How much does a software developer make?
a year · about $65 an hour
A typical software developer in the United States makes $135,980 a year, about $65 an hour, about 2.7× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
Did you know? Some US software developers build the operating systems that keep phones and cars working—not just the apps people see.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $82,460 and $214,670How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Usually a bachelor's degree
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in California ($174,410), lowest in Mississippi ($95,330).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Kids' questions
In Japan, a software developer averages $38,565. Software developer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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