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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Design in Iowa is $106,203 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Software Design's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Design Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $115,440 | $9,620 | $2,220 | $56 |
| Average | $106,203 | $8,850 | $2,042 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,352 | $8,029 | $1,853 | $46 |
National Radio Astronomy Observatory - NEWCOMB HALL, VA
ManTech International - FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - ISSUE, MD
SimVentions, Inc - LA PLATA, MD
A Software Design'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Design'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 |
|---|---|
| Package D... Level Software Design | $69,333 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $88,707 |
| Software ... Level Software Design | $108,256 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $121,035 |
| Package D... Level Software Design | $152,201 |
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 Designs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Software Design roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Design positions in Biotechnology or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Design as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $127,444 | $61.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Software Design'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $115,440 | $9,620 | $2,220 | $56 |
| Average | $106,203 | $8,850 | $2,042 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $96,352 | $8,029 | $1,853 | $46 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Design job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SimVentions, Inc
DENTSVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc | DENTSVILLE, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a mission-focused technology solutions company supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, is seeking a Software Engineer. In this role, ... more
11 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
CHAPTICO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | CHAPTICO, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a mission-focused technology solutions company, is seeking a Software Engineer to develop secure, high-quality software for U.S. Departm... more
11 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a mission-focused technology solutions company supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, is seeking a Software Engineer. In this role, ... more
11 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
MOUNT VICTORIA, MD
SimVentions, Inc | MOUNT VICTORIA, MD
SimVentions, Inc., a mission-focused technology solutions company supporting the U.S. Department of Defense, is seeking a Software Engineer. In this role, ... more
11 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc | PORT TOBACCO, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a Software Developer to build secure, mission-critical solutions for Defense & Aerospace customers within our IT de... more
11 Days Ago
SimVentions, Inc
CHARLOTTE HALL, MD
SimVentions, Inc | CHARLOTTE HALL, MD
SimVentions, Inc. (Glassdoor 4.6) seeks a Software Developer to build secure, mission-critical solutions for Defense & Aerospace customers within our IT de... more
11 Days Ago
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