As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Developer I in the United States is $81,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.
However, a Software Developer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Developer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Developer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Developer I | 0-2 years | $81,663 |
| Intermediate Software Engineer | 2-4 years | $105,086 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 4-7 years | $128,703 |
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $148,915 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $171,165 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Software Developer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.82% |
| Python | 4.66% |
| Linux | 2.71% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Coaching
|
$98,845 |
21%
|
|
Code Review
|
$90,676 |
11%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$90,676 |
11%
|
|
Project Management
|
$90,676 |
11%
|
|
API
|
$90,676 |
11%
|
|
AWS
|
$90,676 |
11%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Developer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Developer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $77,756 and $81,726).
Software Developer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 2.5% |
| Bachelors | 58.4% |
| Masters | 34.0% |
| Doctorate | 3.0% |
Understanding how a Software Developer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Software Developer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Intermediate Software Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $105,100 - a projected growth of 29% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Developer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $84,785 in 2023 to around $84,199 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Developer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $84,785 |
| 2024 | $84,887 |
| 2025 | $84,199 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Developer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Developer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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In the USA, a Software Developer's salary ranges from a minimum of $75,890 to a maximum of $91,990, with a mid-salary of $83,090. These figures reflect the typical earnings in the industry, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for this role.
Becoming a software developer can be challenging, but it's achievable with dedication. You'll need to master various skills and adapt to evolving technologies. The salary range for software developers typically falls between $75,890 and $91,990, with a median of $83,090, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field. Stay focused, and you can succeed.
A Software Developer (SDE 1) in the USA typically earns between $75,890 and $91,990 annually. The average salary is around $83,090, translating to approximately $6,924 per month. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise within the role.
A software developer with 3 years of experience in the USA typically earns between $75,890 and $83,090, with a maximum salary reaching up to $91,990. This range reflects the competitive nature of the tech industry and the varying compensation based on skills and location.
The salary for a Software Developer typically ranges from $75,890 to $91,990, with a mid-point salary of $83,090. While Google may offer higher compensation, this data reflects general industry standards. Actual salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific company policies.
Software developers typically earn between $75,890 and $91,990 annually, with a mid-salary of $83,090. This translates to an hourly wage ranging from approximately $36.47 to $44.23, depending on experience and location. In high-paying cities like Cupertino, CA, salaries can exceed $137,000, leading to hourly rates around $66.34.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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