Software Developer Salary Guide (2024)

What is a software developer?

Job duties for software developers vary depending on the business requirements of the organization they work for. Overall, they design and build software applications. Software developers also maintain and update existing code to ensure products work correctly and efficiently. Often, software developers work on a team with product managers, product designers, and other programmers.

Average software developer salary

In the US, software developers earn an average yearly salary of $101,685 [1]. Additionally, Glassdoor reports a median additional pay of $29,435 per year. Additional pay may include commissions, bonuses, or profit sharing. Combined, these figures total a yearly wage of $131,120. 

Factors that can influence average salary

The field of software development is vast. It includes many different specializations, such as Fintech (tech companies in the finance industry), blockchain development, and mobile app development. Aside from specialized skills and expertise, there are several factors that can play a role in your yearly salary as a developer. You can learn more about each one in the following sections. 

Read more: What is a Blockchain Developer (and How Do I Become One?)

Level of experience

Typically, the more hands-on experience you have as a developer, the higher your salary range will be. Here's a breakdown of how much you could make as a software developer at each level of expertise.

*Note: Salary info below was sourced from Glassdoor in August 2023. Figures represent base salary, and the average additional pay per year in the United States. 

• Entry-level software developer salary: On average, an entry-level software developer with 0-1 year of experience earns a starting salary of $86,265 per year.

• Associate software developer salary: An associate software developer with 1-3 years of experience earns an average annual salary of $95,918.

• Junior software developer salary: A junior developer with 4-6 years of experience earns $102,085 per year on average. 

• Senior software developer salary: The average salary for senior developers with 7-9 years of experience is $109,408 per year. 

Job title

Software engineer jobs vary greatly in title, responsibilities, and core compensation. Often, people use software developers and software engineers as interchangeable titles. However, these roles are different. The following list outlines a few more job titles in this industry with their respective salaries. 

• Game developer - $83,693

• Application developer - $87,285

• Back-end developer - $105,406

• Front-end developer - $84,665

• Full-stack developer - $97,152

Read more: Software Developer vs. Software Engineer: What are the Differences in These Roles

Industry

The industry you work in can also influence the average salary range. The chart below breaks down salary insights for a few of the top industries for software developers [2].

Demand for developers

Software developers create the programs we use every day. Whether you’re playing the latest video game release, listening to music, or text messaging, you’re doing so because a software developer played a role in its design. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that software developer jobs will grow by 25 percent between 2022 and 2032 [3]. Thirty-three percent of the job opportunities are in computer systems design [4]. Most positions are full-time.

The increasing number of software products will present you with new opportunities as a software developer. Consumer electronics and other products, like cell phones and appliances, are frequently integrated with computer systems. There may be more investment in security software to protect computer networks and electronic infrastructure as a result of concerns over cybersecurity threats.

How to increase your software developer salary

Professional development is one of the most effective ways to secure a higher salary range. For example, you might consider supplementing your resume with Professional Certificates from industry leaders in the tech space. Meta offers several beginner-level programs that grant credentials upon completion, such as the Meta Android Developer Professional Certificate and the Meta iOS Developer Professional Certificate.

Or, you can learn fundamental technical skills with Google by enrolling in their or earning the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate. Learning in-demand programming languages can also set you apart from other applicants, as can staying ahead of technology trends, like with the IBM AI Engineering Professional Certificate.

In-demand programming languages

Programming languages are the backbone of software development. As a developer, you might only need to use one or two languages, but the more you master, the more competitive you’ll be in the job market. Take a look at some of the most common and sought-after languages.

Python

Python is an excellent language to learn for those just starting. It’s a beginner language that’s easy to understand. Often used for backend web development, Python is one of the few programming languages with simple, easy-to-understand syntax rules, making it far easier to read than many other programming languages.

Java

Java shouldn’t be confused with JavaScript. JavaScript is used to make web pages interactive. Java is a cross-platform program used to create interactive applications and browsers. It’s a complicated language to learn, but those with the skills are usually highly paid.

SQL

Structured query language (SQL) is used primarily for databases such as Microsoft Excel. Many businesses and organizations use databases to organize large quantities of data, so it’s an excellent skill.

C / C++

C was one of the first programming languages created and remains a foundation for present-day languages. C is now more commonly used in hardware devices such as those found in medical equipment. It is also used in operating systems like Linux and Windows. C++ software developers often pick up other programming languages that rely on C’s core concepts quickly.

JavaScript

Interactive websites are exploding in popularity, and JavaScript is the programming language most used to give users that immersive, interactive experience. Unlike some programming languages, JavaScript will likely remain relevant far into the future as exciting new applications continue to be explored and a wide array of enterprises around the globe use the language. 

Read more: What Programming Language Should I Learn?

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