Software Developers Salary in U.S. (2024)
The median pay for a software developers in U.S. is $133,080/year ($63.98/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $80K at the entry level to $211K for experienced workers.
Updated
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024
So what does $133K get you in U.S.?
About software developers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, U.S.
Entry-level software developers (10th percentile) start around $80K. Mid-career wages sit at $133K.Top earners bring in $211K or more - a $132K spread from bottom to top.
Software Developers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | $171K | +28% | 292,630 |
| Washington | $167K | +25% | 91,470 |
| New York | $161K | +21% | 104,130 |
| Massachusetts | $151K | +13% | 54,260 |
| Maryland | $138K | +4% | 31,940 |
| District of Columbia | $136K | +2% | 8,250 |
| Oregon | $135K | +2% | 21,100 |
| Delaware | $135K | +2% | 3,850 |
| Virginia | $134K | +1% | 83,290 |
| New Hampshire | $132K | -0% | 8,010 |
| New Jersey | $132K | -1% | 57,120 |
| North Carolina | $131K | -2% | 57,590 |
| Connecticut | $131K | -2% | 16,490 |
| Vermont | $131K | -2% | N/A |
| Texas | $131K | -2% | 151,460 |
Track software developers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when U.S. numbers change.
Related careers in Technology
Frequently asked questions
How much do software developers make in U.S.?
The median is $133,080 a year - that works out to about $63.98 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $79,850, and experienced software developers can clear $211,450. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $133K enough to live in U.S.?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $8,476/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,412/month, which eats 16.7% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a software developers salary go in U.S.?
U.S. has a Regional Price Parity of 100 (100 is the national average). That's right at the national average. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median software developers salary is worth about $133,080 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do software developers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.