Software Developers
Software Development • Technology & IT Careers
Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.
Software Developers - Quick Facts
- Median Salary: $133,080
- Entry-Level (10th percentile): $79,850
- Senior (90th percentile): $211,450
- National Employment: 1,654,440 jobs
- Education Required: Bachelor's degree
- Job Growth Outlook: High
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS (May 2024), Software Developers professionals earned a median annual salary of $133,080 nationally, with approximately 1,654,440 employed across the United States. This occupation typically requires bachelor's degree and has a high growth outlook. The salary range spans from $79,850 (10th percentile) to $211,450 (90th percentile), reflecting variations in experience, location, and industry.
Understanding Salary Statistics: The typical salary (median) shows what a middle-of-the-road Software Developers earns, making it useful for salary negotiations. The average salary (mean) can be higher due to top earners and is often used in industry reports.
Salary Distribution
National salary ranges for Software Developers (2024)
Highest Paying Metropolitan Areas
Top 10 metro areas with the highest salaries for Software Developers
Top Industries
Industries with the most Software Developers positions
Work Environment
Career Overview
💼 About This Career
Software Developers professionals work in technology & it careers, specifically in software development. This role typically requires bachelor's degree and offers a median salary of $133,080.
📊 Job Market Outlook
The job growth outlook for Software Developers is rated as High. Currently, there are approximately 1,654,440 people employed in this occupation nationwide.
Related Skills & Keywords
Related Careers
Similar careers in Software Development
Related by occupation classification
Compare with Similar Careers
Unsure which career path to choose? Compare Software Developers side-by-side with similar occupations to see salary differences, education requirements, and growth outlook.
❓ Common Questions About Software Developers
Get direct answers to the most common questions about Software Developers salaries, requirements, and career outlook.
Frequently Asked Questions about Software Developers
What is the median salary for Software Developers?
According to Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data (May 2024), Software Developers earn a median annual salary of $133,080. This means half of all Software Developers professionals earn more than this amount, and half earn less. The median salary is considered the most representative figure for typical earnings in this occupation.
How much do entry-level Software Developers make?
Entry-level Software Developers (10th percentile) typically earn around $79,850 annually as of 2024. Entry-level salaries can vary based on location, education, and employer, but this figure represents the lower end of the salary range for professionals just starting their careers.
What do experienced Software Developers earn?
Experienced Software Developers (90th percentile) can earn $211,450 or more annually. Senior professionals with extensive experience, specialized skills, or those working in high-paying metropolitan areas often exceed this figure. The top 10% of earners in this field demonstrate the career growth potential.
What education do you need to become a Software Developers?
The typical education requirement for Software Developers is bachelor's degree. However, requirements may vary by employer and specialization. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience or relevant certifications in addition to formal education. Check specific job postings for detailed requirements.
What is the job outlook for Software Developers?
The job growth outlook for Software Developers is high. Currently, approximately 1,654,440 people are employed in this occupation nationwide. This outlook reflects expected changes in employment over the next decade based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections, considering factors such as technological changes, industry trends, and economic conditions.
What's the difference between median and mean salary for Software Developers?
The median salary ($133,080) represents the middle point where half earn more and half earn less, making it less affected by extremely high or low salaries. The mean (average) salary ($144,570) is calculated by adding all salaries and dividing by the number of workers. For Software Developers, the mean is higher than the median, indicating that some professionals earn significantly above the typical range.
Data Source & Attribution
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) – Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)
Data Period: May 2024
Last Verified: December 25, 2025
National employment and wage estimates. Historical trends show changes over time. Individual results may vary based on experience, location, industry, and employer.
Salary and employment data provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Wages shown are before taxes and may vary based on experience, education, and employer. Geographic location significantly impacts compensation.
How to cite this data
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). "Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)." May 2024. Analyzed by Wageography, 2025. Available: https://www.bls.gov/oes/