Software Developers

Software Development • Technology & IT Careers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

Typical Salary (Median)
$133,080
(2024 BLS data)
Half earn more, half earn less
Average Salary (Mean)
$144,570
Mathematical average of all salaries
National Employment
1,654,440
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
BLS Code: 151252

Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Software Developers earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.

Salary Distribution

National salary ranges for Software Developers (2024)

10th Percentile
$79,850
25th Percentile
$103,050
75th Percentile
$169,000
90th Percentile
$211,450

Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas

Top 10 metro areas with the highest salaries for Software Developers

1
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
90,280 employed
$226,510
View details →
2
San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA
76,900 employed
$187,840
View details →
3
Boulder, CO
7,790 employed
$186,270
View details →
4
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
72,730 employed
$181,040
View details →
5
Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA
2,420 employed
$175,170
View details →
6
New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ
119,610 employed
$161,090
View details →
7
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA
21,080 employed
$157,860
View details →

Top Industries

Industries with the most Software Developers positions

1
Cross-industry, Private, Federal, State, and Local Government
1,654,440
$144,570 avg
2
Cross-industry, Private Ownership Only
1,623,570
$145,320 avg
3
Sector 54 - Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
690,860
$137,390 avg
4
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
690,860
$137,390 avg
5
Computer Systems Design and Related Services
519,920
$136,870 avg

Work Environment

Office Remote

Career Overview

💼 About This Career

Software Developers professionals work in technology & it careers, specifically in software development. This role typically requires bachelor's degree and offers a median salary of $133,080.

📊 Job Market Outlook

The job growth outlook for Software Developers is rated as High. Currently, there are approximately 1,654,440 people employed in this occupation nationwide.

Related Skills & Keywords

software developer software engineer programmer coder

Related Careers

Similar careers in Software Development

Web Developers

$91k

Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

$99k

Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$103k

Bachelor's degree

Related by occupation classification

Computer Programmers

$99k

Code: 151251

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

$103k

Code: 151253
← Back to Technology & IT Careers Explore all categories →

Data Source: Salary and employment statistics are from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program , 2024 data. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, and employer.