As of March 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Software Developer III in the United States is $62, which translates to an annual salary of about $128,690.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Software Developer III'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 III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Software Engineer | 0-2 years | $81,661 |
| Intermediate Software Engineer | 2-4 years | $105,086 |
| Software Developer III | 4-7 years | $128,700 |
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $148,907 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $171,164 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.68% |
| Software Development | 4.7% |
| Software Engineering | 2.8% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source
|
$133,838 |
4%
|
|
Container
|
$132,551 |
3%
|
|
Innovation
|
$132,551 |
3%
|
|
Kubernetes
|
$132,551 |
3%
|
|
Python
|
$131,264 |
2%
|
|
AWS
|
$131,264 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Developer IIIs 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,538 and $127,636).
Software Developer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 46.1% |
| Masters | 44.2% |
| Doctorate | 6.0% |
Understanding how a Software Developer III'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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Developer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $126,969 in 2023 to around $125,720 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Developer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $126,969 |
| 2024 | $127,220 |
| 2025 | $125,720 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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For some individuals, a monthly salary of $3,000 may suffice for living expenses, but it can be challenging in high-cost areas. In contrast, the salary range for software developers is significantly higher, with a minimum of $118,690, a mid-range of $130,690, and a maximum of $143,490 annually, highlighting the disparity in earnings across different professions.
As of January 20, 2025, the salary for a Software Developer at Amazon in the USA ranges from $118,690 to $143,490 annually, with a midpoint of $130,690. This reflects competitive compensation in the tech industry, aligning with the demand for skilled developers.
A Level 3 pay grade typically offers a salary range that can vary significantly by location and industry. For a Software Developer, the salary data indicates a minimum of $118,690, a mid-range of $130,690, and a maximum of $143,490. This suggests that Level 3 positions in this field generally provide competitive compensation compared to other roles.
The estimated total pay range for a Software Development Engineer II at Amazon is $118,690 to $143,490 per year, which includes base salary and additional pay. The average base salary for a Software Development Engineer II at Amazon is approximately $130,690 per year.
A Software Developer III is a technical expert responsible for complex applications development throughout the entire application life cycle, including analysis, coding, testing, and documentation. The salary for this role typically ranges from $118,690 to $143,490, with a mid-point salary of $130,690, reflecting the expertise and responsibilities involved.
How much does a Level 3 make? Based on the latest salary data, a Level 3 Software Developer in the United States earns between $118,690 and $143,490 annually, with a mid-salary of $130,690. This translates to approximately $57.05 to $68.94 per hour, or $2,200 to $2,700 per week.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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