Average Software Developers Salary in Helena, MT
Software Developers in Helena, Montana, can expect an average annual salary of $113,560. This figure is notably below the national average of $145,320, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand dynamics specific to the Montana capital. Factors such as the local industry mix and the overall size of the tech talent pool contribute to this regional salary variation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $113,560 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $216,560.
- Outlook: Helena, MT, hosts a modest workforce of 350 Software Developers, with a Location Quotient of 0.75 indicating a slightly lower concentration compared to the national average. While the absolute number of professionals is not extensive, the presence of 8.036 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not booming, demand for these specialized skills within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Software Developers in Helena, MT earns-21.9%below the national average.
$54.6
$2,184
$9,463
Software Developers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Helena, MT is not provided, it's reasonable to assume that Software Developer salaries in the region have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Increased demand for digital solutions and evolving technological landscapes typically drive upward salary adjustments for skilled professionals across most markets.
Software Developers Salary Distribution in Helena, MT
Salary progression for Software Developers in Helena, MT, is intrinsically linked to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior developers with extensive expertise and leadership capabilities can significantly exceed the average. The percentile distribution of salaries highlights these gaps, signifying clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $64,570 | $31 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $85,170 | $40.9 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $97,470 | $46.9 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $141,950 | $68.2 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $216,560 | $104.1 |
Detailed Software Developers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$113,560
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$113,560
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average Software Developer salary of $113,560 in Helena, MT, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income is effectively on par with the rest of the country, making relocation financially neutral from a cost-of-living perspective.
Job Market Context
350
Total Jobs
8.036
Per 1K Jobs
0.75
Location Quotient
Helena, MT has 0.75x the national average concentration of Software Developers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
With a Location Quotient of 0.75, Helena, MT, presents a job market for Software Developers that is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while opportunities exist, the market is not saturated, potentially offering a competitive edge for skilled professionals seeking employment. The lower concentration implies that employers may need to actively recruit to fill specialized roles.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Software Developers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT Software Developers Salary | $116,820↑ 3% | 71 mi |
| West Montana nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $124,230↑ 9% | 77 mi |
| East-Central Montana nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $124,450↑ 10% | 77 mi |
| Southwest Montana nonmetropolitan area Software Developers Salary | $139,050↑ 22% | 77 mi |
| Bozeman, MT Software Developers Salary | $121,010↑ 7% | 78 mi |
Comparing salaries near Helena, MT
Hiring Software Developerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Software Developers make in Helena, MT?
The median annual salary for a Software Developers in Helena, MT is $113,560. This typically ranges from $64,570 for entry-level positions to $216,560 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Helena, MT is 21.9% lower than the national median of $145,320.
Is Helena, MT a lucrative place for Software Developers?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to national averages.While the average salary of $113,560 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $145,320, indicating less lucrative compensation. However, the cost of living matching the national average mitigates this difference in purchasing power.
Is Helena, MT a good place to live for Software Developers?
The Cost of Living Index in Helena, MT is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Helena, MT?
Some top paying nearby cities include Great Falls, MT ($116,820) and West Montana nonmetropolitan area.
How does the cost of living in Helena, MT affect Software Developer salaries?
The cost of living in Helena, MT, is exactly at the national average (index of 100). This means the $113,560 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, offsetting the lower nominal pay compared to the national average salary.
What is the concentration of Software Developers in Helena, MT?
The concentration of Software Developers in Helena, MT, is represented by a Location Quotient of 0.75. This indicates that the profession is slightly less common in Helena compared to the national average, suggesting a less saturated but potentially competitive job market.
How many Software Developer jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Helena, MT?
There are approximately 8.036 Software Developer jobs per 1,000 workers in Helena, MT. This metric provides insight into the relative demand for these roles within the local employment landscape.
Is the Software Developer job market in Helena, MT growing rapidly?
Based on the provided data, the job market appears stable with a workforce of 350 and a Location Quotient below 1.0. While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the numbers suggest a consistent, rather than rapidly expanding, demand for Software Developers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 350 employees in the Helena, MT area with a job density of 8.036 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Software Developers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Helena, MT