Web Developer in Manhattan, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Manhattan Stands

If you're a web developer eyeing the "Little Apple," you're looking at a solid, if not spectacular, financial picture. The median salary for a web developer in Manhattan, KS is $90,050/year, which translates to $43.29/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, but the lower cost of living (more on that later) significantly offsets this gap.

The job market isn't massive, with 107 web developer positions in the metro area, but it's growing steadily at a rate of 16% over the next decade. This growth is driven by a mix of Kansas State University, a growing tech startup scene, and the expansion of local businesses into digital services.

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

Experience Level	Typical Title	Salary Range (Annual)	Key Responsibilities in Manhattan
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)	Junior Web Developer, Front-End Assistant	$55,000 - $70,000	Updating university websites, basic CMS work, supporting senior dev teams at local agencies.
Mid-Level (3-5 yrs)	Full-Stack Developer, Web Developer II	$75,000 - $105,000	Building e-commerce sites for local retailers, developing web apps for K-State research projects, managing freelance clients.
Senior-Level (6-10 yrs)	Senior Web Developer, Tech Lead	$105,000 - $130,000	Leading dev teams at companies like Vireo Health or ADT in the area, architecting scalable university portals, mentoring.
Expert/Lead (10+ yrs)	Principal Developer, Director of Engineering	$130,000+	Setting tech strategy for larger local employers, consulting for municipal projects, spec-ing out large-scale applications for state or federal contracts.

Insider Tip: Manhattan's tech salaries are highly dependent on your connection to Kansas State University. Jobs directly with the university or its research grants often pay at the higher end of the mid-level spectrum due to state pay structures and grant funding.

Comparison to Other Kansas Cities:

• Wichita: Slightly higher median salary (~$92,500) due to larger manufacturing and aerospace sectors (Boeing, Textron) needing advanced web tools. However, cost of living is similar.
• Overland Park/Kansas City: Median salary jumps to ~$98,000 with a much larger market, but you're battling a higher cost of living (approx. 15% higher) and brutal I-35 commutes.
• Topeka: Median salary is lower (~$85,000) with a smaller tech scene, dominated by state government IT jobs.

Manhattan offers a sweet spot: decent pay, growth potential, and a manageable, affordable lifestyle.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about your monthly budget. For a single filer earning the median salary of $90,050, your take-home pay after federal, state, and FICA taxes is approximately $5,600/month (this is an estimate; use a paycheck calculator for exact figures).

A Monthly Budget for a Manhattan Web Developer:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,600	Net after taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	-$817	Covers most areas outside downtown core
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Internet)	-$180	Average for a 1BR; varies by season (hot summers)
Groceries & Household	-$450	Manhattan has competitive grocery prices (Dillons, Walmart, Aldi)
Transportation	-$350	Assumes a car payment/insurance/gas. Public transit (CATS) is limited.
Health Insurance (Employer Share)	-$300	Typical contribution for a single plan
Student Loans/Debt	-$400	Varies widely; national average is a good benchmark
Dining & Entertainment	-$400	Affordable local options (Aggieville, Downtown)
Savings & Investments	$1,703	Over 30% of take-home

Can You Afford to Buy a Home?
Yes, more easily than in most U.S. cities. The median home price in Manhattan is approximately $285,000. With $1,703 in monthly savings, you could save a 20% down payment ($57,000) in about 33 months. A 30-year mortgage at 6.5% on a $285,000 home would be roughly $1,800/month (including taxes/insurance). This is 40% of your take-home pay, which is high but manageable for a dual-income household. For a single earner, it's tight but feasible if you prioritize it.

Insider Tip: Property taxes in Riley County are around 1.5%. This adds a significant monthly cost, so factor it into your mortgage calculations. The "students-per-rental" zoning in some areas can affect property values and taxes.

Where the Jobs Are: Manhattan's Major Employers

The job market is a mix of higher education, healthcare, agriculture tech, and a surprising number of "hidden tech" companies.

1. Kansas State University: The largest employer. They hire web developers for the Division of Information Technology, research grant portals, and individual college departments (Engineering, Business). Jobs are posted on their official site. Hiring Trend: Steady. They often favor candidates with specific CMS experience (Drupal, WordPress) and a bachelor's degree.

2. Manhattan-based Tech Agencies: Companies like AdBlu and Kansas Media Group serve local and regional clients. These are small, agile shops perfect for mid-level devs who want variety. Hiring Trend: They hire seasonally, often bringing on freelancers for project-based work. Networking is key here.

3. Vireo Health (Medical Cannabis): A major regional player with a large grow/processing facility in Manhattan. They have a robust web presence and e-commerce platform for medical sales, requiring full-stack developers familiar with compliance and secure transactions. Hiring Trend: Growing. They've expanded their digital team as the market legalizes.

4. Local Government & Utilities: The City of Manhattan and Riley County, along with Evergy (electric utility), need developers for public-facing portals, GIS applications, and internal tools. These are stable, pension-offering jobs. Hiring Trend: Slow but steady. Often posted on government job boards, with a preference for local candidates.

5. Agri-Tech Startups: Manhattan's proximity to the world's leading wheat genetics research at K-State has spawned startups like Bycore and Genetic Insights. They need web developers to build data visualization tools and client portals for farmers. Hiring Trend: Emerging. High risk/reward, often equity-heavy compensation.

6. Fort Riley Military Base: While not a traditional employer, the base has a Contracting Office that hires IT contractors. Numerous local firms (like CSC or Leidos subsidiaries) have offices in Manhattan to service the base. Hiring Trend: Consistent demand for security-cleared developers.

Insider Tip: The best jobs at K-State and these agencies are often filled before they're publicly posted. Join the "Manhattan KS Tech Professionals" Facebook group and attend the "First Fridays" networking events in Aggieville.

Getting Licensed in KS

Good news: There is no state-specific license required to practice as a web developer in Kansas. The field is merit-based, relying on your portfolio, experience, and technical skills.

However, for career advancement, you should consider:

• Certifications: While not mandatory, certifications from major platforms can give you an edge. Popular ones in Manhattan's market include:
  • AWS Certified Developer: Relevant for roles at Vireo Health and larger K-State projects.
  • Google Analytics & Ads Certifications: Crucial for agency work and marketing-tech roles.
  • HubSpot CMS Developer Certification: For roles in inbound marketing agencies.
• Cost: Most online courses for these certs cost $100 - $300. The exams themselves range from $150 (Google) to $300 (AWS).
• Timeline: You can prepare for and obtain a valuable certification in 1-3 months of dedicated study.

Insider Tip: If you're considering a role that requires handling student data (K-State) or patient information (Vireo, local hospitals), you may need to pass a background check and sign confidentiality agreements. No special Kansas license is needed for this.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Commute times in Manhattan are short (typically 10-20 minutes city-wide), but lifestyle varies greatly.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for a Web Dev
Aggieville	University hub, young, energetic, walkable to bars & coffee shops.	$700 - $950	Insider Pick: Perfect for networking, close to K-State jobs, and great for freelancers who work from home but want a social scene.
Downtown	Older, historic, quieter, mix of professionals and retirees.	$750 - $1,100	Best for those who work at the City/County government or Evergy. Quiet for focused work, good coffee shops (Vox, Bluestem).
South Manhattan	Family-oriented, newer build homes, safe, more car-centric.	$800 - $1,200	Ideal for remote developers with a family. Easy commute to the base or the growing south-side commercial area.
Northview / Westview	Mix of students and young professionals, older homes, affordable.	$650 - $850	Budget-Friendly Pick: Lowest rents near the city core. A short drive to everything. Good for saving money to buy a home.
K-State Campus	Primarily student housing, with some faculty/staff apartments.	$500 - $700 (per room)	Only consider if you work directly for the university and want to eliminate a commute entirely. Very social, can be noisy.

Insider Tip: Avoid the immediate area north of Poyntz Avenue if you want quiet. The student rental density is high, and noise can be a factor. A block south or west makes a big difference.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Manhattan, the career path for a web developer isn't about climbing a corporate ladder in a single company. It's about building a portfolio of skills and moving between sectors.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Full-Stack + AWS/DevOps: This combo is the most valuable. You can command a 10-15% premium over a front-end specialist.
  • Accessibility (WCAG): With K-State's public mandate, accessibility expertise is a growing niche.
  • Data Visualization: For agri-tech and research roles, D3.js and similar libraries are golden.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Agency → Freelance: Build your name at a local shop, then go solo. The freelance market is active for small business websites.
  2. Developer → Tech Lead: Move from a developer role into a lead position at Vireo or the university's IT department.
  3. Web Dev → Product Manager: With your technical background, you can move into product roles at local companies or even remotely for national firms.
• 10-Year Outlook: The market will grow by 16%. The biggest opportunity lies in bridging the gap between Manhattan's traditional industries (agriculture, education) and the digital world. Think farm management web apps, educational tech tools, and digital health platforms.

Insider Tip: The most successful long-term developers in Manhattan have a side project—a blog, a small SaaS tool, a community app. This demonstrates initiative and becomes the centerpiece of your portfolio.

The Verdict: Is Manhattan Right for You?

Here’s a final, balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Extremely low cost of living. Your $90,050 salary feels like $120,000+ in a coastal city.	Limited local market. The 107 jobs mean competition for the best roles is fierce.
Short commutes & easy living. No traffic, free parking, and a 15-minute drive is "long."	Social life can be insular. The town revolves around K-State football; if you're not into it, you might feel on the outside.
Strong community & networking. The tech scene is small but tight-knit and supportive.	Lack of diversity. The demographic is predominantly white, which may not be ideal for all.
Unique career opportunities. Work at the intersection of ag-tech, education, and military contracting.	Entertainment options are limited. You'll drive to Kansas City for concerts, major pro sports, or a broader arts scene.

Final Recommendation:
Manhattan, KS is an excellent choice for a web developer who is:

• Early to mid-career and looking to build savings or buy a home.
• Interested in applying tech to unique sectors like agriculture, education, or public service.
• Values a strong community, outdoor recreation (Konza Prairie, Tuttle Creek), and a manageable pace of life.

It is not the right choice if you are a single, nightlife-driven developer seeking a dense, diverse, 24/7 urban environment. If you need the energy of a major tech hub and constant job-hopping opportunities, look to Kansas City or Austin instead.

FAQs

Q: Is it feasible to work a remote job for a company outside Kansas while living in Manhattan?
A: Absolutely. Many developers here do this. The cost of living arbitrage is fantastic—earning a KC or coastal salary while paying Manhattan rent. The main caveat is internet reliability; ensure you have a backup (like a mobile hotspot) as outages, though rare, do happen.

Q: How competitive is the entry-level market?
A: Very. With K-State producing CS and Info Tech grads, there's a steady supply of junior developers. Your portfolio and internships (even with local agencies) are critical. Consider a role at the K-State IT help desk or a junior position at a small agency to get your foot in the door.

Q: What's the deal with the "Manhattan Tech Community"?
A: It's real but small. The central hub is the "Made in Manhattan" maker space, which hosts tech meetups. The "First Fridays" event in Aggieville is where you'll meet founders and hiring managers. Engaging here is more important than a perfect resume for landing good jobs.

Q: Do I need a car?
A: Yes, almost certainly. While Manhattan is walkable in pockets (Aggieville, Downtown), the city is spread out. Public transit (CATA) exists but is infrequent and doesn't cover the entire metro. A car is a necessity for groceries, commuting, and exploring the surrounding area.

Q: How does the tech scene compare to a place like Lawrence?
A: Lawrence (home of KU) has a more vibrant, artsy, and arguably more cutting-edge startup scene due to its proximity to Kansas City. Manhattan's tech scene is more applied and focused on the university, agriculture, and defense. If you want a college-town vibe with a tech edge, choose Lawrence. If you want a more traditional, affordable, and family-friendly town with stable tech opportunities, choose Manhattan.