Software Developer Salary in Cleveland, OH: $125,146 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $60.17/hour | $82,453 - $181,029 range
Median Annual Salary
$125,146
Hourly Rate
$60.17
/hour
Jobs in Area
1,630
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Cleveland, OH
$125,146
San Francisco, CA
$181,434
in San Francisco, CA
Software Developer Salary Range in Cleveland, OH
Annual Salary Range
$82k
10th percentile
$103k
25th
$149k
75th
$181k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $82,453 | $39.64 |
| 25th Percentile | $102,773 | $49.41 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $125,146 | $60.17 |
| 75th Percentile | $149,395 | $71.82 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $181,029 | $87.03 |
| Average (Mean) | $132,888 | $63.89 |
Software Developer Market Insights for Cleveland, OH
Compensation Overview
Software Developer compensation in Cleveland, OH aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $82,453 to $181,029 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Cleveland, OH offers competitive compensation that aligns closely with national benchmarks. The Ohio economy supports a diverse range of industries, providing stable employment opportunities across multiple sectors.
Career Outlook
The Software Developer profession offers diverse career opportunities across industries. Professional development and continuous learning are key factors in advancing within this field. With a 120% salary range from entry-level to top earners, there is substantial room for financial growth as you advance in your career.
Tips for Increasing Your Salary
- •Develop specialized expertise to command higher compensation—top earners make 45% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-6%
vs National Avg
-1%
vs State Avg
120%
Salary Range
1,630
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Software Developer salary growth in Cleveland, OH based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$82,453
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$102,773
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$125,146
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$149,395
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$181,029
/year
Next Career Steps
Common career progressions from Software Developer:
Note: Career progression and salary growth vary based on company size, industry, skills, and performance. These estimates use percentile data from the BLS as a general guide for typical career paths.
Software Developer Job Market in Cleveland, OH
Where Software Developers Work
Software Developers work across multiple industries including corporations, government agencies, healthcare organizations, and consulting firms. Each sector offers different compensation structures and career trajectories.
Local Employment Landscape
The Cleveland, OH area maintains a healthy employment base for this occupation, with opportunities distributed across multiple employers. This provides job stability and career mobility without the intense competition found in major metros.
Types of Employers Hiring
Large Corporations
Typically offer comprehensive benefits, structured advancement, and competitive base salaries with bonus potential
Small to Medium Businesses
May provide more responsibility earlier in your career, flexible work arrangements, and equity opportunities
Government Agencies
Known for job security, excellent benefits packages, pension plans, and work-life balance
Professional Services Firms
Provide client exposure, rapid skill development, and often above-market compensation for top performers
Skills That Increase Earning Potential
Job Search Strategy for Cleveland, OH
- •Research major employers in the Cleveland-Elyria area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Ohio
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Cleveland, OH market rate of $125,146
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $82,453 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median software developer salary in Cleveland, OH is $125,146 per year ($60.17/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $82,453 for entry-level positions to $181,029 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level software developers in Cleveland, OH typically start at around $82,453 per year ($39.64/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $125,146 within 3-5 years.
Software Developers in Cleveland, OH earn a median hourly wage of $60.17 per hour. Hourly rates range from $39.64/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $87.03/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $82,453 and $181,029.
The median software developer salary of $125,146 in Cleveland, OH is slightly below the national median of $133,080 (6.0% lower). The cost of living is also 9% below average. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of software developers in the area earn more and half earn less.
Software Developers in Cleveland, OH earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $125,146 is 6.0% lower than the national median of $133,080. The cost of living is also 9% below average. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $136,772.
The top 10% of software developers in Cleveland, OH earn $181,029 or more per year ($87.03/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $149,395, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost software developer salary in Cleveland, OH 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. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $125,146, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($149,395) or higher. Programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay)
Cleveland, OH has a moderate job market for software developers, with approximately 1,630 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $125,146 is slightly below the national average. The cost of living is also 9% below average. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your software developer salary to these Cleveland, OH benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $82,453, 25th percentile: $102,773, 50th percentile (median): $125,146, 75th percentile: $149,395, 90th percentile (top earners): $181,029. If you earn more than $125,146, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $125,146 median base salary, software developers in Cleveland, OH typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.
Experienced software developers with 5-10 years in Cleveland, OH typically earn $149,395 (75th percentile) to $181,029 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $181,029. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $125,146.
Software Developers in Cleveland, OH can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($82,453) to median ($125,146) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($181,029) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $98,576 over a career.
Data Source & Methodology
Official government statistics you can trust
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) Program
Visit Official BLS WebsiteData Year
2024
2 Years Old
Geographic Area
Cleveland-Elyria
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
15-1252
SOC Classification
Sample Size
1,630
Employees Surveyed
How This Data Is Collected
The OEWS program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations across all metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. Approximately 1.1 million establishments are surveyed over a three-year period, representing the most comprehensive wage data available for the U.S. labor market.
Note: Percentile wages represent actual reported wages and may differ from individual compensation packages that include benefits, bonuses, and equity.
Last updated: January 23, 2026
Salary Calculator
Software Developer in Cleveland, OH
Enter your salary above to see how you compare
Median: $125,146/yr
How Cleveland, OH Compares
vs National Average
$133,080
vs Ohio Average
$126,879
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$136,772
Cost of living in Cleveland, OH is 8.5% below the national average.
Software Developer Salaries in Other Cities
Other Salaries in Cleveland, OH
Explore More
Software Developer Jobs in Cleveland, OH
Find open positions and apply today.
View Jobs on IndeedAffiliate link