Software Developer Salary in Memphis, TN: $120,133 (2024)
Official 2024 BLS Data | $57.76/hour | $77,390 - $180,087 range
Median Annual Salary
$120,133
Hourly Rate
$57.76
/hour
Jobs in Area
1,737
employed
Compare to Other Cities
See All →Memphis, TN
$120,133
San Francisco, CA
$181,434
in San Francisco, CA
Software Developer Salary Range in Memphis, TN
Annual Salary Range
$77k
10th percentile
$99k
25th
$142k
75th
$180k
90th percentile
Salary Breakdown by Percentile
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $77,390 | $37.21 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,415 | $47.80 |
| Median (50th Percentile) | $120,133 | $57.76 |
| 75th Percentile | $142,247 | $68.39 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $180,087 | $86.58 |
| Average (Mean) | $128,147 | $61.61 |
Software Developer Market Insights for Memphis, TN
Compensation Overview
Software Developer compensation in Memphis, TN aligns with regional expectations. The salary range from $77,390 to $180,087 provides a clear picture of earning potential at different career stages.
Local Market Context
Memphis, TN offers a lower cost of living compared to major coastal metros, meaning your salary stretches further here. Many professionals find that moderate salaries in Tennessee provide comparable or better quality of life than higher-paying positions in expensive cities.
Cost of Living Impact
After adjusting for local cost of living, your effective purchasing power is approximately 14% higher than the nominal salary suggests. This means Memphis, TN offers strong real earning potential for this role.
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 133% 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 50% more than median salaries
- •Build a professional network through industry associations and local business groups
- •Pursue relevant certifications or advanced education to demonstrate expertise
-10%
vs National Avg
-3%
vs State Avg
133%
Salary Range
1,737
Jobs in Area
Career Path & Salary Progression
Typical Software Developer salary growth in Memphis, TN based on experience level.
Entry Level
0-2 years10th percentile
$77,390
/year
Early Career
2-5 years25th percentile
$99,415
/year
Mid Career
5-10 years50th percentile
$120,133
/year
Senior
10-15 years75th percentile
$142,247
/year
Expert
15+ years90th percentile
$180,087
/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 Memphis, TN
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 Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN
- •Research major employers in the Memphis area and follow them on LinkedIn for job alerts
- •Join local professional associations for networking and job leads specific to Tennessee
- •Tailor your salary expectations based on the Memphis, TN market rate of $120,133
- •Consider roles at varying experience levels—entry positions start at $77,390 in this market
Frequently Asked Questions
The median software developer salary in Memphis, TN is $120,133 per year ($57.76/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $77,390 for entry-level positions to $180,087 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.
Entry-level software developers in Memphis, TN typically start at around $77,390 per year ($37.21/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 $120,133 within 3-5 years.
Software Developers in Memphis, TN earn a median hourly wage of $57.76 per hour. Hourly rates range from $37.21/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $86.58/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $77,390 and $180,087.
The median software developer salary of $120,133 in Memphis, TN is slightly below the national median of $133,080 (9.7% lower). Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. 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 Memphis, TN earn slightly below the national average. The local median salary of $120,133 is 9.7% lower than the national median of $133,080. Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $136,826.
The top 10% of software developers in Memphis, TN earn $180,087 or more per year ($86.58/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $142,247, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.
Key skills that can boost software developer salary in Memphis, TN 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 $120,133, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($142,247) or higher. Programming language expertise (specialized languages often command higher pay)
Memphis, TN has a moderate job market for software developers, with approximately 1,737 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $120,133 is slightly below the national average. Plus, the cost of living is 12% below the national average, stretching your salary further. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.
Compare your software developer salary to these Memphis, TN benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $77,390, 25th percentile: $99,415, 50th percentile (median): $120,133, 75th percentile: $142,247, 90th percentile (top earners): $180,087. If you earn more than $120,133, you're above average for the area.
Beyond the $120,133 median base salary, software developers in Memphis, TN 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 Memphis, TN typically earn $142,247 (75th percentile) to $180,087 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $180,087. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $120,133.
Software Developers in Memphis, TN can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($77,390) to median ($120,133) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($180,087) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $102,697 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
Memphis
Metropolitan Statistical Area
Occupation Code
15-1252
SOC Classification
Sample Size
1,737
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
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Software Developer in Memphis, TN
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Median: $120,133/yr
How Memphis, TN Compares
vs National Average
$133,080
vs Tennessee Average
$124,339
Cost-of-Living Adjusted
$136,826
Cost of living in Memphis, TN is 12.2% below the national average.
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