Software Developer Salary in Washington
Based on 107K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$166,540
$80.067/hr
vs National Average
$127,401
+30.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$97K – $255K
107K employed in Washington
Software developers in Washington earn a median salary of $177,384 per year, significantly outpacing the national average by 36 percent. With approximately 2,727 workers employed in this field across the state, Washington has established itself as a major tech hub offering competitive compensation packages that attract talent from across the country.
Several factors influence software developer salary in Washington, including experience level, specialization, and employer size. The state's thriving tech industry, proximity to major companies, and high cost of living contribute to elevated wage standards. Educational credentials, programming language expertise, and whether a developer works for a startup or established corporation also play important roles in determining individual compensation within the region.
Salary Distribution — Software Developer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $96,810 |
| 25th percentile | $132,290 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $166,540 |
| 75th percentile | $211,860 |
| 90th percentile | $255,350 |
Top H-1B Employers for Software Developer in Washington
Companies that filed the most H-1B (LCA) applications for this role in Washington — ranked by application count.
| # | Employer | Applications | Median Wage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Amazon.com Services LLC | 1K | $158,300 |
| 2 | Microsoft Corporation | 1K | $181,000 |
| 3 | Meta Platforms, Inc | 342 | $209,993 |
| 4 | Amazon Development Center U.S., Inc. | 317 | $154,400 |
| 5 | Google LLC | 271 | $174,000 |
Source: U.S. Department of Labor OFLC LCA Disclosure Data, FY2026.
Historical Salary Trend — Software Developer in Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $151,930 |
| 2023 | $162,390 |
| 2024 | $166,910 |
| 2025 | $166,540 |
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $151,930 | $111,597 |
| 2023 | $162,390 | $118,750 |
| 2024 | $166,910 | $121,352 |
| 2025 | $166,540 | $127,401 |
Software Developer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
Software Developer Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do software developers make in Washington?
- Software developers in Washington earn a median salary of $177,384 per year, or approximately $85 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 35.8% premium for developers working in the state.
What is the salary range for software developers in Washington?
- The salary range for software developers in Washington extends up to $181,562 annually. The median salary of $177,384 falls near the upper end of the documented range, indicating competitive compensation throughout the state.
How many software developers are employed in Washington?
- There are currently 2,727 software developers employed in Washington. This represents a substantial tech workforce in the state with strong job market presence.
Is Washington a good state for software developer salaries?
- Yes, Washington offers excellent salaries for software developers, with compensation 35.8% above the national average at $177,384 annually. This makes it one of the top-paying states for software development roles.