Software Developer Salary: $133,997 Average (2026)
2026 DataCompare software developer salaries across 50 US cities. Pay ranges from $108,820 to $181,434.
Highest Paying Cities for Software Developers
Average Salary
$133,997
across all locations
Highest Paying
$181,434
San Francisco, CA
Locations Covered
50
metro areas
Top 10 Highest Paying Cities for Software Developers
See which cities pay Software Developers the most, from $181,434 down to the #10 spot.
Software Developer Salary Comparison by Metro
Top 10 highest paying metro areas compared to national average ($133,080)
| Rank | Metro Area | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | San Francisco, CA | $181,434 |
| #2 | San Jose, CA | $179,506 |
| #3 | New York, NY | $163,191 |
| #4 | Seattle, WA | $160,713 |
| #5 | Boston, MA | $154,609 |
| #6 | Washington, DC | $149,923 |
| #7 | Los Angeles, CA | $149,398 |
| #8 | Austin, TX | $144,954 |
| #9 | San Diego, CA | $143,211 |
| #10 | Denver, CO | $142,566 |
COL Adjusted = Salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher values indicate better purchasing power.
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level
Average salary ranges across all 50 metro areas based on experience
| Experience Level | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
Entry-Level 10th Percentile | $87,169 | $41.91/hr |
Mid-Career 50th (Median) | $133,997 | $64.42/hr |
Senior / Experienced 90th Percentile | $193,594 | $93.07/hr |
Entry to Mid Growth
+$46,828
+54%
Mid to Senior Growth
+$59,596
+44%
Total Career Growth
+$106,424
+122%
Software Developer Salary by Location
| Location | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $181,434 | $87.23 | 2,674 |
| San Jose, CA | $179,506 | $86.30 | 1,920 |
| New York, NY | $163,191 | $78.46 | 3,406 |
| Seattle, WA | $160,713 | $77.27 | 2,391 |
| Boston, MA | $154,609 | $74.33 | 2,520 |
| Washington, DC | $149,923 | $72.08 | 2,204 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $149,398 | $71.83 | 2,596 |
| Austin, TX | $144,954 | $69.69 | 2,054 |
| San Diego, CA | $143,211 | $68.85 | 2,048 |
| Denver, CO | $142,566 | $68.54 | 1,895 |
| Chicago, IL | $141,964 | $68.25 | 2,182 |
| Hartford, CT | $140,771 | $67.68 | 1,740 |
| Sacramento, CA | $140,060 | $67.34 | 1,726 |
| Minneapolis, MN | $139,168 | $66.91 | 1,779 |
| Baltimore, MD | $138,855 | $66.76 | 1,966 |
| Riverside, CA | $137,490 | $66.10 | 1,983 |
| Philadelphia, PA | $136,484 | $65.62 | 1,764 |
| Portland, OR | $136,309 | $65.53 | 1,579 |
| Raleigh, NC | $136,168 | $65.47 | 1,595 |
| Atlanta, GA | $136,074 | $65.42 | 2,105 |
| Providence, RI | $135,138 | $64.97 | 1,628 |
| Miami, FL | $134,265 | $64.55 | 2,264 |
| Dallas, TX | $133,145 | $64.01 | 1,910 |
| Phoenix, AZ | $132,916 | $63.90 | 1,877 |
| Charlotte, NC | $132,083 | $63.50 | 1,658 |
| Detroit, MI | $131,306 | $63.13 | 2,026 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | $130,855 | $62.91 | 1,568 |
| Orlando, FL | $129,527 | $62.27 | 1,625 |
| Houston, TX | $128,537 | $61.80 | 2,388 |
| Tampa, FL | $127,439 | $61.27 | 1,671 |
| Las Vegas, NV | $127,236 | $61.17 | 1,905 |
| Nashville, TN | $126,592 | $60.86 | 1,715 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $126,351 | $60.75 | 1,740 |
| Cleveland, OH | $125,146 | $60.17 | 1,630 |
| Milwaukee, WI | $124,262 | $59.74 | 1,833 |
| Columbus, OH | $123,149 | $59.21 | 1,958 |
| New Orleans, LA | $123,068 | $59.17 | 1,854 |
| Jacksonville, FL | $122,987 | $59.13 | 1,776 |
| Richmond, VA | $122,961 | $59.12 | 1,660 |
| Louisville, KY | $122,796 | $59.04 | 1,815 |
| San Antonio, TX | $122,337 | $58.82 | 2,052 |
| Indianapolis, IN | $121,585 | $58.45 | 1,645 |
| Pittsburgh, PA | $121,393 | $58.36 | 1,725 |
| Kansas City, MO | $120,955 | $58.15 | 1,792 |
| St. Louis, MO | $120,378 | $57.87 | 1,533 |
| Memphis, TN | $120,133 | $57.76 | 1,737 |
| Birmingham, AL | $119,082 | $57.25 | 1,775 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $116,644 | $56.08 | 2,017 |
| Tucson, AZ | $115,931 | $55.74 | 1,987 |
| El Paso, TX | $108,820 | $52.32 | 1,960 |
About Software Developer Careers
Software developers are the creative minds behind computer programs and applications. They design, develop, test, and maintain software systems that power everything from mobile apps to enterprise systems. In today's digital economy, software developers are essential to virtually every industry, creating solutions that improve efficiency, entertainment, and communication.
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the average software developer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $133,997 per year. Salaries range from $108,820 in El Paso, TX to $181,434 in San Francisco, CA, reflecting significant variation based on location, cost of living, and local demand. There are approximately 96,851 professionals employed as software developers across the metro areas we track.
What Does a Software Developer Do?
Software Developers perform a variety of essential duties in their daily work:
- Analyze user needs and develop software solutions to meet those requirements
- Design and write clean, efficient, and well-documented code
- Test and debug programs to ensure functionality and performance
- Collaborate with other developers, designers, and stakeholders
- Maintain and improve existing software applications
- Stay current with emerging technologies and programming languages
- Document software development processes and code changes
Education Requirements
Most software developer positions require a bachelor's degree in computer science, software engineering, or a related field. However, many employers also value demonstrated skills through portfolios, coding bootcamp certificates, and relevant work experience. Self-taught developers with strong portfolios can also find opportunities in the field.
Key Skills for Software Developers
Factors That Affect Software Developer Salary
Several factors influence how much a software developer earns:
Career Path & Advancement
Software developers typically start as junior developers and progress to mid-level and senior developer roles. From there, career paths can diverge into technical tracks (principal engineer, architect) or management tracks (engineering manager, VP of Engineering, CTO). Some developers also transition to specialized roles in DevOps, security, or product management.
Job Outlook
Software development is one of the fastest-growing occupations, with employment projected to grow much faster than average. The increasing reliance on technology across all industries, coupled with emerging fields like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity, continues to drive strong demand for skilled developers.
Work Environment
Software developers often work in comfortable office environments or remotely. The field is known for offering flexible work arrangements, including remote work options. Developers may work independently or as part of larger development teams, often collaborating with professionals from various disciplines.
Career Prospects for Software Developers
The job market for software developers continues to evolve with changing economic conditions and technological advancements. Professionals entering this field should be prepared for a dynamic career landscape that rewards adaptability and continuous skill development.
With approximately 96,851 software developers employed across the metropolitan areas we track, the profession offers substantial employment opportunities. Industry projections suggest steady demand driven by factors including technological innovation, demographic shifts, and evolving business needs.
Professionals who invest in specialized certifications, stay current with industry trends, and develop complementary skills in emerging technologies tend to command higher salaries and have better job security. Networking and maintaining strong professional relationships also play crucial roles in career advancement within this field.
Geographic Salary Variations for Software Developers
Salary for software developers varies significantly by geographic location. The highest-paying metropolitan area, San Francisco, CA, offers a median salary of $181,434, while the lowest in our data, El Paso, TX, pays approximately $108,820. This represents a salary difference of $72,614 (67% higher).
Cost of living is a critical factor when evaluating salaries across locations. Higher-paying metropolitan areas like San Francisco, New York, and Seattle typically have significantly higher housing costs, taxes, and general expenses. When considering relocation, calculate your potential take-home pay after accounting for local cost of living differences.
Regional demand also affects compensation. Areas with strong industries that heavily employ software developers often pay premium salaries to attract and retain talent. Conversely, regions with surplus labor or fewer industry concentrations may offer lower compensation. Remote work opportunities have begun to change these dynamics, allowing some professionals to earn higher salaries while living in lower-cost areas.
Advancement Opportunities for Software Developers
Career advancement for software developers typically follows several paths. Technical advancement involves deepening expertise and specializing in high-demand niches, while management tracks offer opportunities to lead teams and oversee larger projects. Both paths can lead to significant salary increases over time.
Entry-level software developers can expect to progress from starting salaries around $72,325to the median salary of $133,997 within 3-5 years with solid performance and skill development. Top performers who reach senior levels can earn $253,496 or more, representing the top 10% of earners in this profession.
Professional development investments that typically yield the highest returns include industry certifications, advanced degrees, leadership training, and expertise in emerging technologies or methodologies. Professionals who consistently deliver results and build strong professional networks tend to advance more quickly and negotiate better compensation packages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Developer Salaries
The average software developer salary across all U.S. metropolitan areas is $133,997 per year as of 2026. This is based on official Bureau of Labor Statistics data covering 50 metro areas. Salaries range from $108,820 in El Paso, TX to $181,434 in San Francisco, CA.
The average hourly rate for software developers is $64.42 per hour, based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Hourly rates vary by location, ranging from $52.32/hour in lower-paying areas to $87.23/hour in top-paying cities like San Francisco.
San Francisco, CA is the highest paying metro area for software developers, with a median salary of $181,434 per year. This is 35% above the national average of $133,997. Other high-paying areas typically include major tech hubs and cities with high costs of living.
Entry-level software developers (10th percentile) typically earn around $87,169 per year nationally. Starting salaries depend on education, certifications, location, and industry. Most entry-level professionals can expect to reach the median salary of $133,997 within 3-5 years of career growth.
The average software developer salary of $133,997 is 126% higher than the typical U.S. worker salary of approximately $59,228. Top earners in this profession (90th percentile) can make $193,594 or more annually.
El Paso, TX has the lowest software developer salary at $108,820 per year. However, lower salaries often correlate with lower costs of living, which can result in similar purchasing power. The salary difference between the highest and lowest paying areas is $72,614.
There are approximately 96,851 software developers employed across the 50 metropolitan areas tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This represents a substantial job market with opportunities in technology industries nationwide.
The biggest factors affecting software developer salary include: geographic location (salaries vary by up to $72,614 across cities), years of experience, industry sector, Programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay), Industry sector (fintech, healthcare tech, gaming). Metropolitan areas with high industry demand and cost of living typically pay more.
In-demand skills that boost software developer salaries include: Proficiency in programming languages (Python, JavaScript, Java, C++), Understanding of software development methodologies (Agile, Scrum), Problem-solving and logical thinking abilities, Knowledge of databases and data structures, Version control systems (Git). Programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay) Developing specialized expertise can help you reach the top 25% of earners ($164,555).
Software Developer salaries have generally kept pace with inflation, with the current average of $133,997 reflecting 2026 Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The job outlook is positive, which typically supports continued salary growth. Professionals who develop in-demand skills and pursue certifications tend to see above-average salary increases.
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Data Freshness & Source
Current DataLast Updated
March 2027
Data Source
BLS 2026 OEWS
Next Update Expected
March 2027
Salary data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. This is the most comprehensive source of occupation-specific wage data in the United States.
About Our Salary Data
This salary data comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2026 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. The BLS collects wage data from employers each May and publishes results the following spring. Our data reflects the most recent official government statistics available. The next BLS data release is expected in March 2027.
Software Developer Salary by State
Compare software developer salaries across 31 states. Click a state for detailed city-by-city salary data.