How much does a software developer make?
Answer: A typical software developer in the United States makes $135,980 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 1.7 million people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Software developer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $82,460 | $135,980 | $214,670 | about 1.7 million |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $174,410 | about 284,000 |
| Washington | $166,540 | about 107,000 |
| New York | $166,180 | about 114,000 |
| Massachusetts | $165,210 | about 48,000 |
| Oregon | $142,720 | about 22,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the US, software developers with more experience or education may earn more. Pay also varies by location and industry, so software publishers, manufacturers, and IT-services companies may pay differently.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a software developer do?
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.
What's a typical day like?
They ask users what they need, sketch how an app’s parts should fit together, and coordinate with programmers. They check whether it meets needs like safety and usefulness, then discuss improvements with teammates.
How to get this job
In the US, a common path is to finish high school and earn a bachelor’s degree in computer or information technology, or a related subject; some employers prefer a master’s. Many start looking for developer jobs after college, though there is no single required starting age.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Some US software developers build the operating systems that keep phones and cars working—not just the apps people see.
What about Japan?
Nearly the same jobThe US figure is the median and the Japan figure is the average, so it's not a perfect comparison. Prices differ too.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Computer and Mathematical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1252.00
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/print/software-developers.ht
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY