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Software Developer Salary
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Software Developer Average Salary How Much They Make

Software development becomes more and more specialized as the industry continues to mature and consumers continue to adapt to innovation in technology.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average salary for software developers is $138,110 per year ($66.40 per hour).*

 Average salaryMedian salary
StatePer hourPer yearPer hourPer year
Alabama$51.86$107,870$49.77$103,520
Alaska$66.32$137,940$64.52$134,210
Arizona$58.62$121,930$53.07$110,380
Arkansas$42.01$87,380$42.25$87,880
California$87.77$182,570$79.01$164,330
Colorado$65.49$136,230$62.46$129,920
Connecticut$57.78$120,180$53.09$110,420
Delaware$58.37$121,410$56.95$118,450
District of Columbia$65.85$136,970$65.02$135,230
Florida$54.47$113,300$51.66$107,440
Georgia$57.75$120,120$58.86$122,430
Hawaii$53.38$111,020$49.62$103,210
Idaho$48.41$100,680$48.77$101,440
Illinois$57.78$120,180$56.96$118,470
Indiana$48.59$101,070$48.32$100,510
Iowa$49.59$103,140$49.80$103,580
Kansas$52.35$108,890$49.37$102,700
Kentucky$49.99$103,980$48.23$100,320
Louisiana$52.74$109,690$49.36$102,670
Maine$50.55$105,150$50.21$104,430
Maryland$65.09$135,390$62.41$129,810
Massachusetts$64.30$133,750$63.62$132,330
Michigan$48.94$101,800$48.59$101,070
Minnesota$55.67$115,790$53.17$110,600
Mississippi$47.18$98,140$44.11$91,750
Missouri$49.04$101,990$48.87$101,650
Nebraska$50.75$105,560$51.31$106,720
Nevada$57.63$119,870$51.89$107,920
New Hampshire$60.39$125,600$60.23$125,280
New Jersey$61.76$128,450$61.49$127,900
New Mexico$53.58$111,440$48.44$100,750
New York$67.85$141,130$64.95$135,090
North Carolina$60.40$125,630$60.83$126,520
North Dakota$40.97$85,220$40.80$84,860
Ohio$52.18$108,530$50.24$104,500
Oklahoma$51.22$106,540$47.84$99,510
Oregon$58.38$121,440$58.28$121,230
Pennsylvania$55.66$115,770$51.52$107,170
Rhode Island$70.69$147,030$62.35$129,690
South Carolina$50.66$105,360$47.42$98,630
South Dakota$40.90$85,080$38.60$80,290
Tennessee$51.15$106,390$49.65$103,270
Texas$56.46$117,440$53.70$111,700
Utah$53.86$112,030$51.92$107,990
Vermont$49.45$102,850$47.72$99,250
Virginia$63.87$132,850$62.97$130,980
Washington$73.08$152,010$73.04$151,930
West Virginia$44.28$92,110$42.40$88,190
Wisconsin$48.72$101,330$48.23$100,310
Wyoming$48.11$100,070$48.76$101,410
Puerto Rico$36.40$75,700$32.77$68,160
All salary data courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.*

Job outlook for software developers

Job openings for software developers are projected to grow rapidly over the next decade. Overall, the BLS projects software developer jobs to increase by 26% from 2022-2032.

Now is a great time to become a part of a quickly growing career field.

What do software developers do?

Software developers play an important role in keeping our digitally enhanced world running. They combine computer programming knowledge and creativity to conceptualize, design, code and produce the programs we use every day—from the word processing software used to write this article to the web browser you’re reading it on.

As mentioned above, systems software developers create the operating systems which run our devices. Application software developers create the individual programs for those devices.

Their specific tasks and duties will vary depending on the employer and industry. Generally, software developers do the following:

  • Evaluate user needs to determine whether they will need existing, modified, or new software
  • Plan out each part of an application or system, creating diagrams and models of how the program will flow and which programming languages will be used
  • Direct the work of software programmers as they code and test the program
  • Create reference documentation so the program can be upgraded and maintained
  • Conduct testing of the program and create regular updates

Possible job titles in software development

Companies will use different job titles when recruiting computer programmers. Titles may include:

  • Application Developer
  • Software Architect
  • Software Developer
  • Systems Coordinator
  • Technical Consultant

How to become a software developer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, software developers typically hold a bachelor’s degree in software development, computer science, or a related discipline.

Coding is not a software developer’s primary function, but it is important to be familiar with programming languages and experienced writing code to be employed as a developer. Analytical skills, design skills, and problem-solving capabilities are all critical to success in software development.

At Herzing University, our Bachelor of Science in Software Development program offers students the foundation of skills and knowledge they need to enter the software development field. The program features:

  • Project-based learning which replicates the cooperative workflow found in many programming work environments
  • Comprehensive preparation in web and application development, database applications, systems software and security concepts, and more
  • Virtual programming labs featuring state-of-the-industry tools and processes
  • A flexible online learning format so you can study from anywhere
  • The option to add up to 12 MBA-level credits to your program

You may also consider an associate degree program to earn a credential faster and get started in your first job. You don't need experience to change careers to software engineering, but prior experience can help. For instance, those looking to go from IT support to software development may be familiar with certain IT topics present in a software development curriculum.

Learn how you can train to become a software developer in as few as 32 months of online study: contact Herzing University today!

Discover the Herzing University Software Development program

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Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

Classes Start October 28th

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