Software Developer Salary
Average Salary of a Software Developer in the USA | 2025
Thinking of becoming a software developer or wanting to know if you're being paid fairly?
This blog will show you exactly what software developers earn in 2025. We will look at real numbers from top job sites. You'll learn about pay by experience level, location, and skills. We'll also share tips to grow your salary.
By the end, you'll know if software development is the right career move for you.
What's the Average Salary of a Software Developer in the USA?
$124,500 per year (Average)
We looked at data from top job sites like Glassdoor ($120,231), Indeed ($124,661), and Built In ($144,226). We analyzed over 36,000 salary data points from recent job postings to find this average.
With bonuses and extra pay, the total can go up to $132,281 a year, based on recent industry reports.
Compared to 2022 data, software developer salaries have grown by about 8-12% this year. This rise is due to strong demand for tech skills. Companies are competing for top developers.
Software Developer Salary Key Metrics 2025
Average salary: $124,500 per year.
This figure comes from data analysis on Glassdoor, Indeed, and Built In.
Salary range: $81,052 to $168,153.
Entry-level developers start at about $81K. Experienced developers can earn over $168K. The wide range depends on your skills, location, and company size.
Salary by experience:
Entry-level (0-1 years): $83,937
Junior (1-3 years): $90,858
Mid-level (4–6 years): $96,278
Senior (7+ years): $100,481 to $168,153
75th percentile: $144,226 - This means that 25% of software developers earn more than this amount.
Software Developer Salary Regional Comparison
Location plays a big role in how much you earn as a software developer. Big tech cities usually pay more, but living costs are also higher. Some smaller cities offer good pay with lower living costs.
Here's how salaries compare across different regions:
California offers the highest pay but has very high living costs. Texas provides good value with lower taxes and housing costs. Remote work lets you earn big-city salaries while living anywhere.
6 Tips to Grow Your Software Developer's Salary
1. Learn Cloud Computing Skills: Getting AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud certifications can boost your salary by 15-25%. Top tech companies like Google pay $198K-$2.3M for cloud-skilled engineers. Start with basic cloud courses and work towards certification.
2. Master Popular Programming Languages: Focus on high-demand languages like Python, JavaScript, and Java. Companies pay more for developers who know the languages they use most. Take online courses and build projects to showcase your skills.
3. Gain Experience with AI and Machine Learning: According to StackOverflow, 63.2% of developers now use AI tools in their work. Learn how to use AI to code faster and smarter. This skill makes you more valuable to employers.
4. Build a Strong Portfolio: Create 3-5 projects that show your best work. Include different types of apps, like web apps, mobile apps, or data projects. Post your code on GitHub so employers can see your skills.
5. Get Leadership Experience: Senior developers who lead teams earn $168,153+ per year on average. Look for opportunities to mentor junior developers or lead small projects at work.
6. Think About Big Tech Companies: Big tech firms, such as Google, offer high salaries. Their pay ranges from $198K to over $2.3M. Prepare for technical interviews and apply to companies known for high pay.
FAQs About Software Developer Salaries
Is the average salary of a software developer before or after tax?
All salary numbers in this article are gross annual salaries before taxes. Your take-home pay will be less after federal, state, and local taxes.
Does the average software developer's salary include bonuses?
No, the base salary doesn't include bonuses. Many developers earn extra pay. On average, this totals about $29,359 each year. This includes bonuses, stock options, and profit sharing.
What affects a software developer's salary the most?
Experience level, location, company size, and technical skills have the biggest impact. Senior developers earn 2x more than entry-level developers.
How much do entry-level software developers make?
Entry-level software developers with 0-1 years of experience make about $83,937 a year. This can vary based on your location and the company you work for.
Do software developers get paid more than other tech jobs?
Software developers earn more than computer programmers, who make $102,790, and systems analysts, who earn $107,530. However, they earn less than IT managers, who make $173,670.
What programming languages pay the most for software developers?
Languages in high-demand fields like cloud computing, AI, and data science usually offer higher pay. Python, JavaScript, and Java are currently among the highest-paying languages.
How often do software developers' salaries increase?
Most developers get salary increases every 1 to 2 years. They may earn more through promotions, changing jobs, or annual raises. The field has seen 8-12% growth in 2025 compared to previous years.
Can software developers work remotely and still earn good salaries?
Yes, many companies offer competitive salaries for remote software developers. Remote work lets you access high-paying jobs without living in expensive tech cities.
All pay information is current as of 2025. The data comes from different global salary surveys and government stats, 2025.
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