Skip to content
AffordMap
Technology · Pennsylvania

How to Become a Software Developers in Pennsylvania

Software Developers in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $126,550/year, which is 7% below the national average. Pennsylvania has a state income tax of ~3.1%. After taxes and rent, a software developers takes home approximately $5,905/month. Most positions require Bachelor's degree.

$127K
Median salary in Pennsylvania
-7%
vs. national average
3.1%
State income tax
55,920
Employed in Pennsylvania

What a software developers can afford in Pennsylvania

Gross annual salary$126,550
Est. monthly take-home (after fed + 3.1% state tax)$7,780/mo
Median 2BR rent (Pennsylvania)-$1,875/mo
Rent as % of take-home24.1% (within guideline)
Cost-of-living adjusted salary$126,550/yr (RPP: 100)
Monthly remaining after rent$5,905/mo

Becoming a software developers in Pennsylvania

1

Meet education requirements

Software Developers positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across Pennsylvania. Research accredited programs in your area.

2

Gain required experience

Many software developers positions in Pennsylvania require hands-on experience through internships, apprenticeships, or entry-level roles. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.

3

Obtain Pennsylvania licensure or certification

Pennsylvania may require specific licensing or professional certification for software developerss. Requirements vary by state, contact the Pennsylvania Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.

4

Find positions in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania employs 55,920 software developers. The highest concentrations are in Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington and Pittsburgh.

Software Developers salary by metro area in Pennsylvania

Metro areaMedianHourlyEmployment
Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington$133K$63.96/hr28,480
Pittsburgh$125K$59.85/hr10,320
Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton$123K$59.1/hr1,770
Reading$121K$58.14/hr640
Scranton--Wilkes-Barre$120K$57.67/hr730
York-Hanover$115K$55.1/hr720
Harrisburg-Carlisle$109K$52.63/hr2,580
Lebanon$108K$51.83/hr90
Chambersburg$106K$51.06/hr200
Lancaster$105K$50.36/hr850
State College$104K$49.82/hr450
Altoona$102K$48.88/hr180
Erie$102K$48.82/hr390
Gettysburg$101K$48.35/hr50
Johnstown$100K$48.24/hr140

Software Developers salary range in Pennsylvania

10th percentile (entry)
$78K
25th percentile
$99K
Median (50th)
$127K
75th percentile
$158K
90th percentile (senior)
$178K
View jobs for Software Developers
Currently hiring in Pennsylvania
View →
More openings for Software Developers
Currently hiring in Pennsylvania
View →
Build in-demand tech skills
Certificates and practical online training
View →
Full software developers salary breakdown in Pennsylvania
Percentiles, trends, and comparisons
View →
Calculate take-home pay in Pennsylvania
After federal + 3.1% state tax
Calculate →
Compare Pennsylvania cost of living to other states
See where your salary goes further
Compare →

Software Developers careers in other states

Frequently asked questions

How much does a software developers make in Pennsylvania?

The median software developers salary in Pennsylvania is $126,550 per year ($60.84/hr). This is 7% below the national median of $135,980. Salaries range from $77,750 to $178,080.

What are the requirements to become a software developers in Pennsylvania?

Software Developers positions in Pennsylvania typically require Bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the Pennsylvania licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.

Can a software developers afford to live in Pennsylvania?

At the median salary of $126,550, a software developers in Pennsylvania would take home approximately $7,780/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,875/month, that's 24.1% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.

What are the best cities for software developers in Pennsylvania?

The highest paying metro areas for software developers in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington ($133,040), Pittsburgh ($124,500), Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton ($122,930). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros, a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.

Does Pennsylvania have state income tax for software developers?

Yes, Pennsylvania has a state income tax rate of approximately 3.1%. On a $126,550 salary, this means roughly $3,885/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.