As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Developer II in the United States is $105,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Software Developer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Developer II | $103,021 |
| Intermediate Level Software Developer II | $103,209 |
| Senior Level Software Developer II | $106,000 |
| Specialist Level Software Developer II | $111,099 |
| Expert Level Software Developer II | $111,463 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.91% |
| API | 3.77% |
| SQL | 2.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
API
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
|
Open Source
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
|
Software Engineering
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
|
Python
|
$110,345 |
5%
|
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
| 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% |
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 January 01, 2026For 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 $128,800 - a projected growth of 23% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Developer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $110,024 in 2023 to around $109,090 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Developer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $110,024 |
| 2024 | $110,353 |
| 2025 | $109,090 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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