As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Developer in the United States is $139,743 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, a Lead Software Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Software 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Software 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 Lead Software Developer | $133,263 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Software Developer | $134,070 |
| Senior Level Lead Software Developer | $135,361 |
| Specialist Level Lead Software Developer | $137,299 |
| Expert Level Lead Software Developer | $140,075 |
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 Lead Software Developers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.63% |
| HTML | 4.85% |
| SQL | 3.23% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Linux
|
$152,320 |
9%
|
|
Partnering
|
$148,128 |
6%
|
|
Confidentiality
|
$148,128 |
6%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$148,128 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$146,730 |
5%
|
|
Insight
|
$146,730 |
5%
|
Understanding how a Lead Software 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 Lead Software Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $131,781 in 2023 to around $130,931 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Software Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $131,781 |
| 2024 | $131,732 |
| 2025 | $130,931 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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