How Much Does a Head of Software make?

Head of Software made a median salary around $183,416 in March, 2025. The best-paid 25 percent made $204,582 probably that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made around $166,716. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $166,716 10% $151,511 90% $223,852 75% $204,582 $183,416 50%(Median)
Check out Head of Software jobs in Los Angeles, California

Head of Flight Software

Castelion - El Segundo, CA

Head of Software AD&S

Top Secret Clearance Jobs - Costa Mesa, CA

Head of Device Software

Tools for Humanity - San Francisco, CA

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Best-Paying Cities for Head of Software

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the Head of Software profession are San Jose , Santa Clara , Saratoga , Sunnyvale , Los Gatos .
San Jose, CA $206,631
Santa Clara, CA $206,631
Saratoga, CA $206,631
Sunnyvale, CA $206,631
Los Gatos, CA $206,631

Best-Paying States for Head of Software

The states and districts that pay Head of Software the highest salary are District of Columbia (around $183,251) , California (around $181,605) , New Jersey (around $180,452) , Alaska (around $179,299) , and Massachusetts (around $179,135) .
District of Columbia $183,251
California $181,605
New Jersey $180,452
Alaska $179,299
Massachusetts $179,135

What is the Career Path of Head of Software?

A career path is a sequence of jobs that leads to your short- and long-term career goals. Some follow a linear career path within one field, while others change fields periodically to achieve career or personal goals.

For Head of Software, the upper level is Software Engineering Director , and then progresses to VP of Software Engineering

Frequently Asked Questions for Head of Software

Q: What is the salary range of Head of Software in Los Angeles, CA?
A: In 2025 , the lowest-paid Head of Software in Los Angeles, CA earned an average annual salary of $166,716 , while the highest-paid made $204,582.
Q: What is the salary for a Head of Software in California?
A: Head of Software employed in California earned an average salary of $181,605 in 2025.

Average Head of Software Pay vs. Other Jobs

Head of Software earned an average salary of $183,416 in 2025. Other jobs related to Head of Software earned the following average salary in March, 2025. Head Of Software Engineering made $180,618 , Head of Software Development made $112,534 , Head of Application Software Development and Head of Software Quality Assurance made $287,260 and $212,130 respectively .

Relevant Jobs of Head of Software

Head Of Software Engineering - Average Salary $180,618
There is currently no job description for Head Of Software Engineering, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Head Of Software Engineering.
Head of Software Development - Average Salary $112,534
There is currently no job description for Head of Software Development, be the first to submit the job responsibilities for Head of Software Development.
Head of Application Software Development - Average Salary $287,260
The Head of Application Software Development oversees the development, release, and maintenance of software applications in accordance with business needs. Establishes and directs the strategic long term goals, policies and procedures for an organization's software development program. Being a Head of Application Software Development demonstrates expertise in a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. May require a bachelor's/master's degree. In addition, Head of Application Software Development typically reports to top management. Responsible for the development of functional or business unit strategy for the entire organization. Defines corporate vision and strategy establishes company direction and focus. Executes multiple high impact initiatives to achieve overall corporate goals.
Head of Software Quality Assurance - Average Salary $212,130
Head of Software Quality Assurance establishes and has overall responsibility for the goals, policies, and procedures for the software quality assurance function. Determines the tools, techniques, staffing and methodologies that ensure the efficient release of quality software features and new products. Being a Head of Software Quality Assurance drives continuous improvement activities. Requires a bachelor's degree. Additionally, Head of Software Quality Assurance reports to top management. The Head of Software Quality Assurance manages a departmental sub-function within a broader departmental function. Creates functional strategies and specific objectives for the sub-function and develops budgets/policies/procedures to support the functional infrastructure. To be a Head of Software Quality Assurance typically requires 5+ years of managerial experience. Deep knowledge of the managed sub-function and solid knowledge of the overall departmental function.
VP of Software Engineering - Average Salary $287,257
VP of Software Engineering establishes and directs the strategic long-term goals, policies and procedures for an organization's software development program. Oversees the development, release, and maintenance of software applications in accordance with business needs. Being a VP of Software Engineering requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to top management. The VP of Software Engineering manages a departmental function within a broader corporate function. Develops major goals to support broad functional objectives. Approves policies developed within various sub-functions and departments. To be a VP of Software Engineering typically requires 8+ years of managerial experience. Comprehensive knowledge of the overall departmental function.