As of July 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Software Developer IV in the United States is $72, which translates to an annual salary of about $148,900.
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 IV'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 IV'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Software Engineer | 2-4 years | $105,085 |
| Senior Software Engineer | 4-7 years | $128,692 |
| Software Developer IV | 7+ years | $148,892 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $171,160 |
| Software Development Manager | 10+ years | $169,534 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.83% |
| Open Source | 3.66% |
| Programming | 2.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$154,856 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$153,367 |
3%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$151,878 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$151,878 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$151,878 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$151,878 |
2%
|
Software Developer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $166,543. While startup companies pay approximate $140,846.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $140,846 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $148,967 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $160,830 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $166,543 |
For Software Developer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% 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 IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $186,125 | $89.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $178,680 | $86.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $171,235 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $171,235 | $82.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $163,790 | $79.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Developer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $142,839 and $149,606).
Software Developer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 45.8% |
| Masters | 44.0% |
| Doctorate | 6.5% |
Understanding how a Software Developer IV'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Developer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $141,184 in 2023 to around $139,234 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Developer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $141,184 |
| 2024 | $140,218 |
| 2025 | $139,234 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Developer IV roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.
L4 is generally considered a mid-level position at Netflix, with a salary around $151,850. It indicates that the individual is not at an entry-level position but still has room to grow into more senior roles, such as L5, which typically commands a higher salary, reflecting advanced experience and leadership responsibilities, with a range up to $166,470.
There are five levels of Software Developer: Beginner, Advanced Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Expert. Salaries vary by level, with a minimum of $139,440, a mid-range of $151,850, and a maximum of $166,470. This classification can be assessed through self-evaluation, peer reviews, or managerial feedback.
As of January 22, 2025, L4 Software Engineers in the US earn between $139,440 and $166,470 annually, with a mid-salary of $151,850. This translates to approximately $67.00 to $80.00 per hour, or about $2,700 to $3,200 per week, and $11,700 to $13,900 per month, depending on experience and location.
A Software Developer in the USA typically earns between $139,440 and $166,470 annually, with a median salary of around $151,850. This reflects the competitive nature of the tech industry and the demand for skilled professionals in software development.
The estimated total pay for a Software Engineer IV is $139,440 per year, with an average salary of $151,850 per year. The maximum salary can reach up to $166,470 annually, reflecting the experience and expertise in the field.
A Software Developer IV, also known as Software Engineer - Project Lead, is responsible for designing and developing software applications. This role involves coding, debugging, testing, and troubleshooting throughout the development process. A bachelor's degree is typically required. The salary for this position ranges from $139,440 to $166,470, with a mid-point of $151,850.
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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