Software Developer Salary
Software Developer - View salary data across all locations
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 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Developer Salaries
What is the average software developer salary in the United States?
The average software developer salary across U.S. metropolitan areas is approximately $133,997 per year. However, salaries vary significantly by location, with some areas paying up to $181,434.
Where do software developers earn the most money?
San Francisco, CA offers the highest average salary for software developers at $181,434 per year. Other high-paying areas can be found on our top paying cities for software developers page.
How can I increase my salary as a software developer?
To increase your earning potential as a software developer, consider gaining additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas, relocating to higher-paying metropolitan areas, negotiating salary during job transitions, and continuously developing your skills. Experience and demonstrated results also significantly impact earning potential.
What is the hourly rate for software developers?
The average hourly rate for software developers is approximately $64.42 per hour (based on a standard 2,080-hour work year). Hourly rates range from $52.32 to $87.23 depending on location.