As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Development Manager in the United States is $169,520 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Software Development Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Development Manager'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 Development Manager'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 IV | 7+ years | $148,915 |
| Software Developer V | 7-10 years | $171,165 |
| Software Development Manager | 10+ years | $169,512 |
| Director of Software Engineering | 10+ years | $214,137 |
| Executive Director of Software Engineering/Application Development | 10+ years | $241,479 |
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 Development Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 3.75% |
| Agile | 3.66% |
| Docker | 2.33% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employment Authorization
|
$176,301 |
4%
|
|
Experimenting
|
$176,301 |
4%
|
|
Mentoring Others
|
$176,301 |
4%
|
|
Diversity and Inclusion
|
$174,606 |
3%
|
|
Docker
|
$174,606 |
3%
|
|
People Management
|
$174,606 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Development Managers 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 Development Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $153,627 and $162,151).
Software Development Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 2.6% |
| Associates | 1.4% |
| Bachelors | 45.9% |
| Masters | 45.3% |
| Doctorate | 4.6% |
Understanding how a Software Development Manager'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 Development Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Director of Software Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $214,200 - a projected growth of 26% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Development Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $151,464 in 2023 to around $150,573 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Development Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $151,464 |
| 2024 | $151,952 |
| 2025 | $150,573 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest salary for a Software Development Manager is $181,080. The salary range typically falls between $147,590 and $181,080, with a mid-point salary of $162,450. This reflects the competitive nature of the role within the software development field.
The salary comparison between Software Development Managers and Software Developers can vary based on experience, location, and company size. For Software Development Managers, the salary ranges from $147,590 to $181,080, with a mid-salary of $162,450. Typically, Software Development Managers earn more than Software Developers, especially at higher levels.
The highest paying manager position is a Software Development Manager, with a salary range that starts at $147,590, has a mid-point of $162,450, and can go up to $181,080. This role typically involves overseeing software development teams, ensuring project success, and aligning technical strategies with business goals.
Yes, software managers are in high demand, with employment projected to grow 17% from 2023 to 2033, significantly outpacing the average for all occupations. This demand is reflected in competitive salaries, with a minimum of $147,590, a mid-range of $162,450, and a maximum of $181,080, highlighting the value of skilled professionals in this field.
The highest salary for a Software Development Manager in the USA is $181,080, with a minimum salary of $147,590 and a mid-range salary of $162,450. This reflects the competitive nature of the tech industry, where experienced professionals can command significant compensation.
A development manager directs product development and key business initiatives, scheduling and delegating tasks while serving as a liaison with customers and executives. The salary for this role typically ranges from $147,590 to $181,080, with a midpoint of $162,450, reflecting the importance and responsibility of the position.
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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