As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Contract Developer in the United States is $96,481 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Contract Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Contract Developer'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 Contract Developer'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 Contract Developer | $94,233 |
| Intermediate Level Contract Developer | $94,982 |
| Senior Level Contract Developer | $96,931 |
| Specialist Level Contract Developer | $99,763 |
| Expert Level Contract Developer | $103,160 |
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 Contract Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.85% |
| Microsoft Office | 3.01% |
| Billing | 1.78% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Government Contracting
|
$102,270 |
6%
|
|
SOW
|
$100,340 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$100,340 |
4%
|
|
Economics
|
$99,376 |
3%
|
|
Statement of Work
|
$99,376 |
3%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$99,376 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Contract Developers 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 Contract Developer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $94,689 and $100,841).
Contract Developer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 10.7% |
| Associates | 6.4% |
| Bachelors | 43.5% |
| Masters | 26.9% |
| Doctorate | 12.3% |
Understanding how a Contract Developer'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, 2026Salaries for a Contract Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $91,023 in 2023 to around $89,653 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Contract Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $91,023 |
| 2024 | $90,399 |
| 2025 | $89,653 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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