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Salary comparison

Software Developers vs. Computer User Support Specialists: Who Earns More?

Software Developers out-earn Computer User Support Specialists by $74K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Software Developers land at $135,980 and Computer User Support Specialists at $61,860. The education gap is real: software developer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while computer user support specialist programs require bachelor's degree. Top-paying state for Software Developers is California ($174,410); for Computer User Support Specialists it's District of Columbia ($80,950).

Software Developers
Computer User Support Specialists
Median salary
$135,980
$61,860
Hourly rate
$65.38/hr
$29.74/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$82,460
$40,980
Senior level (90th %)
$214,670
$100,540
Education required
Bachelor's degree
Bachelor's degree
U.S. employment
1,687,890
717,190
Job growth (10-year)
15.8%
N/A
Category
Technology
Technology
Top-paying state
California
District of Columbia

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Software Developers median pay.

State
Software Developers
Computer User Support Specialists
California
$174,410
$79,570
Washington
$166,540
$75,220
New York
$166,180
$72,560
Massachusetts
$165,210
$75,070
Oregon
$142,720
$62,840
Maryland
$138,680
$64,750
Colorado
$138,390
$71,900
District of Columbia
$136,880
$80,950
Virginia
$136,460
$65,040
New Jersey
$135,940
$64,470
Connecticut
$134,120
$70,210
Rhode Island
$130,590
$62,510
Minnesota
$130,050
$63,630
Vermont
$125,280
$63,030
Wyoming
$115,170
$65,100

Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Software Developers or Computer User Support Specialists?

Software Developers earn more nationally. The median is $135,980 for Software Developers versus $61,860 for Computer User Support Specialists, a difference of $74K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.

Which has better job growth, Software Developers or Computer User Support Specialists?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Software Developers or Computer User Support Specialists?

Software Developers typically requires bachelor's degree. Computer User Support Specialists requires bachelor's degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Software Developers get paid the most?

California is the top-paying state for Software Developers at $174,410/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Software Developers vs. Computer User Support Specialists pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In California, Software Developers earn $174,410 vs. $79,570 for Computer User Support Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Software Developers salary breakdownView →Full Computer User Support Specialists salary breakdownView →Best cities for Software Developers by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Computer User Support Specialists by take-home payExplore →How to become a software developersGuide →How to become a computer user support specialistsGuide →