Average Salary for Software Developers, Applications
SOC 15-1132 · Computer and Mathematical Occupations · 2018 data
The median annual wage for Software Developers, Applications in the United States is $103,620 ($49.82/hr), based on 2018 BLS OEWS data. Wages range from $61,660 at the 10th percentile to $161,290 at the 90th percentile nationally. An estimated 903,160 people work in this occupation across the country. The national median wage has grown 8.5% since 2014.
Median Annual
$103,620
Mean Annual
$108,080
10th Pct
$61,660
75th Pct
$130,460
Employment
903,160
Salary Distribution
$62k
10th
$79k
25th
$104k
Median
$130k
75th
$161k
90th
Highest Paying Metro Areas
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $138,000 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $129,570 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $127,390 |
| Vallejo, CA | $120,460 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $117,780 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | $116,620 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $115,360 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $115,020 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $113,670 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | $113,100 |
| Bloomington, IN | $112,720 |
| New Bern, NC | $112,390 |
| Shreveport-Bossier City, LA | $112,020 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $111,960 |
| Kahului-Wailuku, HI | $111,960 |
Salary by State
| State | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Washington | $128,200 |
| California | $123,630 |
| District of Columbia | $113,750 |
| New York | $111,970 |
| Virginia | $109,740 |
| New Hampshire | $108,650 |
| Texas | $108,490 |
| Massachusetts | $105,620 |
| Colorado | $104,980 |
| Nevada | $102,380 |
| Delaware | $101,680 |
| New Jersey | $101,460 |
| Georgia | $100,820 |
| North Carolina | $100,560 |
| Maryland | $100,510 |
| Connecticut | $100,150 |
| Oregon | $100,080 |
| Arizona | $98,640 |
| Alaska | $98,030 |
| Utah | $97,230 |
| Rhode Island | $96,730 |
| Illinois | $95,420 |
| Minnesota | $95,220 |
| Vermont | $95,010 |
| Pennsylvania | $93,670 |
| Alabama | $93,360 |
| Florida | $92,620 |
| Missouri | $91,820 |
| Ohio | $91,280 |
| Tennessee | $88,910 |
| Iowa | $88,550 |
| Michigan | $87,880 |
| South Carolina | $87,170 |
| Maine | $87,150 |
| Nebraska | $87,110 |
| Oklahoma | $84,900 |
| Arkansas | $84,550 |
| Wisconsin | $84,480 |
| Idaho | $83,510 |
| Kansas | $83,300 |
| Indiana | $81,580 |
| Montana | $80,900 |
| Kentucky | $80,760 |
| Hawaii | $80,000 |
| Louisiana | $79,750 |
| Mississippi | $79,220 |
| North Dakota | $77,340 |
| West Virginia | $77,310 |
| South Dakota | $72,720 |
| Wyoming | $66,060 |
| Puerto Rico | $46,540 |
Salary by Industry
National median wage for Software Developers, Applications broken down by industry sector, 2018 data.
| Industry | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing | $125,310 |
| Cable and Other Subscription Programming | $122,890 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $122,670 |
| Funds, Trusts, and Other Financial Vehicles | $120,730 |
| Other Information Services | $120,550 |
| Other Information Services | $120,550 |
| Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services | $120,310 |
| Monetary Authorities-Central Bank | $120,130 |
| Monetary Authorities-Central Bank | $120,130 |
| Securities, Commodity Contracts, and Other Financial Investments and Related Activities | $118,690 |
| Technical and Trade Schools | $118,390 |
| Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events | $118,100 |
| Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | $117,320 |
| Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works) | $116,400 |
| Lessors of Nonfinancial Intangible Assets (except Copyrighted Works) | $116,400 |
| Agents and Managers for Artists, Athletes, Entertainers, and Other Public Figures | $115,170 |
| Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing | $114,680 |
| Software Publishers | $114,320 |
| Publishing Industries (except Internet) | $113,380 |
| Information | $113,380 |
| Broadcasting (except Internet) | $113,040 |
| Natural Gas Distribution | $112,980 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities | $112,650 |
| Credit Intermediation and Related Activities (5221 And 5223 only) | $112,650 |
| Nondepository Credit Intermediation | $112,640 |
| Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing | $112,090 |
| Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | $111,520 |
| Scientific Research and Development Services | $111,420 |
| Pipeline Transportation of Natural Gas | $111,230 |
| Performing Arts, Spectator Sports, and Related Industries | $111,160 |
| Sound Recording Industries | $111,030 |
| Pipeline Transportation | $110,870 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $110,630 |
| Oil and Gas Extraction | $110,630 |
| Other Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing | $110,440 |
| Manufacturing | $110,290 |
| Telecommunications | $109,770 |
| Nonresidential Building Construction | $109,740 |
| Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing | $109,660 |
| Cut and Sew Apparel Manufacturing | $109,550 |
| Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities | $109,420 |
| Motion Picture and Sound Recording Industries | $109,370 |
| Motion Picture and Video Industries | $109,100 |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $108,700 |
| Photographic Services | $108,280 |
| Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services | $108,160 |
| Data Processing, Hosting, and Related Services | $108,160 |
| Finance and Insurance | $107,960 |
| Motor Vehicle Manufacturing | $107,870 |
| Offices of All Other Health Practitioners | $107,720 |
| Other Personal Services | $107,150 |
| Personal and Laundry Services | $107,150 |
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $107,030 |
| Other Nondepository Credit Intermediation | $106,930 |
| Real Estate | $106,610 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $106,390 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $106,320 |
| Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing | $106,320 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | $106,050 |
| Communications Equipment Manufacturing | $105,780 |
| Apparel Manufacturing | $105,770 |
| Rental and Leasing Services (5322, 5323, and 5324 only) | $105,550 |
| Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing | $105,430 |
| Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists | $105,280 |
| Electronic Shopping and Mail-Order Houses | $105,110 |
| Nonstore Retailers | $105,100 |
| Retail Trade | $104,830 |
| Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance | $104,700 |
| Cross-industry, private ownership only | $104,580 |
| Television Broadcasting | $104,580 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $104,420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $104,420 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $104,420 |
| Utilities | $104,340 |
| Utilities | $104,340 |
| Fabric Mills | $104,110 |
| Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services | $103,860 |
| Direct Selling Establishments | $103,790 |
| Rental and Leasing Services | $103,500 |
| Textile Mills | $103,500 |
| Outpatient Care Centers | $103,290 |
| Radio and Television Broadcasting | $103,030 |
| Chemical Manufacturing | $102,800 |
| Offices of Other Health Practitioners | $102,650 |
| Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing | $102,530 |
| Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction | $102,510 |
| Temporary Help Services | $102,500 |
| Employment Services | $102,460 |
| Federal government, including the US Postal Service | $102,270 |
| Warehousing and Storage | $102,150 |
| Warehousing and Storage | $102,150 |
| Support Activities for Water Transportation | $102,090 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods (4232, 4233, 4235, 4236, 4237, and 4239 only) | $102,000 |
| Grantmaking and Giving Services | $102,000 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4242 and 4246 only) | $101,960 |
| Support Activities for Mining | $101,950 |
| Support Activities for Mining | $101,950 |
| Administrative and Support Services | $101,930 |
| Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $101,900 |
| Administrative and Support and Waste Management and Remediation Services | $101,890 |
| Construction of Buildings | $101,590 |
| Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers | $101,550 |
| Wholesale Electronic Markets and Agents and Brokers | $101,550 |
| Engineering Services | $101,500 |
| Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services | $101,310 |
| Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories | $101,260 |
| Newspaper Publishers | $101,010 |
| Wholesale Trade | $100,830 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods | $100,750 |
| Specialized Design Services | $100,690 |
| Miscellaneous Manufacturing | $100,490 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $100,490 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,360 |
| Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $100,360 |
| Federal Executive Branch (OES Designation) | $100,330 |
| Ambulatory Health Care Services | $100,090 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $100,080 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods | $100,060 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4241, 4247, and 4249 only) | $100,000 |
| Electric Power Generation, Transmission and Distribution | $99,920 |
| Manufacturing and Reproducing Magnetic and Optical Media | $99,520 |
| Business, Professional, Labor, Political, and Similar Organizations | $99,490 |
| Plastics Product Manufacturing | $99,480 |
| Other Support Services | $99,240 |
| Other Insurance Related Activities | $99,190 |
| Remediation and Other Waste Management Services | $98,910 |
| Chemical Manufacturing (3255 and 3256 only) | $98,870 |
| Beverage Manufacturing | $98,830 |
| Machinery Manufacturing (3331, 3332, 3334, and 3339 only) | $98,830 |
| Direct Health and Medical Insurance Carriers | $98,730 |
| Plastics and Rubber Products Manufacturing | $98,710 |
| Insurance Carriers | $98,680 |
| Social Advocacy Organizations | $98,670 |
| Farm and Garden Machinery and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers | $98,610 |
| Insurance Carriers and Related Activities | $98,580 |
| Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $98,550 |
| Agencies, Brokerages, and Other Insurance Related Activities | $98,270 |
| Office Administrative Services | $98,200 |
| Animal Slaughtering and Processing | $98,160 |
| Management, Scientific, and Technical Consulting Services | $98,130 |
| Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations | $98,120 |
| Business Support Services | $98,110 |
| Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing | $98,080 |
| Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting | $98,020 |
| Support Activities for Agriculture and Forestry | $98,020 |
| Other Schools and Instruction | $97,920 |
| All Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | $97,690 |
| Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing | $97,640 |
| Machinery Manufacturing | $97,440 |
| Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing | $97,400 |
| Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $97,340 |
| Offices of Physicians | $97,270 |
| Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods (4244 and 4248 only) | $97,180 |
| Legal Services | $97,030 |
| Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors | $97,010 |
| Waste Treatment and Disposal | $97,000 |
| Insurance Agencies and Brokerages | $96,880 |
| Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing | $96,810 |
| Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores | $96,800 |
| Construction | $96,780 |
| Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing | $96,730 |
| Waste Management and Remediation Services | $96,640 |
| Educational Support Services | $96,210 |
| Testing Laboratories | $96,080 |
| Chemical Manufacturing (3251, 3252, 3253, and 3259 only) | $96,010 |
| Other Services (except Public Administration) | $95,950 |
| Radio Broadcasting | $95,920 |
| Water Transportation | $95,670 |
| Support Activities for Transportation | $95,370 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $95,280 |
| Security Systems Services | $95,230 |
| Couriers and Express Delivery Services | $95,220 |
| Rail Transportation | $95,120 |
| Rail Transportation | $95,120 |
| Direct Insurance (except Life, Health, and Medical) Carriers | $95,040 |
| Couriers and Messengers | $95,020 |
| Deep Sea, Coastal, and Great Lakes Water Transportation | $94,980 |
| Other Ambulatory Health Care Services | $94,860 |
| Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | $94,790 |
| Paper Manufacturing | $94,510 |
| Hospitals | $94,310 |
| Dairy Product Manufacturing | $94,080 |
| Investigation and Security Services | $93,990 |
| Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers | $93,880 |
| Converted Paper Product Manufacturing | $93,840 |
| Civic and Social Organizations | $93,840 |
| Truck Transportation | $93,670 |
| Local Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | $93,580 |
| Beverage and Tobacco Product Manufacturing | $93,550 |
| Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing | $93,470 |
| Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing | $93,430 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3321, 3322, 3325, 3326, and 3329 only) | $93,360 |
| Apparel, Piece Goods, and Notions Merchant Wholesalers | $93,350 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $93,300 |
| Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions | $93,300 |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $93,270 |
| Freight Transportation Arrangement | $93,250 |
| Residential Building Construction | $93,110 |
| Food Manufacturing | $93,090 |
| General Medical and Surgical Hospitals | $92,990 |
| Specialty Trade Contractors | $92,890 |
| Other Food Manufacturing | $92,730 |
| Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $92,460 |
| Steel Product Manufacturing from Purchased Steel | $92,390 |
| Building Equipment Contractors | $92,160 |
| Nonferrous Metal (except Aluminum) Production and Processing | $91,810 |
| Investigation, Guard, and Armored Car Services | $91,810 |
| Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing | $91,800 |
| Local government, including schools and hospitals | $91,710 |
| Miscellaneous Store Retailers (4532 and 4533 only) | $91,260 |
| Rubber Product Manufacturing | $91,110 |
| Electrical Equipment Manufacturing | $90,210 |
| Other Building Equipment Contractors | $90,170 |
| Scheduled Air Transportation | $89,960 |
| Machinery, Equipment, and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers | $89,680 |
| Air Transportation | $89,660 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | $89,360 |
| Home Health Care Services | $89,180 |
| Machine Shops; Turned Product; and Screw, Nut, and Bolt Manufacturing | $89,150 |
| Facilities Support Services | $88,830 |
| Foundries | $88,790 |
| Machine Shops | $88,730 |
| Primary Metal Manufacturing | $88,660 |
| Fossil Fuel Electric Power Generation | $87,740 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) | $87,350 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) | $87,350 |
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing | $87,330 |
| Nonscheduled Air Transportation | $87,190 |
| Furniture and Related Product Manufacturing (3371 and 3372 only) | $86,660 |
| Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing | $86,520 |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $85,930 |
| Federal, state, and local government, including government owned schools and hospitals, and the US Postal Service | $85,890 |
| Household Appliance Manufacturing | $85,760 |
| Railroad Rolling Stock Manufacturing | $85,630 |
| Educational Services | $85,340 |
| Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors | $84,550 |
| Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation Industries | $84,190 |
| Motor Vehicle and Parts Dealers | $84,080 |
| Repair and Maintenance | $84,000 |
| Nursing and Residential Care Facilities | $82,960 |
| Community Food and Housing, and Emergency and Other Relief Services | $82,950 |
| Religious Organizations | $82,140 |
| Business Schools and Computer and Management Training | $82,030 |
| Accommodation and Food Services | $81,670 |
| State government, including schools and hospitals | $81,490 |
| Spectator Sports | $81,410 |
| Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools | $81,310 |
| Educational Services | $81,250 |
| Printing and Related Support Activities | $80,700 |
| Printing and Related Support Activities | $80,700 |
| State Government, excluding schools and hospitals (OES Designation) | $80,370 |
| Miscellaneous Store Retailers | $79,870 |
| Other Wood Product Manufacturing | $79,440 |
| Support Activities for Rail Transportation | $79,430 |
| Wood Product Manufacturing | $78,840 |
| Traveler Accommodation | $78,480 |
| Casino Hotels | $78,350 |
| Individual and Family Services | $77,510 |
| Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (3323 and 3324 only) | $77,470 |
| Accommodation | $77,050 |
| Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance | $76,650 |
| Social Assistance | $76,350 |
| Gambling Industries | $76,130 |
| Alumina and Aluminum Production and Processing | $74,190 |
| Junior Colleges | $73,740 |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | $70,340 |
| Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers | $69,410 |
| Vocational Rehabilitation Services | $66,680 |
| Textile Product Mills | $55,430 |
National Wage Trend
View data table
| Year | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| 2018 | $103,620 |
| 2017 | $101,790 |
| 2016 | $100,080 |
| 2015 | $98,260 |
| 2014 | $95,510 |