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Backend Developer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Backend Developer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Backend Developer I in the United States is $81,974 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $39.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $94,319
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $77,505 to $88,436
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $73,436
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Backend Developer I Salaries

A Backend Developer I'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Backend Developer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Backend Developer I'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:

  • Backend Developer I (0-2 years): $81,974
  • Backend Developer II (2-4 years): $104,785
  • Backend Developer III (4-7 years): $125,127
  • Backend Developer IV (7+ years): $145,416
  • Backend Developer V (7-10 years): $151,013
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Backend Developer I0-2 years$81,974
Backend Developer II2-4 years$104,785
Backend Developer III4-7 years$125,127
Backend Developer IV7+ years$145,416
Backend Developer V7-10 years$151,013
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How Do Backend Developer Is 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 Backend Developer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $90,762.
  • California: $90,417.
  • Massachusetts: $89,212.

Top Paying Cities for Backend Developer I

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: $103,394
  • San Francisco: $102,262
  • Oakland: $100,107

Backend Developer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Backend Developer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $91,765. While startup companies pay approximate $77,631.

Backend Developer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $77,631
Growth Stage 51~500 $82,104
Established 501~5000 $88,616
Enterprise 5000+ $91,765

Backend Developer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Backend Developer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Backend Developer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Backend Developer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Backend Developer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$102,468$49.025%
Software & Networking$101,648$49.024%
Pharmaceuticals$100,008$48.022%
Internet$96,729$47.018%
Biotechnology$94,270$45.015%

Backend Developer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Backend Developer I'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 August 01, 2026
$77,505
Average $81,974/year
$88,436
$6,459
Average $6,831/month
$7,370
$1,490
Average $1,576/week
$1,701
$37
Average $39/hour
$43
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $88,436 $7,370 $1,701 $43
Average $81,974 $6,831 $1,576 $39
25th Percentile $77,505 $6,459 $1,490 $37

Backend Developer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Backend Developer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Backend Developer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Applications Programmer II $95,213 16%
Software Architect II $94,423 15%
Backend Developer II $104,785 28%
Full Stack Developer II $105,753 29%

Most common benefits for Backend Developer I

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

Common company salaries for Backend Developer I

Here are companies hiring for Backend Developer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Backend Developer I

1. Where can a Backend Developer I earn the most?

A Backend Developer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Backend Developer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Backend Developer I is $103,394.

2. What is the highest pay for Backend Developer I?

The highest pay for Backend Developer I is $94,319.

3. What is the lowest pay for Backend Developer I?

The lowest pay for Backend Developer I is $73,436.

4. What are the responsibilities of Backend Developer I?

Develops, builds, and maintains scalable back-end solutions for server applications. Implements and tests web services and API's utilizing standard frameworks and source control tools to ensure product functionality, speed, and security. Collaborates with frontend developers, product managers, and designers to deliver server-side applications and integrate user-facing elements. Knows commonly used languages, development tools, and frameworks. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Backend Developer I?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Backend Developer I roles, with salaries approximately 25% above the market median.

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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