The Savannah Web Developer's Guide: A Local's Look at Salary, Jobs, and Life in the Hostess City

The Salary Picture: Where Savannah Stands

As a local who’s watched Savannah’s tech scene grow from a handful of startups to a genuine contender, I can tell you the numbers paint a clear picture. Web developers here are holding steady, but you need to know the landscape before you pack your bags.

The median salary for a web developer in Savannah is $91,525/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.0/hour. This sits just slightly below the national average of $92,750/year, a gap that’s largely explained by our lower cost of living. The metro area, with a population of 147,751, currently has 295 jobs for web developers, and the 10-year job growth projection is a solid 16%. That growth isn’t explosive like in Austin or Raleigh, but it’s consistent and fueled by a mix of tourism, logistics, and a burgeoning startup ecosystem.

To give you a clearer picture of the earning potential, here’s a breakdown by experience level. These are estimates based on local job postings, recruiter feedback, and BLS data for the Savannah metro.

Experience Level	Typical Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$65,000 - $80,000	Basic front-end development, bug fixes, content updates, learning stack.
Mid-Level	2-5 years	$85,000 - $110,000	Full project ownership, API integration, database design, mentoring juniors.
Senior-Level	5-10 years	$115,000 - $140,000	System architecture, tech stack decisions, client-facing roles, team leadership.
Expert/Lead	10+ years	$145,000+	CTO-track roles, specialization in a high-demand niche, enterprise consulting.

Local Insight: The "Expert" tier is where Savannah's opportunities thin out compared to larger metros. Senior roles exist, but you'll often need to be a crucial part of a local company's growth (like at a larger logistics firm or a growing health tech startup) to hit the top end of that range. Many developers at this level also work remotely for national companies while living here, leveraging Savannah's quality of life.

How does Savannah stack up against other Georgia cities?

• Atlanta: The clear leader. Atlanta's median salary is closer to $105,000/year, with thousands more job postings. However, the commute and cost of living (especially in Midtown or Buckhead) are significantly higher.
• Augusta: Slightly lower than Savannah, often in the $85,000 - $90,000 range, with a stronger focus on government and military contractors.
• Columbus: Similar to Augusta, with a median around $88,000, heavily tied to the military and automotive sectors.
• Athens: As a college town, entry-level roles are plentiful, but mid-to-senior salaries can lag slightly behind Savannah's $91,525 median, closer to $88,000.

Savannah offers a unique middle ground: better pay than smaller, more traditional Georgia cities, without the intense competition and cost of living of Atlanta.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about your monthly budget. On a $91,525 salary, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Georgia state income tax (around 5.75% for this bracket) will be approximately $5,800 - $6,000/month. This is a rough estimate, as your specific deductions (health insurance, 401k) will vary.

The biggest factor in your local budget is housing. The average 1BR rent in Savannah is $1,287/month. However, this is an average that encompasses everything from a historic district studio to a modern apartment in the new "Pooler" developments.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single web developer earning the median salary, living in a comfortable 1BR in a safe, central neighborhood:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$5,900	After taxes and typical deductions.
Rent (1BR)	$1,300	Targeting a nice, non-historic district apartment.
Utilities (Electric, Water, Internet)	$200	Electricity can be high in summer due to AC.
Groceries	$450	Savannah has a great food scene, but cooking at home is key.
Transportation	$300	Car payment, gas, insurance. Public transit is limited.
Entertainment/Dining Out	$400	A major perk of living here—don't skimp on it.
Debt/Student Loans	$500	Placeholder; adjust to your situation.
Savings/Investments	$1,750	A healthy 29% of take-home pay.

Can they afford to buy a home?
With the median home price in Savannah hovering around $325,000 - $350,000, a down payment of 20% ($65,000 - $70,000) is substantial. With a monthly surplus of ~$1,750, it would take roughly 3-4 years of aggressive saving to reach that down payment. However, many first-time homebuyer programs in Georgia (like the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program) offer down payment assistance. A monthly mortgage on a $325,000 home (with 5% down) would be approximately $2,100 - $2,300 (including taxes & insurance), which is a stretch on a single $91,525 salary but feasible for a dual-income household or a mid-to-senior level developer. Insider Tip: Look into the "Southside" and "midtown" areas for more affordable single-family homes compared to the inflated prices of the Historic District or Victorian District.

Where the Jobs Are: Savannah's Major Employers

Savannah's tech employment isn't concentrated in one tech park; it's woven into the city's traditional economic pillars. Here are the key players where local web developers find stable, attractive roles:

1. Gulfstream Aerospace: While known for manufacturing, Gulfstream's IT department is large and constantly hiring for internal web applications, supply chain portals, and user interfaces for its global operations. It's one of the highest-paying employers in the region, often offering salaries above the median.
2. St. Joseph's/Candler Health System: The healthcare sector is a massive employer. Developers work on patient portals, telehealth platforms, internal medical record systems, and public-facing websites. The work is stable, benefits are excellent, and the need for HIPAA-compliant web development is perpetual.
3. Georgia Ports Authority (GPA): The Port of Savannah is a global logistics hub. The GPA's IT division needs developers for complex, data-heavy web applications that manage shipping containers, trucking logistics, and international trade data. This is a niche but lucrative field.
4. JCB (and its suppliers): JCB's North American headquarters and manufacturing facility in Pooler (just west of Savannah) is another major industrial employer with a significant IT staff for internal systems, dealer portals, and equipment monitoring dashboards.
5. Local Agencies & Startups: The creative scene in Savannah is strong. Look to agencies like Beehive Creative, The Butler Firm, or the tech-focused Pooler Chamber of Commerce-affiliated startups. Roles here are more varied, often requiring a mix of front-end (React, Vue) and back-end (Python/Django, Node.js) skills. Hiring is more volatile but can be more creatively fulfilling.
6. Savannah Technical College & SCAD: Both institutions have internal IT departments needing web developers for their student portals, learning management systems, and public websites. SCAD, in particular, often looks for developers familiar with creative tools and media-rich web experiences.

Hiring Trends: The trend is toward full-stack developers who can manage projects from concept to deployment. There's a growing demand for developers with experience in headless CMS platforms (like Contentful or Strapi) for tourism and marketing sites, and for those who can work with legacy systems common in logistics and healthcare.

Getting Licensed in GA

Here’s some good news: There is no state-specific license required to practice as a web developer in Georgia. The field is merit-based, relying on your portfolio, experience, and skills.

However, there are important steps and costs to consider to be competitive and professional:

• Education & Certifications: A formal degree isn't mandatory, but it helps. Savannah has two excellent local options: Savannah Technical College (associate degrees and certificates in IT) and the renowned Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), which offers a BFA in Web Design and Interactive Media. SCAD grads are highly sought after for their strong design sense.
• Professional Certifications: While not state-issued, certifications from major tech companies can boost your resume. Consider:
  • Google Professional Cloud Developer: For ~$200.
  • AWS Certified Developer: For ~$150.
  • Meta Front-End/Back-End Professional Certificate: (Coursera, cost varies).
• Business Registration: If you plan to freelance or start your own LLC, you'll need to register with the Georgia Secretary of State. The filing fee is $100 for an LLC. You may also need a local business license from the City of Savannah or Chatham County, which typically costs $50 - $150 annually.
• Timeline: You can start applying for jobs immediately with a strong portfolio (GitHub, personal website). For a formal education path, an associate degree takes 1.5-2 years; a bachelor's from SCAD takes 4 years. For professional certs, you can prepare and take exams in 3-6 months of dedicated study.

Best Neighborhoods for Web Developers

Where you live in Savannah dramatically impacts your lifestyle, commute, and budget. As a local, here’s my breakdown:

1. Midtown / Ardsley Park: The sweet spot for many professionals. Tree-lined streets, historic charm, great local restaurants and coffee shops (like The Sentient Bean), and a 10-15 minute drive to most downtown office jobs. It's walkable and has a strong community feel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,500/month for a 1BR.
2. City Market / Downtown: The heart of the tourist district. You'll be steps from the best bars, restaurants, and events, but it's noisy, crowded, and expensive. Ideal for a young, social developer who wants to be in the mix. Commute to employers outside downtown is minimal.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000+/month for a 1BR.
3. The Victorian District / Thomas Square: A diverse, up-and-coming area with beautiful architecture and a growing creative community. It's a bit grittier than Midtown but offers more space for your money and a vibrant, eclectic vibe. A short bike ride to the downtown core.
   • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,300/month for a 1BR.
4. Pooler / Southside: The modern, suburban alternative. Expect big-box stores, new apartment complexes, and an easier commute to employers like JCB and Gulfstream (which are on the west side). It lacks historic charm but offers more square footage and newer amenities.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,600/month for a modern 1BR.
5. Waterfront / Isles: Along the Savannah River, this area has its own, quieter charm with beautiful views and a mix of condos and historic homes. It's peaceful but still close to downtown. You'll need a car for most errands.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800/month for a 1BR condo.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Your 10-year outlook in Savannah depends heavily on your specialty.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Full-Stack with DevOps: Knowing how to deploy and manage your own code (using Docker, Kubernetes, AWS/Azure) adds a 15-20% premium to your salary, as companies save on hiring separate DevOps engineers.
  • E-commerce & Headless CMS: With Savannah's strong retail and tourism sector, developers skilled in Shopify, BigCommerce, or headless CMS integrations are in high demand. This can command a 10-15% premium.
  • Security & Compliance: Web developers with experience in HIPAA (for healthcare) or PCI-DSS (for e-commerce) can see salaries jump significantly, as this is a critical need for local employers.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Individual Contributor Track: Progress from Jr. to Sr. Developer to a Staff/Principal Engineer role, focusing on deep technical expertise.
  2. Management Track: Move into a Tech Lead, Development Manager, or CTO role, especially within a growing local company like a Gulfstream or Health System.
  3. The Remote/Side Hustle Path: Many successful Savannah developers maintain a local "anchor" job for stability while doing remote contract work for national clients, which can double their income while enjoying the local lifestyle.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 16% job growth is promising. Savannah isn't going to become a Silicon Valley, but it's solidifying its place as a hub for tech in the Southeast's "Lowcountry" region. The growth will be in specialized sectors: logistics tech, health tech, and support for the booming tourism and hospitality industry. Developers who adapt to these niches will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Savannah Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Unbeatable Quality of Life: Historic beauty, world-class food, vibrant arts, and easy access to nature/beaches.	Limited Senior/Lead Opportunities: The local market is smaller; the highest pay often requires remote work or a leadership role at a major local employer.
Strong Salary-to-Cost Ratio: $91,525 goes further here than in Atlanta or national tech hubs.	Salaries Cap Out: The median salary is good, but the ceiling is lower than in major metros unless you're in a top-tier role or work remotely.
Niche, Stable Employers: Gulfstream, GPA, and healthcare offer stable, long-term careers with great benefits.	"Old South" Culture: The social and professional networks can be insular. It takes time to build relationships.
Growing, Manageable Tech Scene: Enough momentum for networking (via Meetups, Hub Savannah) without the cutthroat competition.	Traffic & Infrastructure: Traffic is growing, especially to the suburbs. Public transit is not a viable option for commuting.
Perfect for Outdoor & Creative Types: Kayak the marshes, bike the Forsyth Park loop, enjoy First Friday art walks.	Limited Public Transit: A car is a necessity, adding to monthly costs.

Final Recommendation:
Savannah is an excellent choice for web developers who prioritize lifestyle over pure salary maximization. It's ideal for mid-level developers (2-8 years of experience) looking to build a stable career without the chaos of a major tech city, and for senior developers who can secure a remote position or a local leadership role. It's also a fantastic place for freelancers who want a beautiful, inspiring, and affordable home base. If you're a junior developer, it's a great place to get your start if you're willing to be patient and build your skills, but you should be prepared to potentially look for remote work to reach the higher end of the salary spectrum.

FAQs

1. Can I really find a job in Savannah if I'm not a local?
Absolutely. Savannah's employers, especially Gulfstream, GPA, and hospitals, regularly hire from outside the area. The key is to tailor your resume to their specific industries (logistics, aerospace, healthcare) during the application process. Be prepared for relocation interviews.

2. How is the work-life balance?
Generally excellent. The "hustle culture" is less intense than in major metros. Standard office hours are common, and the emphasis on enjoying the city's lifestyle means employers tend to respect personal time. However, this can vary by company; startups may have more demanding hours.

3. Do I need to know a specific tech stack to get hired here?
While there's no single dominant stack, you'll see consistent demand. Front-end: React and Vue.js are widely used. Back-end: Python (Django/Flask) and Node.js are common. Databases: PostgreSQL and MySQL. For healthcare and logistics, knowledge of legacy systems and integration is a huge plus.

4. What's the best way to network locally?
Join the "Savannah Tech" or "Savannah Software Developers" groups on Meetup.com. Attend events at Hub Savannah (a co-working space). Follow local tech companies on LinkedIn. The community is friendly but small, so consistent, genuine engagement is key.

5. Is Savannah's internet infrastructure good enough for remote work?
Yes, in most central areas. Fiber internet from providers like Xfinity and AT&T Fiber is readily available in Midtown, Downtown, and Pooler. Speeds are typically 300 Mbps