Software Developer Salary in the United States
Based on 1.7M+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$127,401
$61.25/hr
▲ 5.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$105K – $273K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
1.7M
workers nationwide
Software Developer salary in the United States reflects strong compensation for technical expertise in a competitive field. The median annual salary stands at $130,659, with the profession employing approximately 24,002 workers across the country. This robust compensation level demonstrates the value organizations place on software development talent in today's tech-driven economy.
Several factors influence Software Developer salary in the United States, including experience level, geographic location, and specialized skill sets. Developers with advanced certifications, expertise in high-demand programming languages, or experience with emerging technologies often command higher pay. Company size and industry sector also play significant roles, as tech companies and financial institutions typically offer more competitive packages than smaller organizations.
Salary Distribution — Software Developer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $105,060 |
| 25th percentile | $136,990 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $127,401 |
| 75th percentile | $216,670 |
| 90th percentile | $272,670 |
Software Developer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Software Developer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $174,410 | +36.9% | 284K |
| 2 | Washington | $166,540 | +30.7% | 107K |
| 3 | New York | $166,180 | +30.4% | 114K |
| 4 | Massachusetts | $165,210 | +29.7% | 48K |
| 5 | Oregon | $142,720 | +12.0% | 22K |
| 6 | New Hampshire | $139,720 | +9.7% | 11K |
| 7 | Maryland | $138,680 | +8.9% | 31K |
| 8 | Colorado | $138,390 | +8.6% | 43K |
| 9 | District of Columbia | $136,880 | +7.4% | 6K |
| 10 | Virginia | $136,460 | +7.1% | 88K |
Historical Salary Trend — Software Developer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $111,597 |
| 2023 | $118,750 |
| 2024 | $121,352 |
| 2025 | $127,401 |
| 2026 | $130,659 |
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make per hour in the United States?
- The median hourly rate for software developers in the United States is $63/hour. This translates to an annual median salary of $130,659, based on current employment data for the field.
What is the highest paying city for software developers?
- California is the top paying city for software developers in the United States, with an average salary of $179,490 per year. This is significantly higher than the national median of $130,659.
What is the salary range for software developers in the US?
- Software developer salaries in the United States range up to $209,070 annually at the high end. The median salary is $130,659/year, providing a benchmark for typical compensation in this field.
How many software developers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 24,002 software developers currently employed in the United States. This represents the total workforce for this position across the country.