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Software Developer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Developer II make in the United States?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Developer II in the United States is $107,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.

However, a Software Developer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $131,271
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $100,890 to $119,890
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $94,972
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Developer II Salaries

A Software Developer II'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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Developer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Developer II'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:

  • Entry Software Engineer (0-2 years): $81,654
  • Software Developer II (2-4 years): $107,344
  • Senior Software Engineer (4-7 years): $128,686
  • Software Developer IV (7+ years): $148,880
  • Software Developer V (7-10 years): $171,157
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Entry Software Engineer0-2 years$81,654
Software Developer II2-4 years$107,344
Senior Software Engineer4-7 years$128,686
Software Developer IV7+ years$148,880
Software Developer V7-10 years$171,157
View as Graph

How Do Software Developer II Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $118,890.
  • California: $118,490.
  • Massachusetts: $116,890.

Top Paying Cities for Software Developer IIs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $135,390
  • San Francisco: $133,990
  • Oakland: $131,090

What Skills Can Increase a Software Developer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 2.91% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • API (Mentioned in 3.77% Job Postings): An application programming interface is a way for two or more computer programs to communicate with each other. It is a type of software interface, offering a service to other pieces of software.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 2.75% Job Postings): Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 2.91%
API 3.77%
SQL 2.75%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Developer II's salary.

  • API: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Open Source: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Software Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
API $112,760
5%
Open Source $112,760
5%
Software Engineering $112,760
5%
Get Latest Data

Software Developer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Developer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $119,890. While startup companies pay approximate $101,516.

Software Developer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $101,516
Growth Stage 51~500 $107,341
Established 501~5000 $115,763
Enterprise 5000+ $119,890

Software Developer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Developer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Software Developer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Developer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Developer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$139,607$67.030%
Internet$134,238$65.025%
Aerospace & Defense$128,868$62.020%
Energy & Utilities$123,498$59.015%
Biotechnology$118,129$57.010%

How Education impacts a Software Developer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Developer IIs 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $97,583 and $102,947).

Software Developer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Developer II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.3%
High School 1.4%
Associates 1.7%
Bachelors 52.8%
Masters 41.3%
Doctorate 2.6%
View as Graph

Software Developer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Developer II'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 October 01, 2026
$100,890
Average $107,390/year
$119,890
$8,408
Average $8,949/month
$9,991
$1,940
Average $2,065/week
$2,306
$49
Average $52/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $119,890 $9,991 $2,306 $58
Average $107,390 $8,949 $2,065 $52
25th Percentile $100,890 $8,408 $1,940 $49

Software Developer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Developer II

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Advancement

For a Software Developer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Software Engineer role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $128,700 - a projected growth of 20% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Developer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Software Developer II

Here are companies hiring for Software Developer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Developer II

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Developer II?

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Developer II roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Do software developers make good money?

Yes, software developers can earn a good salary. Based on recent data, the minimum salary is $94,390, the mid-range salary is $103,990, and the maximum salary reaches $115,690. This indicates a competitive earning potential within the field, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals.

3. Which job has the highest salary?

The Software Developer role offers a competitive salary range, with a minimum of $94,390, a mid-level salary of $103,990, and a maximum of $115,690. While there are many high-paying jobs in various sectors, such as Engineering Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Software Developers remain well-compensated in the tech industry.

4. How much does a 3 year experience software developer earn in the USA?

A software developer with 3 years of experience in the USA typically earns between $94,390 and $115,690 annually. The mid-salary is approximately $103,990. This range reflects base salaries and does not include potential bonuses or additional compensation, which can further enhance overall earnings.

5. Can you make 200k as a programmer?

While the average salary for a Software Developer ranges from $94,390 to $115,690, it is indeed possible to earn $200k, especially in high-demand markets or with significant experience. Tech companies often offer competitive compensation packages, particularly in startups backed by venture capital, aiming to attract top talent.

6. How much is a Software Developer paid in the USA?

The salary for a Software Developer in the USA ranges from a minimum of $94,390 to a maximum of $115,690, with a mid-salary of $103,990. These figures reflect the typical earnings in the industry, providing a clear overview of potential compensation for this role.

7. Can I make 100k as a Software Developer?

Yes, making 100k as a software developer is achievable. With a minimum salary of $94,390 and a mid-range salary of $103,990, reaching that figure is realistic. You don't need to be an expert or have years of experience; focus on the right skills, stay consistent, and work hard, and you'll reach your goal sooner than you expect.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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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