55 jobs in the metro area are concentrated in the healthcare, finance, and logistics sectors. Don't expect a Silicon Valley startup scene; the opportunities are with established local companies and their IT departments. The 10-year job growth projection of 16% is healthy, driven by digital transformation in these traditional sectors.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the numbers. A single filer earning $90,162/year in Mississippi (assuming standard deductions, filing as single, no dependents) would take home approximately $68,500 - $70,000 annually after federal and state taxes. That's about $5,700 - $5,830 per month.

Now, let's layer in the cost of living. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Madison is $997/month. The Cost of Living Index is 90.7 (US average = 100), meaning Madison is about 9.3% cheaper than the national average.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a Web Developer earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,800	After taxes
Rent (1BR)	$997	Median for the area
Utilities (Internet, Electric, Water)	$200	Varies by season; internet is reliable
Groceries	$400	Competitive pricing at local chains and farmers' markets
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance)	$600	A car is essential; insurance is moderate
Health Insurance	$300	Employer-sponsored is common
Savings/Investments	$1,500	Aggressive savings rate
Discretionary Spending	$1,803	Dining, entertainment, leisure

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With $1,500/month in savings, a Web Developer could save a $20,000 down payment in just over a year. The median home price in the Madison area is around $275,000 - $325,000. A mortgage on a $300,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $1,200 - $1,400/month, including taxes and insurance. This is very manageable on a $90,162 salary, leaving room for savings and other expenses. Many developers here own homes, often in neighborhoods like Madison or Ridgeland.

Where the Jobs Are: Madison's Major Employers

Madison's job market is anchored by established industries. Tech roles are embedded within these larger organizations or at their local service providers. Here are the key players:

1. St. Dominic Hospital / Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System: The largest healthcare provider in the state. Their IT department is massive, hiring for EHR (Electronic Health Record) systems, patient portals, and internal web applications. They often post for Full-Stack and Front-End Developers.
2. Trustmark National Bank: Headquartered in Jackson with a major presence in Madison. Their IT teams manage online banking platforms, mobile apps, and internal financial systems. They value developers with experience in secure, scalable web applications.
3. Mississippi Insurance Department: A state agency with a growing digital services division. They need developers to modernize public-facing websites and internal portals for insurance agents and consumers. Stable, with good benefits.
4. C Spire: A regional telecommunications and technology company. While their main HQ is in Ridgeland, they are a major employer for tech talent in the metro area. Roles here often involve network-facing web applications, customer portals, and IoT platforms.
5. Hornbeck Offshore Services (Corporate IT): A major marine transportation company with corporate offices in the area. Their IT needs are complex, supporting logistics, fleet management, and client reporting systems—great for a developer seeking industry-specific challenges.
6. Tech & Consulting Firms (Local & Remote): While not headquartered here, firms like Rotolo, McPherson & Associates (a Jackson-based IT consulting firm) and TVG (a digital marketing agency in Flowood) frequently have projects in Madison and hire local talent. Many Madison-based developers also work remotely for companies out of state.

Hiring Trends: There's a shift towards hybrid or fully remote work since 2020, but local employers still value a strong in-person team. The most in-demand skills are JavaScript (React, Vue), .NET, Python, and SQL. Knowledge of healthcare data standards (HL7, FHIR) is a huge plus for hospital jobs, while security and compliance knowledge is key for banking and insurance.

Getting Licensed in MS

Mississippi has no state-specific licensing for web developers. You do not need a state license or certification to practice, build websites, or write code for a living. This is a significant advantage.

However, there are professional certifications that are highly regarded and can boost your salary and employability:

• AWS Certified Developer or Solutions Architect: Relevant for cloud-based web apps.
• Microsoft Certified: Azure Developer Associate: Very valuable for corporate jobs in banking and healthcare.
• Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect: For senior roles.
• CompTIA Security+: Critical for any developer working on financial or healthcare systems.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam costs range from $150 - $300 per certification.
• Study time is typically 2-3 months for a focused candidate.
• You can start applying for jobs immediately with a strong portfolio and no certifications, but adding one within your first year can increase your marketability by 10-15%.

Insider Tip: The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) offers workforce training grants. If you're hired by a qualifying company, they may subsidize the cost of your certification training. Always ask about professional development budgets during interviews.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Madison and its surrounding areas offer distinct lifestyles. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Madison (City Proper):

   • Vibe: The classic Madison choice. Quiet, family-oriented, excellent Madison County Schools. The "Town Green" area is charming with local shops and restaurants.
   • Commute: 10-15 minutes to most major employers in Madison/Ridgeland.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Apt: $1,050 - $1,200/month. 3BR House: $1,800 - $2,200/month.
   • Best For: Families, those who want a strong community feel and top-rated schools.

2. Ridgeland (East of I-55):

   • Vibe: More commercial and slightly faster-paced. Major shopping at Northpark Mall and the Outlets. More diverse dining options.
   • Commute: 5-15 minutes to jobs in Ridgeland/Flowood; 15-25 mins to Jackson.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Apt: $950 - $1,100/month. 3BR House: $1,700 - $2,000/month.
   • Best For: Young professionals, those who want proximity to amenities and a shorter commute to tech offices.

3. Flowood (East of Ridgeland):

   • Vibe: Growing suburb with newer developments. Home to Trustmark National Bank's headquarters and a major medical district.
   • Commute: 10-20 minutes to most Madison jobs; 20-30 minutes to Jackson.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Apt: $900 - $1,050/month. 3BR House: $1,600 - $1,900/month.
   • Best For: Those seeking newer housing stock and who work for major employers like Trustmark or St. Dominic.

4. North Jackson (Belhaven/Belhaven Heights):

   • Vibe: Historic, walkable, near Millsaps College and Belhaven University. More urban, with cafes and local character.
   • Commute: 20-30 minutes to Madison/Ridgeland jobs; 5-15 minutes to downtown Jackson.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Apt/House: $850 - $1,100/month. 2BR House: $1,400 - $1,700/month.
   • Best For: Developers who want a more urban, intellectual vibe and don't mind a longer commute to the suburbs.

5. Madison County (Rural Fringe - e.g., Flora, Canton):

   • Vibe: Rural, spacious land, small-town feel. Canton, the county seat, has its own historic square.
   • Commute: 20-40 minutes to Madison/Ridgeland.
   • Rent Estimate: 1BR Appt (limited): $700 - $900/month. 3BR House: $1,400 - $1,700/month.
   • Best For: Those seeking affordability, space, and a slower pace, willing to commute.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Madison, career growth is more about deepening expertise and moving into leadership within local industries than hopping between startups. The 10-year job growth of 16% indicates steady demand.

• Specialty Premiums: Specializing in high-demand niches can push your salary above median. For example:

  • Healthcare IT (FHIR/HL7): +15-20% premium.
  • Financial/Security Compliance: +10-15% premium.
  • Senior Full-Stack with DevOps: +10-15% premium.
  • Project Management / Tech Lead: +20-25% premium.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Technical Track: Junior -> Mid -> Senior -> Lead Developer -> Architect. This is the most common path.
  2. Management Track: Senior Developer -> Development Manager -> Director of IT. Requires strong people skills.
  3. Consulting/Contracting: After 8-10 years, many developers go independent or join small consultancies serving local clients. This can be highly lucrative but requires business acumen.

Insider Tip: The key to advancement in Madison's corporate environment is solving business problems, not just writing clean code. Learn the business of your employer—whether it's patient care, banking, or logistics—and propose tech solutions that impact the bottom line. Visibility and communication are as important as technical skill.

The Verdict: Is Madison Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Excellent Cost of Living: Your $90,162 salary goes much further.	Limited Job Market: Only 55 local tech jobs; remote work is often necessary for advanced roles.
Stable, Established Employers: High job security in healthcare, finance, and government.	Slower Pace: Fewer networking events, conferences, and tech meetups than in larger cities.
Strong Schools & Safe Communities: Ideal for raising a family.	Cultural Homogeneity: Less diversity of thought and experience than in major metros.
Proximity to Jackson & Airport: Easy access to a larger city and the airport for travel.	Salary Ceiling: Top-end salaries are lower than in national tech hubs (though cost-adjusted, they're competitive).
16% 10-Year Growth: Positive long-term outlook for the region.	Gaming & Startups: Virtual non-existent; you won't find a venture-backed startup scene.

Final Recommendation:

Madison, MS is an outstanding choice for a Web Developer who is mid-career or looking to settle down. If you value financial stability, a family-friendly environment, and a low-stress lifestyle over the frenetic energy of a major tech hub, Madison offers a compelling package. The $90,162 median salary provides a comfortable life with the ability to save aggressively and buy a home. It's perfect for developers who want to be a big fish in a small, professional pond, leveraging their skills within essential local industries.

For a 20-something developer seeking fast-paced innovation and a vast networking pool, a larger city like Austin, Atlanta, or Nashville might be a better fit initially. However, if you're looking for a long-term home where your skills are valued and your quality of life is high, Madison is a hidden gem.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need to live in Madison to work as a web developer there?
A: Not necessarily. Many professionals live in adjacent areas like Ridgeland, Flowood, or even Jackson and commute to Madison for work. However, living in the same county as your employer can simplify your commute and integrate you into the community.

Q2: Is the tech scene in Madison collaborative?
A: It's more niche. Collaboration happens within companies or through specific professional groups (like the Mississippi Technology Alliance). There aren't many public hackathons or meetups, but you can find strong collaboration in workplace teams and at local events hosted by the Chamber of Commerce or MDA.

Q3: How competitive is the job market for a mid-level developer?
A: Moderately competitive. With only 55 jobs in the metro area, openings don't appear daily. However, the candidate pool is also smaller than in major cities. A strong portfolio, local networking (e.g., via LinkedIn with local company employees), and patience are key. The 16% growth rate means opportunities are expanding, but slowly.

Q4: What's the best way to find a job here?
A: Use a multi-pronged approach:

1. Local Job Boards: Check the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) jobs page, the Jackson Chamber of Commerce site, and company career pages (St. Dominic, Trustmark, etc.).
2. LinkedIn: Connect with IT managers at local companies. Search for "Madison, MS" and "web developer."
3. Staffing Agencies: Local agencies often have exclusive contracts with major employers for tech roles.
4. Networking: Attend business mixers hosted by the Madison County Business League & Foundation.

Q5: Can I be a freelance web developer and live in Madison?
A: Yes, but your client base will likely be regional (Jackson metro) or national (remote). You won't find a large local market for freelance web work. Success requires marketing yourself effectively online and potentially traveling to clients in Jackson or beyond. It's a viable path for experienced developers with a strong business sense.