Software Developer Salary in District of Columbia
Software Developers in District of Columbia earn an average of $149,923 per year across 1 metro area. This is +12.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$149,923
per year
Hourly Rate
$72.08
per hour
vs National
+12.7%
$133,080 national
Salary Range
$100,812
to $224,157
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$149,923
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$97,989
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Software Developer's salary of $149,923 has the purchasing power of $97,989 in an average-cost area.
Software Developer Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $149,923 | $72.08/hr | $100,812 | $224,157 | 2,204 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Software Developer Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 2,204 Software Developers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Software Developer Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$100,812
Starting salary for new Software Developers
Median (50th Percentile)
$149,923
Mid-career Software Developer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$224,157
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Information Security Analyst
$140,058
avg in DC
-$9,865 vs Software Developer
Computer Systems Analyst
$117,104
avg in DC
-$32,819 vs Software Developer
Computer Programmer
$115,680
avg in DC
-$34,243 vs Software Developer
Network Administrator
$111,854
avg in DC
-$38,069 vs Software Developer
Computer User Support Specialist
$70,142
avg in DC
-$79,781 vs Software Developer
Software Developer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Software Developer salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Software Developer Data
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Software Developer salary in District of Columbia?
The average Software Developer salary in District of Columbia is $149,923 per year ($72.08/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 12.7% above the national average of $133,080.
What is the highest paying city for Software Developers in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Software Developers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $149,923 per year.
What is the salary range for Software Developers in District of Columbia?
Software Developer salaries in District of Columbia range from $100,812 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $224,157 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $149,923 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within District of Columbia. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.