SOC 15-1252
Software Developers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs.
National Median
$132,270
per year
National Salary Overview
Median Annual
$132,270
Entry Level (10th pct)
$79,120
Experienced (90th pct)
$208,000
Total Employed
1,656,880
Salary Distribution
Salary percentiles show the range from entry-level (10th) to top earners (90th)
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Entry Level0-2 years experience | $79,120 - $100,980 |
| Mid Career2-8 years experience | $100,980 - $168,070 |
| Senior / Expert8+ years experience | $168,070 - $208,000 |
Highest Paying Locations for Software Developers
#1
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
$176,900
+33.7% vs national
#2Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
$173,720
+31.3% vs national
#3New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA
$145,080
+9.7% vs national
#4Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX
$139,650
+5.6% vs national
#5Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI
$122,100
-7.7% vs national
Software Developers Salary by Location
Compare salaries across 5 metropolitan areas
| Metropolitan Area | Median Salary | Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $176,900 | 71,240 | |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $173,720 | 82,930 | |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA | $145,080 | 98,270 | |
| Austin-Round Rock-Georgetown, TX | $139,650 | 43,780 | |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | $122,100 | 48,320 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Developers?
The national median annual salary for Software Developers is $132,270, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This means half of workers in this occupation earn more, and half earn less.
Where do Software Developerss earn the most?
The highest-paying metro area for Software Developerss is San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA, with a median salary of $176,900.
How much can an experienced Software Developers make?
Top-earning Software Developerss (90th percentile) make $208,000 or more annually. This typically reflects workers with significant experience, specialized skills, or positions in high-paying regions.